Founded in 1991, the Republican Liberty Caucus works to advance the principles of limited government, free markets and individual liberty within the Republican Party.

The Republican Liberty Caucus (and its California affiliate) has endorsed Gary Clift for Congress.

Due to incumbent Ellen Tauscher’s resignation as California’s 10th Congressional District Representative, an open primary election will be held on September 1. Mrs. Tauscher was appointed Undersecretary of State for arms control.

According to a press release from the California RLC, “Of the 11 candidates running for the 10th Congressional District, Gary Clift is the right choice for Congress … he stands for individual rights, free enterprise, and limited government.”

Says Mr. Clift,”The financial future of our country is at risk if the federal government follows California’s lead. The federal government has grown too big and expenditures greatly exceed tax revenues. This cannot continue. We need to reduce federal government by cutting the waste and mismanagement. One of my first actions in Congress will be to cosponsor HR 1207, which aims to audit the Federal Reserve and make government transparent with our tax dollars.”

The Clift campaign has requested volunteers for phone banking. Phone bank volunteers do not need to live in California’s 10th Congressional district.

“If we Liberty and Constitutional Republicans truly want to restore our Constitutional Republic, we must stand up and support candidates who will take our cause to the halls of Congress. Gary Clift is just that man. Support your freedoms by supporting Gary Clift,” said Matthew Heath, Chair of the California RLC affiliate.

California Congressional District 10 includes Fairfield (Solano County) in the north, Livermore in the south, ad Walnut Creek on the east. It stretches as far west as the San Pablo Bay and as far northeast as route 5 nearing Sacramento.

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GARY CLIFT PROFILE

AGE: 53
PARTY: Republican
HOMETOWN: Vacaville (home is in a rural area north of town in a small finger of the 10th District.)

EDUCATION: Bachelor of arts in political science and Spanish, University of California at Davis, 1980

BACKGROUND: Grows a variety of organic crops for family and friends. Retired 26-year manager and peace officer with the California Department of Corrections. Lived in numerous countries including Cuba, Ecuador and Iraq as the son of a foreign service officer with the U.S. State Department. Married, father of two children in college.

ISSUES

Health Care:

Wants more transparent discussion of benefits and drawbacks of proposals under discussion, particularly effects on people who like their existing insurance. Believes the federal government cannot manage Health Care: insurance well and it could reduce quality and innovation.

Immigration

As a practical matter, supports a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants in the country. Supports strict enforcement of existing Immigration laws.

Federal stimulus package

Says it’s too soon to say if it will work, although he would have voted against it. Says business tax cuts are the best way to stimulate the economy.

National Security

Wants all U.S. troops out of Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries as soon as practical. Says military occupation foments enemies and does not promote democracy. Supports repeal of the Patriot Act, which gives the government latitude to spy on telecommunications, e-mails and phone calls.

Energy Policy

Supports allowing states to fully develop all sources of domestic energy, including oil drilling and nuclear plants.

Transportation

Wants California congressional delegation to use its clout to end the state’s export of tax dollars to other states and to use the money for local needs.

Gay Rights

Says voters should decide whether same-sex couples should be allowed to marry. Says the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” military policy is within the authority of President Barack Obama, who has said he will abolish it.

Education

Would abolish the U.S. Department of Education, return its money and education control to states.