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EDITOR OF REDSTATE

Not to sound all PBS . . .

By: Erick Erickson (Diary)  |  November 15th, 2008 at 07:01 PM  | 

RESIZE: AAA

But RedState could not do it without readers/users like you.

On newsstands Monday is a profile of RedState in Newsweek. You can check it out here complete with a misspelling of my last name in the first line. Heh.

After suffering demoralizing losses in the Nov. 4 election, the GOP is searching for new voices to spur a comeback. But the party’s right wing tends to distrust anyone who’s too comfortable inside the Beltway, which is partly why Erickson—White House visits aside—has built such a following. The worldwide headquarters of his RedState.com is a sleepy coffee shop in Macon, Ga., 700 miles from Washington. They must brew a strong cup of joe there, because from his remote perch, Erickson has grabbed his party’s power brokers by their elephant-stitched suspenders. Avid readers include Rush Limbaugh, former senator Fred Thompson and House Minority Leader John Boehner. When rising GOP star Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia decided to run for minority whip, the party’s No. 2 post in the House, he announced it on Red State. When Thompson wanted to share that he’d had a bout with cancer but was now in remission, he posted a personal note on Red State.

Thanks guys. This really is a testament to all of you. The next four years will be one hell of a ride. I couldn’t think of a finer group of people to travel with than all of you.

BTW, that cofee shop is Joshua Cup Coffee, where all the profits go to a faith based children’s charity. Yes, our part of the VRWC is, when not run out of my house, run out of a Christian coffee house with a great big old sign when you enter that reads, “Fear of the Lord is the root of all wisdom.”

UPDATE: It’s been a long time coming. Josh Painter is now a front page contributor.

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COMMENTS

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  • Vocal_Minority

    Good to see you getting some attention.

  • ETCartman

    I’ve only been a member for a very short time and I’m honestly honored to be here.

    All the best and I have a feeling you know we’re all keeping the faith no matter what.

    Cheers !

  • Erick

    I love your signature line!

  • RoxannaDanna

    It’s wonderful to be part of something so big, with so much impact and to be among so many really smart people.

    If you do go PBS though, I really like Masterpiece Theater.

    Just sayin’…

    (aaaaahahahahaha)

    Congratulations, seriously.

  • Josh_Painter

    That’s for creating a great environment that we can wax politisophic (!) in…

    • JP
  • mbecker908

    Without you and Moe and Neil and the Directors (hiding in the background), we’d just be another noisy rabble. Kind of like the current Republican Members of the House.

    Accomplishment takes leadership, and you and “the guys” have provided that here.

    Accept the pat on the back, you’ve earned it. And as the good Lord (and Mrs. 908) knows, some of us aren’t easy to live with.

    blue

  • nighttrain

    Gee, and I thought you and the others were located in a big office in New York City. Goes to show that good things happen in small towns. Nice article.

  • ETCartman

    My signature is all for real.

    “Barking Mad Insane” is courtesy of Moe Lane.

    On the last part, Jamie’s one of the nicest guys on the planet and is a major supporter of Autism Awareness.

  • Erick

    While I appreciate the praise, it’d mean more coming from Franz who, by the way, came up in the interview. Heh.

  • Erick

    Thank you!

  • mbecker908
  • Erick
  • gamecock

    Hey man, you are doing a great job and if Newsweek ever becomes something worth a notice, let’s return the favor!

  • franz_prince_of_dogness

    You’re the MAN!

    I checked the article and the reference to me was edited. Could you please forward me the name of the offending editor so I can kill him and eat him.

    Thank you.

    Woof!!

  • NightTwister

    Well deserved. I have to admit though, I feel sort of like a crack whore about RedState. Some days I love it, some days I hate it, but I always come back. Mostly because I enjoy hanging out with people just like you.

  • jnsmith76

    Hi Erick,

    This is James from LM and FPC. I’m laughing at this Newsweek article. One question though. I’m at JCup all the time and I’ve never seen you there.

    FYI everyone, the coffee actually is really good.

    Congrats on everything you are doing Erick!

    Regards,
    James

  • JLenardDetroit

    I’ve started digging mine

  • Achance

    but not as much as “Yes, Minister.” Everyone who’s at all interested in politics should watch every episode of Yes, Minister and if you work in government or hold office, you should watch it over and over.

  • johnsscott2

    I moved from Macon two years ago, to head back to Tennessee which is home. What do I miss most about Macon? Joshua’s Cup. Great place to hang out.

  • janis

    Seems to go hand in hand with increased traffic, but it’s been all worth it to see this site get the recognition it so richly deserves. Anytime I can force myself to go to Huffpo (I refuse to lower myself to Kos), I return here so very grateful for the community of intelligence, variety of opinion, and utter goodness of so many posters.

    And it all starts at the top…..

  • Erick

    Unfortunately, the reporter and editor were too nice to be eaten.

  • Achance

    an arm of the MSM has noticed us. See how contagious it is! The only people who don’t like power and attention are those who’ve never had any. That’s why Potomac Fever is so deadly.

  • towdogInCal

    All we have is Starbucks with their NY Times laying everywhere. With my “Mission Accomplished” cap I go over real well.

    Great work Erick, and great name, too! Funny I’m 48, been everywhere, and never saw another Erick till now.

    This must be the place!

  • mbecker908

    That comment – “too nice to be eaten” – was well above your pay grade. Franz sees it, things could get ugly.

  • JPH

    I hope the day comes when Newsweek brags about being mentioned on Redstate.

  • Steve_in_Tennessee

    Just remember, you under 40 squirts don’t have a monopoly on wanting small govt, individual Liberty, and a Strong America!

  • mbecker908
  • acasilaco

    It is a privilege to be able to participate in RedState, even as mostly just a reader (and very occasional commenter). Congrats to Erick. Keep up the good work.

  • mbecker908

    The Prince is pissed.

  • Erick

    My first thought when I knew this was coming.

  • SteveLA

    The “story” of Obamanation has fed the MSM for sometime now, but now the monster is looking for new food. Looking at what is the largest on line community of conservatives is one way to do that.

    Right now I’d say the MSM and the inside the beltway crowd are looking on to see if the Republican party implodes, engages in a circular firing squad or what. With the departure of the President, who speaks for the party, where are the counter ideas coming from, at least that’s what I think the MSM is chewing on.

    Unfortunately, the Republican communications machinery has been over the last 8 years been in the hands of the President, and that machine is in pretty rough shape. Over the next few months, I hope to see the Republican media relations and communications machine get a good overhaul and someone operating the leavers of the machine that is a tad bit more interested in highlighting in an intelligent way conservative principles.

  • ETCartman

    ………off or on?

    Yea verily, that is the question.

  • mbecker908

    pissed off. You wouldn’t even want me to explain what would happen if someone tried to piss “on” him. Not fit for a family site.

  • jenest2001

    You have kept the faith of our values and will rally the conservatives in 2010…

    Many thanks.

  • 10ksnooker

    Keep up the good work, because we are all going to need it.

    After watching The Lame O’s video today, you have to wonder.

  • DONTREADONME

    While I am new here, I suppose many others like myself have found redstate.com after this election to coalesce with others who felt unheard. Redstate.com is a good place unwind while stuck in the blue lagoon that is NOVA.

    Congratulations on receiving the MSM media recognition you so rightfully deserve. Hopefully in time, I will actually like something that I wrote and will have the nerve to post it in my diary. Here is to making it through the next 4 years without the need grab my ankles or duck and cover.

  • Erick

    Drinking my cafe au lait and eating a chocolate chip cookie more often than not.

    It depends on what kind of mood I’m in. And truth be told, we couldn’t meet at the house because the family was under the weather.

  • Vladimir

    …was the reporter any relation to the future Democratic senator from Minnesota, Stuart Smalley?

    Way to go. The recognition is well-deserved.

  • pac_NY

    I have always felt it an honor to be a member of RedState.

    Sincere kudos to the directors and regular contributors who have brought this caliber of achievement – and to all who continue to do so – to the level of recognition it has thus far received.

  • justnowawake

    I kind of like having this websites as one of my secret weapons to get information. Since I’ve completely stopped watching any network or cable newcasts (except for Fox), this website is among my four or five internet news sources. Now I fear I may have to share it with some of the idiots I’ve seen commenting on other sites.

    Whatever! Congratulations and keep up the good work! The Republican party will rise again and emerge stronger and better than before!

  • JPH

    ain’t braggin’ about it yet.

  • valdez

    …didn’t know you guys were so close by. This almost pulls me out of the post mccain, non stop Palin MSM attacks depression I’ve been wandering in, with all this talk about us having to give up principals and beliefs in order to win back power. To heck with that. Lets keep our principals and beliefs, lets articulate them well, and lets march on…

  • pangloss

    It’s been a long time coming.

    You deserve it. Enjoy.

  • Fermi

    I am a politics junkie and love to check the politcal blogs from both sides of the fence.

    I am on Redstate at least a couple of times a day to see what the topics are and occasionally find a thread worth reading. I think it is definitely a worthwhile site to get a perspective on news/politics that you don’t hear in most places. However, my biggest complaint is the poor quality alot of the diaries here. In a world with You Tube and thousands of news websites, most diaries fail to provide links or references to back their commentary.

    If you want to topple the MSM, then you need to show that your posts are more that internet rumor. You need to provide carefully researched and referenced arguments and positions. I send most of my day writing so maybe I am just particularly sensitive to seeing poorly constructed posts.

    An occassional flame thread is great to let people blow off some steam, but far too many diaries here lack substance. Do some research. Provide quotes, stats, links and some historical perspective in your posts and Redstate could become mandatory reading.

  • jctreke

    I googled this site after I heard Rush mention it. I’m glad I found it and check it out every chance I get. I’m surrounded by liberals who mock my point of view and beliefs all the time. I consider Red State a safe haven.

  • jpav0923

    To all of you who may be Bobby Jindal supporters:

    We have created a Facebook group designed to encourage and support Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal to run for President.

    http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=21914331069&ref=ts

    We are now approaching 2,000 members. We are attempting to form as large a membership as possible in order to form the basis of a grassroots organization in support of Gov. Jindal. As our membership increases we will be suggesting concrete measures which you can personally do to help Jindal get the GOP nomination.

    Obama won in Iowa because he out-organized everyone else. If we work together we can do the same in the summer of 2011. There is strength in numbers – please consider joining.

  • antisocial

    This is the part I love most…

    After Sen. John McCain’s defeat in the presidential election, Erickson’s followers grew irate over what they saw as a calculated effort by some McCain staffers to scapegoat Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin?a Red State darling because, Erickson says, she represents “the live-and-let-live Republican Party.” To punish the offenders, Erickson launched an online petition none-too-subtly titled “Operation Leper.” The goal: ostracize any McCain aide caught anonymously smearing Palin. Operation Leper had more than 3,400 signers by late last week, and the hope is they will “oppose any candidate who hires these people for a 2012 race.” Party infighters, beware: Erickson and his cohorts are watching you, and they’re seeing red.

    Way to go. Lets watch out for trolls and stay true to saving everybody from socialism and liberal nonsense. Above all else conservative movement must go on.

  • mfr2063

    Truth resonates and it is great to see the increasing visibility of RedState. Let’s keep battling the cultural war!

  • bs

    Do a Google search on “Redstate” (be sure to put the string in quotes so it doesn’t try to split it into two words). There are a LOT of refs to our little world here.

    Everyone should give themselves a pat on the back for making this a key part of the conservative/GOP Interweb.

  • Doc_Holliday

    YOu also did great on Fox! My only criticism is to gesiticulate a bit more, but you were spot on with your points. I guess we who are so used to blogging don’t need to move around so much. We have strong fingers though lol. Keep up the great work sir!

  • kowalski

    Missing from the Newsweek article (I have to wonder whether that misspelling of your name was an intentional backhand…after all…they’re Newsweak LOL!) is the real story of Redstate over the past four years and how much effort, and love, and energy has been poured into this site by the Directors, the contributors, and all the users…and even the Loyal Opposition.

    Redstate has fought an uphill battle in the blogosphere since the day it arrived in the Infinite Elsewhere and that story is still untold. I hope Erick and all the Directors have been keeping notes for the book that tells the story of the Little Blog that Could. I know that Clayton and Neil can attest to the kind of indirect censorship and denial-of-service attempts that some of the smellier members of the Left have resorted to in the past four years as they read their encyclicals.

    Congratulations guys and as always, I’m very proud to be here.

    Note to Erick and MK and Ben and Josh and Neil and Clayton: I’m really proud of you. Keep it focused and do whatever you have to do to keep it running.

  • sassygirl

    I’m pretty new here too, but I did not realize you were based in Macon. Makes me proud to be a Georgian! Gonna have to espcape this Athens lib madness one day and drive down for a cup of coffee.

    Guess I’ll have to break down and read Neweak. They and the NYT are on the top of my boycott list.

    Thanks for all you do. You’ve helped me keep my sanity over the last few months!

  • John_Wayne

    I have been here for a little while and find this forum very cathartic. I have learned a lot by reading others’ posts and have been able to get a lot of my personal frustrations out at the tips of my untrained typing fingers. I enjoy the intellectual exchanges and the opportunity to debate my ideas and also to be corrected in my thought process when I go off the deep end. I just want to personally thank you for allowing us to be a part of your Red State enterprise.

  • Doc_Holliday

    and when I said “criticism” I meant “suggestion from the peanut gallery”, you were really good on that show.

  • Whitehorse

    The story by Newsweek is very impressive, they may come to you to hear what the grassroots conservatives are saying – that is good.

    I believe many in the media are fearing a repeat of Democrat over-reaching, much like the first 2 of Bill Clinton’s years – only accelerated. While they may lean left, they love controversy & the cogent, competing opinions produced on Redstate would be prime.

    Now, if we can get Republican leaders to reclaim the mantle of limited government fiscally responsible conservatism…

  • Patricia_C

    I use to be confused by the saying… “Good Guys finish last”

    Well, now I realize it’s because Good Guys always know they still have important work to do.

    You make us proud, Eric.
    Thank you for giving us a place to call home.

  • Chief_Runamok

    seminar on c-span today was a pretty good way for learnig a bit about what happens in government is corrupted by people who abuse their power, and cause the first raids of it’s kind on a state legislature.You can also find Ted Steven’s resignation for November 20 at th C-Span site,

    Nice Happy 85th birthday you helped set up for Ted there, Arthur.

    ArtChance wrote on 11/11/2008 11:12:41 AM:
    Alaska’s greatest political irony is that Wiemar was once widely believed to be a major drug dealer. Many thought he was the economic muscle behind the Ad Hoc Democrats of the ’70s, the McGovernite wing that siezed the Party and State government at a vital time in the Pipeline Era. The Palmer paper once branded Wiemar and his then-sidekick Bill Parker as the two most dangerous men in Alaska. There’s a good story in how Wiemar came to run DOCs drug programs, rake in huge sums for halfway houses, and how Parker came to be the Deputy Commissioner of DOC. Since it all involves some very prominent Democrats, I’m confident the ADN won’t touch it. Sarah’s shoes are more interesting, right?

    Recommend (1)

    truthgazer wrote on 11/11/2008 11:45:39 AM:
    Artchance, you paint quite a big brush against all Democrats of the 70s. A lot of us like to think of those days as the time when we all meant something to each other, before big oil moved in and took over our political system. Sure, there were those who were on the dark side of BOTH parties. The 60′s and 70′s also brought us Hugh Malone (Democrat) and Jay Hammond (Republican who supported Dem. Fran Ulmer against Rep. Frank Murkowski) who worked together to give Alaskans the PFD. Big oil still believes that they are “giving the little people of Alaska,” what should be all theirs. The corruption continues and it will because legislators who are simpletons continue to be elected and can be bought cheaply, very cheaply.

    Recommend (9)
    mikeswick wrote on 11/11/2008 12:00:45 PM:
    Art Chance not let us forget Frank Prewitt and his relationship its not fair to just hit on Bill Parker

    Recommend (5)
    clarity wrote on 11/11/2008 12:05:00 PM:
    artchance – since you’re pointing fingers at D’s, care to talk about all those R’s currently holding very high positions within the State that are known past drug dealers/users? It must hurt knowing so many of Alaska’s R’s have been going down and more to come, many ending up in our federal pens. And, Sarah’s, “shoes,” aren’t so interesting any longer, perhaps to you they are. Above all, Weimer will receive his due and rightly so; just another crook among many in Alaska.

    Recommend (5)
    vrlind wrote on 11/11/2008 12:29:49 PM:
    I would be surprised if art chance is a Rep. from some of his other posts it did not appear that way

    Recommend (2)
    fsmith wrote on 11/11/2008 12:53:15 PM:
    Art Chance was the guy in charge of treating state employees like garbage, in the Murkowski administration. In July 8th ’06 he bragged in the Daily News: “Most state employees are seriously underpaid. I helped make them that way.” Sarah is so bad in this respect, that the people who keep the state running are now wishing for the “good ‘ol Murky days.”

    Recommend (5)

    cgallagher2 wrote on 11/11/2008 01:37:33 PM:
    Nickname: a$$h%e@**i.net Location: Juneau, AK USA Birthday: September 3(SavedRemind mePlease RetryPlease Retry) Anniversary: September 22 In My Own Words: I was born and raised in rural Georgia to and old by by then shabby family trying to eke out a living on an old and by then shabby farm. I have always loved learning and hated school, so my education is my own. I was born a Southerner, a Baptist, and a Democrat, then I learned to read. In the early ’70s, I let slip the surly bonds of The South and moved to Alaska where I remain and will probabl? Read more I was born and raised in rural Georgia to and old by by then shabby family trying to eke out a living on an old and by then shabby farm. I have always loved learning and hated school, so my education is my own. I was born a Southerner, a Baptist, and a Democrat, then I learned to read. In the early ’70s, I let slip the surly bonds of The South and moved to Alaska where I remain and will probably die – unless I die in the Winter, in which case it will be Mexico.

    Recommend (2)
    akvinnie wrote on 11/11/2008 02:04:06 PM:
    This is a blog about the felony mis-conduct of Bill Weimer. Art Chance is a big bag of wind who sit’s around in smokey bar’s telling Faulkner like tales of how important he is-was- to any and all who will listen. Art Chance was an insider to Juneau and all it’s political sleaze and he never stepped forward once and raised the ethical flag of mis-conduct. Because many times he was the designer and messenger of many bad deeds and he wore those stripes with honor. But let’s get off that garbage truck and get back to Weimer. Bill Weimer white collar criminal shows us with a year in jail or less; that buying politicans and getting millions of state dollars through sole source contracts that crime really does pay.

    Recommend (12)
    cgallagher2 wrote on 11/11/2008 02:23:10 PM:
    Thanks Vinnie for bagging the windbag! Weimer is the point and if he lied to the judge about not having a record, he of all people then the truth be out!

    Recommend (3)
    ilovelucy wrote on 11/11/2008 02:51:24 PM:
    Art Chance missed a few chapters in Weimar’s life – where he turned into a Republican like Chance and tried to take down his buddies who remained true to the Ad Hoc Democratic principles. Like most corrupt bastards, he let the promise of money lead him to the dark side. And Chance is well-aware of what he’s leaving out – but it’s too tempting to strike out at all the people he dislikes. What an awful human being.

    Recommend (9)
    wildbill3 wrote on 11/11/2008 03:01:02 PM:
    Chance pre-dated Murkowski, he also worked in the Knowles administration, and others. He was a director and deputy director for years under a number of governors. He knew the personnel rules better than anyone and seldom lost when he was challenged in arbitration. He had as I remember a low opinion of state employees. I’ll say this though, cgallagher2 you have no business posting the mans email address on this board. That is a bit below the belt. Kind of like when akvinnie posted my last name. I have never reciprocated because it shows a lack of consideration and is low-class. I have no love for the Art Chance either but I would not even do that to akvinnie, and I have his email in my database (I thought we were friends once.) Wiemer is a very, very bad man and it took a lot of work to keep him in check with the many friends he had in Juneau. Wiemer was tied to Sheffield, Barns, Ward, Mulder, Knowles and many, many others. When he and Bill Allen teamed up they where quite the duo.

    Recommend (4)
    wildbill3 wrote on 11/11/2008 03:15:44 PM:
    Weimer never turned into a republican, he remains a card carrying democrat today. He bought politicians on both sides of the aisle. He donated money to both parties to open doors. He has no scruples what so ever and worked all parties to achieve his personal goal of acquiring wealth. People on the left and the right voted his way for a number of reasons. Some voted because they thought private prisons were a fine idea, others voted because he held sway over there vote in some way. There were in fact connections to Weimer and drugs early in his career while an Ad-Hock Democrat and lawyer. Supposedly he traded drugs for native art and expensive walrus and whale parts in western Alaska. AST investigated him, but were never able to get enough to prosecute, though they were convinced he was dealing.

    Recommend (2)
    VladimirMPalin wrote on 11/11/2008 04:43:24 PM:
    What a finger pointing hypocracrit A Chance has become. Was a thousand hits of LSD for personal consumption? If so it would explain what a Whack-Job was in charge of employee relations for too long. Do you think the Fourth Amendment is going to protect you once the Public integrity Section seizes the webservers at AKLRA and AFSCME? I think that the proof of Mail Fraud can lead to those warrants. I was 19, driving an XKE, and had no visible means of support, which facts raised the ire of the local constabulary when I went home to visit my parants in ’69. There then arose a dispute over the two kilos of pot and thousand hits of acid in the trunk of said XKE. The Deputy Sheriff really should have had probable cause for that stop, and to this day I am the World’s greatest fan of the 4th Am. —

    Recommend (9)

    Voiceofthe_Crimes wrote on 11/11/2008 07:16:34 PM:
    It surprises Art Chance to see Bill Weimar like any other convicted. Maybe he should go back to being an annonymous idiot. ~~~~~~ May 31, 2007 – 1:41am | Black3 [ ]Likewise, corruption indictments; a decent prosecutor can, literally, indict a hamburger. And in case nobody has noticed, prosecutor’s motives often have absolutely nothing to do with the pristine pursuit of truth and justice. Most political corruption cases are questions of causation v. correlation. Acme Enterprises gave Rep. Y money, Rep. Y voted for something good for Acme Enterprises. The Sun sets after I eat dinner. Did my eating dinner cause the Sun to set? This board and the News have already convicted everyone indicted and several that haven’t been. When it is over, few if any will be convicted. Frankly, I don’t have any illusions about the ethical challenges some of them have, but proving it beyond a reasonable doubt is another matter.

    Recommend (10)

    cgallagher2 wrote on 11/11/2008 07:29:10 PM:
    Sorry Wildbill but I just copied Mr. Chances own autobio off his own post at Amazon. Anyone could google it. I never heard of him before. He wrote it not me.

    Recommend (4)
    akvinnie wrote on 11/11/2008 11:46:12 PM:
    The Republican Corrupt Bast. Club really started initially under the Bill Weimer day’s althought they had no gang name or affiliation at the time; just the color of money. They rose to power and dominance under Wally Hickel’s Administration. The Corrupt Weimer contributed to both political parties but only Democrat’s who had a remote chance of winning and where he could peddle his influence on them. If not he loaded his funds to the known Political Party of influence peddleing for hire. The early well rewarded members of Weimers club to privitize Corrections was Representative Ramona Barnes who managed Corrections daily from her office. Senator Jerry Ward the frequent bill for hire legislator. Then, None should forget how clever man the House Finance Chairman Eldon Mulder use to be. YES, All Republicans! There were more paid off Republicans during those days but I think the average reader get’s the picture.

    Recommend (3)

    I posted to the ADN politics blog
    Achance September 11th, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. CDT (link)
    a week or ten days ago under my full name that were I still there, I’d have told the Investigator to “Go F@#$ himself.” That went over real well with the Lefties that hang there. A couple of the people on his subpoena list are former subordinates and coworkers of mine and I pounded into their heads that if a subpoena didn’t have a judges name on it, you considered it to be an invitation that you had the right to ignore. And even if it did have a judges name on it, you might want to see if another judge agreed. Guess some of that stuck.
    In Vino Veritas