Republican Liberty Caucus Newsletter – June 2010
In This Issue
* News from the RLC
* Connect With Us
* Articles & Commentary
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May was an exciting, unbelievable month for the Republican Liberty Caucus. Not only did an Incumbent RINO Republican Senator get the boot because of a RLC-endorsed candidate, but Dr. Rand Paul is now the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Kentucky.
Let me underscore the importance of this moment for our movement. These two victories are beyond what I ever thought we could accomplish. But we did it. Our movement for a government that stays within the confines of the Constitution is growing by leaps and bounds.
The organization on the forefront, which has been fighting for these changes in governance for nearly 20 years, is your Republican Liberty Caucus. We owe the victories of Mike Lee and Rand Paul to the candidates and their campaigns and their supporters. But the Republican Liberty Caucus has been working hard to provide the grassroots foundation for these candidates and many like them to succeed.
As we approach primaries in California, Iowa, Maine, Montana, Nevada, Virginia, and several other states, I’m wondering if you can donate to the Republican Liberty Caucus to help us:
* Deliver the message of liberty to Conservative Political Action Conference attendees next February in DC;
* Host our 2011 National Convention;
* Continue to expand our grassroots state affiliate network;
* Develop more professional literature to reach out to Republicans at local and state events
If you’re not yet a Republican Liberty Caucus member, join us for just $30.
If you are already a member, any donation you can afford, from $50 to $500, or more, will really help us move aggressively in this important election year.
Thanks for your dedication to this important cause.
Sincerely,
Dave Nalle
Chairman
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The Philosophy of Liberty Reminds Us Why We Fight
A caucus of libertarian-leaning members can never lose sight of the prize that we all seek: a society free of coercion where individual creativity, initiative, and personal responsibility are cherished. And a country where our government is so small that government cannot hurt the very people it’s intended to protect. The International Society for Individual Liberty has, for many years, promoted The Philosophy of Liberty, an online flash video outlining our prize of a liberty-focused society — and the principles behind our desire for limited government.
Take a minute to watch the video to remind yourself of what you’re fighting for. And keep up the fight – for your
family and your neighbors.
Also, we invite you to view this introduction to the Republican Liberty Caucus for those unfamiliar with our caucus.
Update: Republican Liberty Caucus National Convention and CPAC 2011 Project
The Republican Liberty Caucus is hoping to hold our National Convention in February, 2011 in the Washington, DC area, so please mark the date of Saturday, February 12 on your calendar. Additionally, we are working to have a presence at the Conservative Political Action Conference, which will occur from February 10-12, 2011 in Washington, DC. For additional information on these events, stay tuned or feel free to contact us [mailto:RLCStateChapters@aol.com].
Wisconsin RLC Debuts at State GOP Convention
The Republican Liberty Caucus of Wisconsin, which was chartered in December, had its first presence at the state Republican Party Convention. The Convention, which took place in downtown Milwaukee, featured Presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty and Congressman Paul Ryan.
At the Convention, RLCWI Chairman Michael S. Murphy handed RLC literature out to longtime Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner and had a brief conversation with Wisconsin Republican Party Chair Reince Preibus. Additionally, the Wisconsin RLC received
numerous requests for membership applications and talked to candidates who wanted to seek the Republican Liberty Caucus of Wisconsin endorsement.
Several candidates who have already been endorsed by the state affiliate were being actively promoted by RLC members, such as Terri McCormick for Congress in Wisconsin’s 8th District and Ed Thompson for State Senate in District 31. To get involved in
the Wisconsin RLC chapter, log on to http://wi.rlc.org/.
Above: Wisconsin RLC Members Steve Welcenbach, Ken Van Doren, and Paul Sanchez.
Nebraska, North Carolina, and Texas Chapters Will Host Conventions in June
Nebraska: On Saturday, June 19, former New Mexico Governor Gary E. Johnson will address the Republican Liberty Caucus of Nebraska Convention. Registration is required to attend and you can register online.
North Carolina: The Republican Liberty Caucus of North Carolina will have a booth at the State GOP Convention in Winston-Salem from June 4-6. As in past years, the RLCNC will be administering the World’s Smallest Political Quiz to reach out to Convention delegates.
Additionally, the RLCNC will host its own Convention for Republican Liberty Caucus members and interested parties on Saturday, June 5 at 6pm. To learn more, please contact RLCNC Chairman David Williams [mailto:dhwilliams2007@hotmail.com].
Texas: The Republican Liberty Caucus of Texas is reorganizing at the 2010 Texas GOP Convention. Please contact Dave Nalle [mailto:dave@fontcraft.com] to learn about the events taking place in Dallas from June 10-12.
Defending Rand Paul
One of our Republican Liberty Caucus-endorsed candidates in under attack, and it appears the attack is taking shape on two fronts: 1) the mainstream media and the left-wing machine and 2) purist libertarians. Dr. Rand Paul, son of RLC Adviser Congressman Ron Paul, answered a question about the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with questions about a small portion of the law and has since been in the media spotlight almost non-stop. He then attacked the Obama Administration over its handling of the BP oil spill.
Among the two groups attacking him, purists in our movement are missing the big picture: the race in Kentucky is between far-left Obama apologist Jack Conway and liberty-loving country doctor Rand Paul. Those in the media and the far left are running scared because they realize that Dr. Paul would be a threat to the politics-as-usual, tax-and-spend habits of Washington politicians.
Luckily, there is a third group — which we proudly count ourselves a part of – of common sense commitment to America’s Founding principles. This third group empowered Dr. Rand Paul to win the Kentucky U.S. Senate primary by a large margin. We hope the largest segment of people — especially in Kentucky — comprise this group.
Please support Dr. Rand Paul with your time and energy and financial support.
California, Maine, Minnesota, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia Chapters Host Spring Conventions
In April and May, Republican Liberty Caucus state affiliates hosted Conventions to endorse candidates, elect officers, and develop an agenda for the 2010 elections. Here are reports on those Conventions:
California: The state chapter met in conjunction with the California GOP Convention in Santa Clara. At the Convention, the RLC endorsed candidates and took positions on proposed ballot measures. Of particular importance is defeating Proposition 14, which will increase costs of elections and campaigns and will eliminate third-party participation in the state. View the ballot initiative recommendations here.
Maine: In conjunction with the Maine GOP Convention, the Republican Liberty Caucus of Maine held its Annual Convention on May 7 in Portland. Subsequently, the Maine chapter elected its new officers, endorsed a slate of liberty candidates, and participated in the platform debate. Remarkably, the Maine GOP platform was totally reshaped by the Ron Paul faction of the Republican Party.
Minnesota: On April 12, the Republican Liberty Caucus of Minnesota hosted its Convention in Minnetonka. They hosted a debate between the two Republican gubernatorial candidates and elected delegates to the Minnesota GOP Convention. They also endorsed a slate of candidates.
Tennessee: The Republican Liberty Caucus of Tennessee met in late April in the Chattanooga area to finalize candidate endorsements and elect new officers. RLC- endorsed candidate for County Commission in Madison County, Adrian Eddleman, won his primary and has no general election opponents. “I wish to extend my congratulations to Adrian and look forward to him upholding limited government principles while serving in office,” said Tennessee RLC Vice-Chair Matt Collins.
Utah: The Utah RLC re-formed its chapter and elected new officers and endorsed a slate of candidates. Senate candidate Mike Lee was endorsed. He also addressed the crowd. Mike Lee and his opponent Tim Bridgewater have the distinction of booting “Bailout Bob” Bennett from the U.S. Senate. Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson was also on hand to discuss issues with Utah RLC members. A summary of the Convention is available here.
Virginia: The Republican Liberty Caucus of Virginia hosted its annual Convention in Arlington. The featured guest was former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson. (See below photo.) This was the first RLCVA Convention in northern VA, since the 2009 Convention was held in Richmond. New officers were elected and a candidate for Congress was endorsed in District 5. Virginia state elections will occur in 2011.
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Connect with the RLC on Social Network Websites
The Republican Liberty Caucus uses social networking as a means of communication between members and supporters. We hope you’ll join us on each of the below social network platforms.
1) Facebook: We have a Facebook fan page that is updated each week. Each state also has a Facebook page. Most of them can be found by typing in “Republican Liberty Caucus of [xx]” (without the quotes) into the search box on Facebook, substituting your state name for [xx].
2) Twitter: Follow us on Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/RLC_Updates
3) Yahoo: The RLC has utilized eGroups for many years to socialize, discuss, and interact. Each state chapter has an eGroup,. You can find your state eGroup by visiting the chapters section of the RLC website and clicking on your home state. This is probably the best way to connect with other RLC members, other than in person.
4) YouTube: The RLC has several videos that explain the organization or feature speakers at RLC events. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/GOPLibertyCaucus
See you soon at one of these social networking websites!
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ARTICLES AND COMMENTARY
Some Members of Congress “Get It”
There is a growing number of incumbent Members of Congress who “get it”. They understand that the Iraq War was a failure, that Americans are disgusted with the bailout votes, and that any increase in government spending will mean more taxation and debt.
The Club for Growth recently listed its report card on fiscal policy for 2009. The results show that several endorsed Republican Liberty Caucus scored 100% on their legislative barometer, including Congressmen Jeff Flake (AZ), John Shadegg (AZ), Paul Broun (GA), and Doug Lamborn (CO). Scoring 95% or higher are RLC-endorsed Congressmen Scott Garrett (NJ), Tom McClintock (CA), Jim Jordan (OH), Jason Chaffetz (UT), Ron Paul (TX), and Ed Royce (CA).
Of these, Broun (GA), Royce (CA), Garrett (NJ), Paul (TX), and Flake (AZ) did not vote for any of the bailouts. Chaffetz and McClintock were not in Congress during any of the bailouts, so they cannot be held responsible for those votes.
Several of these Members of Congress also either voted against the Iraq War or believe it was a mistake. Those in the former camp include Congressman Ron Paul. Those in the latter camp include Congressman Jeff Flake and Congressman Tom McClintock. Although this is a small group of Congressmen, we are starting to make some progress. If we elect just one or two of our Republican Liberty Caucus-endorsed candidates to Congress in 2010, we will be even further on our path to a free society.
Republican Liberty Caucus Endorses Over 170 Candidates in 2010
The Republican Liberty Caucus continues to roll out candidate endorsements. The number of freedom-loving candidates who have already been endorsed in 2010 by the RLC includes 173 different candidates running for local positions, state legislature spots, statewide races, or federal races.
This slate of candidates was carefully reviewed and approved by our National Committee or by one of our state chapters.
Value of the RLC Endorsement
A RLC endorsement can be tremendously valuable to a candidate, especially in primary races. The RLC can provide endorsed candidates with a signed statement explaining why the candidate should be elected. This statement can be distributed as a flyer or displayed prominently at the candidate’s website.
In a primary in particular, the endorsement can ensure Republicans that the most worthy Republican candidate is the candidate who has embraced traditional Republican principles — the candidate endorsed by the RLC.
For the many voters who share our values — and we believe that most Republicans hold liberty and small government close to their hearts — the RLC is a brand name which stands for the core values of the GOP and having the endorsement of the RLC immediately lets voters know that a candidate is one of the best which our party has to offer.
To seek the RLC’s endorsement, log on to our website.
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Republican Liberty Caucus
Please join today: http://www.RLC.org
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