The fall 2010 Republican Liberty Caucus of California newsletter is online at http://www.rlcca.org/y/2010/pr/20101013_newsletter.pdf. The California RLC recommends its candidates and ballot proposition votes, so please check out their recommendations!
Campaign strategist Dick Morris recently blogged about focusing support on ten key house races where he believes money and personal effort will make the most difference for Republicans in November. While I agree with the concept of focusing support on key races, there is a fundamental problem with the list Morris has put together. Instead of focusing on the best candidates, it is a list almost entirely composed of establishment candidates. It focuses on winning seats and ignores the imperative to change the focus of the party and the Congress in November.
While Morris’ candidates may have a good chance of winning, they are mostly not the kinds of candidates who will move the GOP in a positive direction or take roles as principled leaders in Congress. They may end up being helpful votes as part of a future coalition, but they are not the right candidates to form the nucleus of a new and better Republican majority.
It’s much more important in this key election to put your money and support behind GOP candidates who are both able to win and also dedicated to Constitutional principles and restoring the core ideals of the GOP. To redo Morris’ work from the perspective of a pro-liberty activist rather than a political hack who used to call his pal Bill Clinton while he was in bed with a hooker and Clinton was playing hide the cigar with an intern, I offer my list of the ten house candidates who really deserve your help and your money. They are listed in order of my somewhat subjective assessment of their need and worthiness.
Mick Mulvaney (SC-5)
A principled constitutional conservative who is running in a tough blue-leaning district against an incumbent he has done the near impossible to come up tied at 46% to 46% with his opponent in the latest poll. He needs any support he can get in a critical race.
Find out more about his campaign at www.mulvaneyforcongress.com
Jason Levesque (ME-2)
Trailing in the polls, but working very hard to catch up. He’s a committed Liberty Republican and is trailing 7 points in the polls. It’s a deficit he can make up by November. He has the energy and needs your support.
Find out more about his campaign at www.levesqueforcongress.com
John Koster (WA-2)
A principled constitutional conservative who is leading by about 4 points in the latest poll. He needs to widen his lead to secure an important upset win.
Find out more about his campaign at www.kosterforcongress.com
Delia Lopez (OR-3)
A promising and hard working Liberty Republican who speaks out strongly for Constitutionally protected rights and civil liberties. She’s a real anti-establishment candidate who is running a very active campaign, but has an uphill battle.
Find out more about his campaign at: www.dlopezforcongress.com
David Ratowitz (IL-5)
One of my favorite Liberty Republicans running this year. On the right side of just about every issue. Strong on individual liberty and fiscal issues. He has a tough but winnable race, but needs help to pull off an upset.
Find out more about his campaign at: www.ratowitzforcongress.com
John Dennis (CA-8)
One of the most high profile Liberty Republican candidates in one of the most challenging races in the country, taking on Speaker Nancy Pelosi in San Francisco. Yes, he’s down by more than 20 points in the polls, but there are still enough undecided votes that he could win. He might be able to pull off a miracle with your help.
Help him beat Pelosi at: www.johndennis2010.com
Chip Cravaack (MN-8)
A strong fiscal conservative with integrity and a background as a navy pilot. The kind of principled leader we need in Congress. Not much polling information, but his fundraising is strong and he seems like a potential winner.
Find out more about his campaign at: www.chipcravack.com
Gary Clift (CA-10)
A strong Liberty Republican in a race that is under the radar in northern California. The incumbent was elected in a special election and did not beat Clift by wide margins in that race, so there is potential for an upset with your help.
Find out more about his campaign: www.cliftforcongress.com
B. J. Lawson (NC-4)
One of the most respected Liberty Republican candidates, he has surprised many by taking a small lead in the latest poll. He needs to widen that lead to secure the seat and put another principled spokesman for liberty in the House.
Find out more about his campaign at www.lawsonforcongress.com
Lee Byberg (MN-7)
Coming off a very strong primary win, but the race hasn’t gotten much media attention. Internal polling suggests that he can win with enough support and exposure. He’s a strong constitutional conservative with civil libertarian leanings.
Find out more about his campaign at: www.bybergforcongress.com
These are hardly the only deserving candidates, but Morris picked ten so I limited myself to that. I eliminated great candidates with races which were too hard to assess like Bill Gunn (MA-1), Dan Sebring (WI-4) and others. I also passed over candidates who are running away with their races like Justin Amash (MI-3) or some who just seem too far behind to be saved.
There will be many turnovers in the House this fall. There’s not one candidate Morris and I agree on, but there’s room for his less inspiring candidates if we can put my 10 pro-liberty, pro-constitution Republicans in the House to show them the way.
Check out the websites of the candidates from both lists and think about which group of 10 you’d rather have shape the future of the Republican Party.
In the course of researching this article I found TPM’s new Political Tracker beta site very helpful.
A version of this article appeared previously on Blogcritics.
“The argument over gay marriage, like many arguments in America, has been falsely presented as a single, binary issue: one is either for or against legalizing gay marriage.
On one side of the dichotomy are the “social conservatives” who believe that marriage can only exist between a man and a woman, and that the law should reflect that reality.
On the other side are gay marriage proponents, who believe that two people of the same gender have every right to disagree with social conservatives about what marriage is, and that our nation’s laws should include their definition of marriage as well.
But one thing that pundits, activists, and politicians often fail to consider is that the legal debate over gay marriage is distinct from the philosophical debate.
Whatever your view of the nature of marriage, it is not necessary to legally force that view on the rest of us.
Instead of legalizing gay marriage, what if each state de-legalized straight marriage? Why after all, should the state define what many consider to be a private, religious question?”
Read the entire article here.
In a coordinated action the national board of the Republican Liberty Caucus and the California state chapter for the RLC have released press releases announcing endorsement of California’s Proposition 19 which would legalize marijuana for personal use while leaving taxing of sales of Marijuana up to local jurisdictions and the state legislature. This is a major initiative for individual liberty and could be the beginning of ending the drug war and violence on the border.
Polling has shown growing support for the ballot measure, which started with limited public awareness, but has been gathering endorsements from all quarters and is now showing over 50% support in many polls. RLC endorsee John Dennis who is challenging Nancy Pelosi for her congressional seat is quoted in the press releases and also supports Proposition 19.
Here is the National RLC’s press release:
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 20th, 2010 CONTACT: Dave Nalle, National Chairman (chairman@rlc.org or 512-656-8011), Matt Heath, Chairman RLCCA (contact@rlcca.org) Republican Liberty Caucus Endorses Proposition 19 AUSTIN, TX – The Republican Liberty Caucus National Board is honored to announce its support of the decision by its California chapter to support California’s Proposition 19, which would change California law to partially legalize marijuana and allow it to be regulated and taxed by local governments. RLC National Chairman Dave Nalle observed that “it is a fundamental right for adults to decide for themselves what substances they choose to consume so long as they use these substances responsibly and cause no harm to others. Marijuana is certainly no more dangerous to users than alcohol and it should be accessible and regulated under similar rules. California is setting an important example for the nation with Proposition 19.” RLC of California Secretary Parke Bostrom points out that Proposition 19 respects individual rights “while at the same time highlighting that under our Constitution, the federal government does not have authority to control the sale and possession of marijuana.” RLC of California Chairman Matt Heath announced that the RLC of California “recommends voting “YES” on Prop. 19, while at the same time strongly opposing any taxes and regulations that local governments may try to impose. It is important that voters and politicians alike remember that even after Prop. 19 passes, Article 13C of the California constitution grants voters the opportunity to block each and every new tax proposed by local governments.” “Prop. 19 helps restore freedom to adults over what they choose to consume. In addition, it will help reduce violence between rival drug gangs and law enforcement along the U.S./Mexico border,” said John Dennis, the Republican nominee in San Francisco’s 8th Congressional District. “While not perfect, Prop. 19 is a big step in the right direction.” We hope that the nation and the federal government are watching this historic vote in California. Citizens nationwide are demanding a restoration of liberty and that includes the right to control what substances they consume. It is time to end this irrational prohibition and begin looking at sensible alternatives to the disastrous war on drugs. |
Here is the California RLC’s press release:
|
For Immediate Release: July 19, 2010 The RLC of California Supports Proposition 19, Opposes Taxing Cannabis CALIFORNIA, July 19 – The Republican Liberty Caucus of California today announced both its support of California’s Proposition 19, and its opposition to any regulation or taxation of marijuana. Prop. 19, on the ballot in November, changes California law to partially legalize marijuana and allow it to be regulated and taxed by local governments. Prop. 19 also prevents children and those under 21 years of age from gaining access to marijuana. “Clearly the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle free men and women living on free soil to grow and smoke marijuana,” said RLCCA Secretary Parke Bostrom. “Prop. 19 respects this right, while at the same time highlighting that under our Constitution, the federal government does not have authority to control the sale and possession of marijuana.” “While some Prop. 19 advocates are calling for taxes on marijuana (cannabis) as a means of managing the pain of California’s chronic budget crisis, Prop. 19 itself creates no such taxes or regulations. The RLCCA recommends voting “YES” on Prop. 19, while at the same time strongly opposing any taxes and regulations that local governments may try to impose,” said RLCCA Chairman Matt Heath. “It is important that voters and politicians alike remember that even after Prop. 19 passes, Article 13C of the California constitution grants voters the opportunity to block each and every new tax proposed by local governments.” “Prop. 19 helps restore freedom to adults over what they choose to consume. In addition, it will help reduce violence between rival drug gangs and law enforcement along the U.S./Mexico border,” said John Dennis, the Republican nominee in San Francisco’s 8th Congressional District. “While not perfect, Prop. 19 is a big step in the right direction.” |
And the California RLC’s resolution on Proposition 19:
| RLCCA Resolution Recommending YES on Proposition 19 (Legalize Marijuana)
Whereas controlling the sale and possession of marijuana is not a Constitutionally enumerated power of the federal government, but is instead a power reserved to the states; and Whereas states that prohibit the sale of marijuana do infringe on personal freedom, and any efforts to enforce such prohibition erode civil liberties and waste taxpayer dollars; and Whereas prohibition also concedes a monopoly to organized crime; and Whereas taxation and regulation constitute an infringement on property rights and other vital liberties; and Whereas Proposition 19 would legalize limited personal cultivation and possession of marijuana and empower local governments to legalize commercial production and limited retail sales; and Whereas Proposition 19 does not directly impose any new taxes or regulations, but rather leaves those questions to local governments, subject to the taxpayer protections in Article 13C of the California Constitution; and Whereas Proposition 19 is the only measure available this election that takes a positive step towards complete legalization; Therefore be it Resolved that the Republican Liberty Caucus of California recommends voting YES on Proposition 19; and Furthermore be it Resolved that the RLCCA rejects the implication of portions of Proposition 19 that special taxation and regulation of marijuana is appropriate, and once Proposition 19 is passed by the voters in November, the RLCCA urges local governments to fully allow the production of marijuana and its sale to adults without imposing special taxes or other limitations. |
California has drawn a lot of attention in the past because of its initiative and referendum system, which gets controversial issues on the ballot so that the voters of the state can make decisions their elected representatives are often afraid to take a position on. We’re going to see more fireworks this fall when Californians get to vote on Proposition 19, the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010.
There are some rules and restrictions, but basically the proposed bill does exactly what the title says. It would legalize marijuana, regulate its sale, and tax it heavily to help out with California’s near-terminal deficit situation. It would make California the first state in the nation to move beyond just permitting some access to medical marijuana to full-scale and potentially profitable legalization. The other obvious consequences, like a decline in organized crime and moving billions from the underground economy to the public economy, would naturally follow.
Polls in California are tracking the issue closely and show a gathering momentum for legalization, though support is currently trailing opposition 48% to 50% in the latest Reuters poll. That’s within the margin of error and up substantially from where support was only a few weeks ago.
Because it’s not an electoral slam-dunk, politicians are not exactly lining up to endorse Proposition 19. In fact, once and (possibly) future Governor Jerry Brown has gone out of his way to distance himself from the issue, not only not endorsing it, but making some ridiculous statements in opposition to it which have earned him some hostile coverage from the left. It seems likely that in the upcoming meeting of the California Democratic Party they will follow his lead and decide as a party not to endorse legalization as well. They’ll lose voters to the Greens and the Libertarians and Meg Whitman will benefit as a result, and maybe having a businesswoman in charge will help out the financially troubled state.
Of course, this situation does create an opportunity for anyone smart enough to take advantage of it. The proposition is growing in popularity and just hanging out there with no formal backing outside of the legalization activist community. Wouldn’t it be amazing if the California Republican Party—which has occasionally made some very radical and unexpected decisions—were to take a serious look at the state’s dire financial need and the potential benefits of legalization and decide to endorse Proposition 19?
This scenario was laid out in a recent diary on DailyKos, which more than a few Republicans I talked to read and took seriously. Some were shocked and others were excited. The article is sarcastic and intended to make fun of various Republican concerns, but it accidentally reads rather like a believable account of real events. It’s fashionable among Republicans to butt heads with the federal government right now, and going against the drug war and declaring a sovereign right to regulate marijuana and profit from taxes on it would be a brilliant example of the kind of independence which a lot of Republican activists are pushing for.
Republicans are supposed to be fiscal conservatives and in favor of individual liberty, entrepreneurs, and businesses. A measure like this, which would raise billions in tax revenue and create a huge new business sector and lots of legitimate jobs, is exactly what California needs desperately, and no one is offering them a better solution. Rationally, Republicans ought to jump at the idea. All they need to do is put aside the archaic idea that marijuana is somehow more immoral than other sins we currently tolerate — a stance which looks pretty hypocritical at a political fundraiser while you’re chugging martinis.
As it stands right now the issue is up to the fickle voters and how much interest groups on both sides can influence the public (I wonder if the drug cartels have a PAC?). But if the Republican party stepped in with even a lukewarm endorsement it would shake California politics up and probably give them an unprecedented sweep in the general election. Voters from the left would cross over in droves and all the Republican party would have to do is make sure the also held on to their core constituents.
All they have to do to keep Republicans on board is make the argument on the grounds of states’ rights, individual liberty, and fiscal responsibility. I’ve made that argument with some of the most traditional Republicans I know and won over more than a few converts. If your mind is at all open it’s hard to reject the logic behind legalizing marijuana as an alternative to raising taxes. If it also means thumbing your noses at the feds then in the current environment it’s a real winner.
The California GOP doesn’t have to be this creative. They can stay in their safe little box and probably do respectably in the fall. It won’t be all that hard to beat Governor Moonbeam again. But in other states Republicans are anticipating extraordinary victories. A cautious strategy will leave California far behind other state Republican parties in the gains they rack up. Seizing the initiative and endorsing Proposition 19 would drive them to such a dominant victory over the Democrats that they would make history and leave every other state party green with envy.
Desperate times call for desperate measures and setting timidity aside. Why not be bold? Why not be defiant? Why not strike a blow for liberty?
In this video, I narrate my most recent article at CAIVN- Jack Hunter style.
Opponents of cannabis legalization worry that it will have a detrimental effect on society. That feeling is understandable, but citing a Cato study, I take a look at Portugal where all drugs were decriminalized in 2001.
Ten years later not only has Portugal avoided a nightmare of spiraling drug addiction, all signs indicate that drug use in Portugal has declined.
And please Digg it up. Don’t have a Digg account? Get one!
From the California Independent Voter Network:
What if California could fix its enormous budget deficit with a single policy change that would potentially cut billions out of the state budget without sacrificing the quality of services that Californians receive?
What if five years from now, without any reductions in the quality of health, housing, education, law enforcement, human services, or transportation- California was actually running a budget surplus?
As the Legislature misses yet another Constitutionally-mandated spending deadline today, the Los Angeles Times reports that both gubernatorial candidates have little more than criticism to offer:
“But neither gubernatorial nominee has stepped forward with anything that resembles a roadmap to closing the state’s $19.1-billion deficit. No strategy for bringing the state into the black nor a detailed plan of what social programs need to be dismantled, parks need to be closed or school programs need to be eliminated has come out of either campaign.”
Meanwhile, Democratic political analyst Darry Sragow opines:
“The budget is a lose-lose for the candidates. Nobody wins. The discussion is, ‘Do you want to lose your left arm or your right arm?’ It is not a discussion you want to have with the patient when you are trying to get them to hire you.”
But it doesn’t have to be that way. California’s voters do not have to lose their metaphorical right or left arm to solve the budget crisis.
There is a potentially simple and relatively pain-free policy solution out there- one that will actually improve what residents get out of their state, instead of requiring them to lose out on something. That potential solution is a statewide educational voucher program.
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To get the facts and figures that support this claim, read the rest of the article here.
These results are perhaps the best results the Republican Liberty Caucus has achieved on a single primary day in our nearly 20 years of existence.
As we reported last night, RLC endorsed candidates for Governor in Maine (Paul LePage) and South Carolina (Nikki Haley) were victorious on the Super Tuesday primary ballots. In South Carolina, Nikki Haley will face Congressman Gresham Barrett in the run-off because she did not reach 50% of the vote.
Some big news out of South Carolina: incumbent State 
Treasurer Converse Chellis has been ousted by a Republican Liberty Caucus-endorsed challenger. Curtis Loftis (pictured), a small business owner who has “created jobs, balanced books and met payroll,” defeated the incumbent Treasurer by running as a conservative alternative to the Republican Chellis.
Loftis attacked Chellis for making an accounting error that cost the state (taxpayers) $60 million. Loftis is a term limits supporter who vowed to take on special interests and corruption as State Treasurer. This is an exciting win for South Carolina taxpayers. On a similar note, Congressman Bob Inglis, a bailout supporter representing a very conservative South Carolina Congressional district, will have to face a Republican opponent in an upcoming run-off election.
In California, RLC endorsed candidates for Congress did quite well. John Dennis in District 8 and Gary Clift in District 10 both won their respective primaries in northern California. Dennis (pictured with Dr. Ron Paul), a RLC member and Chair of the Republican Liberty Caucus of San Francisco, will face Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi this fall. 
In southern California, RLC candidate Clayton Thibodeau gained a respectable 30% of the vote against moderate U.S. Rep. Mary Bono Mack. In Santa Cruz, RLC-endorsed State House candidate Ellie Black faced no primary opponent, so she will face incumbent Democrat Assemblyman Bill Monning in November.
In Maine, 
four RLC-endorsed candidates for State Representative will advance to the General Election, including Richard Malaby (pictured left), Ryan Harmon, Michael McClellon, and William Gombar. Harmon and Gombar are both dues-paying RLC members. Their victories come on the heels of a huge win for Paul LePage to become the next Governor. Remember the name Paul LePage; with our help, he is going to become Maine’s next Governor.
In addition to the Nikki Haley and Curtis Loftis victories in South Carolina, two other statewide RLC-endorsed Republicans have advanced. RLC-endorsed candidates Richard Eckstrom — the incumbent two-term Comptroller General — won his primary and Bill Connor (pictured right) has advanced to a run-off in his bid to become the state’s Lt. Governor. 
Connor would be a significant improvement over the current Lt. Governor, Andre Bauer, who performed terribly in yesterday’s gubernatorial election. According to Connor, “I’m one who firmly believes in as small a government as possible. Charity is the job of churches.”
Additionally, two South Carolina RLC candidates scored victories in their Congressional races. Mick Mulvaney was unopposed in District 5 against 30 year incumbent John Spratt. Mulvaney describes himself as a libertarian Republican and Republicans nationally believe he has a good chance in November. In Congressional District 6, RLC-endorsed candidate Nancy Harrelson advanced to a run-off with a Republican opponent for the right to face House Majority Whip James Clyburn. Harrelson has signed the RLC’s Liberty Compact.
Although 
the Republican Liberty Caucus did not endorse any candidates in the high profile Nevada U.S. Senate race, the Republican Liberty Caucus did endorse Sharron Angle in her 2006 bid for Congress. Angle is well aware of the RLC, is a subscriber to our Nevada RLC list-serve, and has made efforts to reach out to RLC members in the past. In July, 2009, we profiled her as a “leader for liberty” in the RLC newsletter. While many RLC members may object to her views on social issues or foreign policy (or both), her philosophy on government appears to be in line with ours in the general sense: It’s doing way too much and must be downsized.
This is turning out to be a great election year for liberty-focused candidates, thanks in large part to the Tea Parties. Please become a Republican Liberty Caucus member today or make a small gift so we can propel our movement forward in states like California, Maine, and South Carolina.
The California GOP is hosting a statewide meeting on March 13 in Santa Clara, and the California RLC affiliate will again be conducting outreach at the Convention and holding a separate Convention for RLC’ers.
Popular Congressional candidate John Dennis will be among the participants. Dennis is running against Nancy Pelosi and is the founder of the San Francisco chapter of the Republican Liberty Caucus. He recently was endorsed by Congressman Ron Paul in his race.
Learn more about the Convention at http://www.rlcca.org/dw/doku.php/public:notices and RSVP on Facebook. There is still time (although not much) to apply to join the California RLC Board, so please review the details and contact California RLC Secretary Parke Bostrom if you have any questions. To become a delegate to the California GOP Convention, you must print off, fill in, and postmark the Pre-Registration form by March 4.
Three chartered affiliates and one group of members from an unchartered state are gathering from January through April for Republican Liberty Caucus state conventions or organizing meetings.
Arizona RLC Organizing Meeting: January 30
The Republican Liberty Caucus of Arizona will hold its organizing convention at the Wheeler Taft Abbett Sr. Library from 12:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday, January 30. Please come a little early to expedite the credentials process.
If you wish to make a motion to propose changes to the bylaws from the floor, please bring your typed motion with sufficient copies for our members to review prior to holding the debate and the vote. If you would like a copy of the proposed bylaws, contact Ken.
We hope you can attend this important event. Members have been hard at work to put this organizing convention together and to finally get Arizona chartered by the national RLC. You can also RSVP to attend the event on Facebook.
California RLC Convention: March 13
The 2010 Regular Convention of the Republican Liberty Caucus of California will be held in 60 days, on the evening of Saturday March 13 in Santa Clara, California. The exact time and place of the Convention will be announced later. The convention will be held at or near the location of the simultaneous convention of the California Republican Party.
Any Regular RLCCA Member whose dues are paid may run for any of the 7 seats. Any Regular RLCCA Member whose dues are paid 30 days prior to the convention may vote in the elections. Nominations are now open. Nominations for Regional and At-Large Directors are now open. Nominations, which must be seconded, should be submitted via email or mail to the Secretary at secretary@rlcca.org. Nominations close 14 days before the Convention. You can RSVP to attend the event on Facebook.
Michigan RLC Convention: February 27
The Michigan chapter of the Republican Liberty Caucus will hold its annual convention at Andiamo Italian Restaurant in Novi on February 27 from 4:30 to 6:00pm. In addition to hearing remarks from Governor Gary Johnson, the RLC will also hold its annual business meeting to elect officers for 2010-2012. Hors d’oeuvres will be served.
We are asking for a small $10 entry fee for non-RLC members. In order to vote or run for an officer position, you must be a dues-paying member of the RLC ($30 annually; $20 for students). You can RSVP to attend the event on Facebook. Contact Tyler for additional details.
Utah RLC Convention: April 17
On Saturday, April 17, the Republican Liberty Caucus of Utah will be having its 2010 convention. We will be electing state officers and endorsing candidates for public office.
Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson will be our keynote speaker. Possible public office endorsees who have been invited to speak include U.S. Senate candidates Mike Lee and James Williams, U.S. Congressional candidate Morgan Philpot, State Representatives John Dougall (confirmed) and Craig Frank, and State Representative candidate Rob Alexander (confirmed). You can RSVP to attend the event on Facebook. Contact Rob for additional details.
