Ridge:GOP can rebound nationally if we are more judgmental about our disagreements with the Dems

(AP) -- A prominent Republican has some sobering advice about how the GOP can restore itself as a national party, rather than a regional one.

Former Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge says the Republican Party needs to be much less judgmental about disagreements within the party - and far more judgmental about disagreements with Democrats.

Ridge also says conservative radio commentator Rush Limbaugh conveys his point of view in ways that offend many people.

Ridge says Republicans should respect other people's opinions and not attack individuals - only their ideas. He says it's important to explain in what he calls "a rational, thoughtful, responsible and reasonable way" why Republican ideas should be more acceptable to the average American.

"For the Republican Party to restore itself as not its original party, but as a national party, we have to be far less judgmental about disagreements within the party and far more judgmental about our disagreement with our friends on the other side of the aisle," he said on CNN.

"Let's lead our party based on some principles that have been very much a part of who we are for decades. And let's be less shrill in terms of — and particularly, let's not attack other individuals. Let's attack their ideas," said Ridge.