MANASSAS, Va., Nov. 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is a statement by Richard A. Viguerie, Chairman of ConservativeHQ.com:

The special election in New York's 23rd Congressional District has dramatically highlighted the disconnect between Republican leaders and the base of the GOP.

Today the GOP is a party with leaders but no followers.

It's clear that the main opposition to President Obama and Speaker Pelosi's agenda is not Republican politicians but conservative talk show hosts, bloggers, cable TV hosts, Tea Party activists, town hall attendees as well as national, state and local conservatives.

Tea Party activists and conservatives feel betrayed by Republican leaders including Republican congressional leaders: John Boehner, Eric Cantor, Mitch McConnell, the Republican National Committee Chairman, Michael Steele, and Newt Gingrich.

It was Washington GOP leaders, Republican lobbyists and political consultants that are primarily responsible for the election of President Obama, Nancy Pelosi as Speaker, and Harry Reid as Senate Majority Leader.

Over the last dozen years, Washington Republican Party leaders have broken the bond of trust between them and the base of the party. It will not be restored until the GOP selects new leaders that represent the views and values of grass roots Americans, not Washington DC views and values.