His methods enabled GOP operatives to scour even the most heavily Democratic precincts for potential Republican votes, identifying individuals whose lifestyle habits, consumer preferences and other characteristics made them potential supporters.
The technology gap that opened up between the two parties so concerned Democrats that some leaders such as Harold Ickes -- a close advisor to President Bill Clinton and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), a presidential candidate -- have been constructing a high-priced program to counter the Republicans' huge Voter Vault database.
"Imitation is the best flattery," Rove said Monday. He added that the GOP retained an advantage, despite his party's losses last year. "We're keeping a technological step or two ahead of them."
Another big part of Rovism was making sure federal officials throughout the government understood GOP election priorities and helped party candidates in every way possible, such as decisions on highway contracts and environmental policy.
Other politicians, including Democrats, have used government policymaking to advance their political agendas, but Rove carried the effort to new heights.
Although this strategy may have boosted GOP support in battleground states, it also contributed to controversies that fueled Democratic congressional investigations. Rove has been subpoenaed to testify about what role he had, if any, in the firing of several U.S. attorneys.
Finally, instead of trying to appeal to the independent middle of the electorate, Rove pushed such wedge issues as abortion, same-sex marriage and gun rights to maximize support from the GOP's conservative base. The same tactics were used to draw into the Republican fold single-issue voters who might otherwise have voted for Democrats or have stayed home.
This was the key to Rove's overall strategy of building slender but committed majorities -- sometimes called the 50%-plus-1 approach. It was the most controversial weapon in Rove's arsenal, and the one critics say may spoil his dream of a long-term Republican majority.
tom.hamburger@latimes.com
peter.wallsten@latimes.com
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Through the years
Political advisor Karl Rove's history with George H.W. Bush and son George W. Bush:
1973 -- Rove became chairman of the College Republicans. During his time in Washington, he became a special assistant to Republican National Committee Chairman George H.W. Bush and met George W. Bush.
1977 -- Worked for a political action committee dedicated to electing the elder Bush president in 1980.
1978 -- Advised younger Bush during his unsuccessful Texas congressional campaign.
1980 -- Assisted George H.W. Bush's unsuccessful presidential campaign.
1994 -- Advisor to George W. Bush's successful Texas gubernatorial campaign.
1998 -- Advisor to Gov. Bush's successful reelection campaign.
2000 -- Chief strategist for George W. Bush's presidential campaign.
2001 -- Senior advisor to newly elected President Bush.
2004 -- Chief strategist for Bush's reelection campaign.
2005-now -- Assistant to the president, deputy chief of staff and senior advisor to the president.
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Source: Associated Press
