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EDITOR OF REDSTATE

Freedom’s Slate: Who to Support to Give the GOP Some Testicular Fortitude

By: Erick Erickson (Diary)  |  July 4th, 2012 at 06:30 AM  | 

RESIZE: AAA

On this Independence Day, it is time to focus on improving the crop of Republican congressmen by examining some of the remaining Republican primaries.

Want the GOP to stand up to Barack Obama?

Tired of the GOP cutting deals?

Want to make sure the GOP doesn’t back out of full and complete repeal of Obamacare if they sweep in November?

Then you absolutely must support these candidates still in Republican primaries.

If you care about freedom, here is Freedom’s Slate.

United States House

District

Website

Ron Gould

AZ-04

http://www.rongould.com/

Matt Salmon

AZ-05

http://salmonforcongress.com/

Dave Schwiekert

AZ-06

http://www.davidschweikert.com/

Ron DeSantis

FL-06

http://voteron2012.com/

Sandy Adams

FL-07

http://www.sandyadams.com/home.php

Chauncey Goss

FL-19

http://www.gossforcongress.com/

Adam Hasner

FL-22

http://www.adamhasner.com/

Martha Zoller

GA-09

http://marthaforcongress.com/

Jeff Landry

LA-3

http://www.landryforlouisiana.com/

Jack Hoogendyk

MI-06

http://www.jackformichigan.com/

Kerry Bentivolio

MI-11

http://bentivolioforcongress.com/

Scott Keadle

NC-08

http://www.keadle.com/site/

U.S. Senate

State

Website

Jeff Flake

AZ

http://www.jeffflake.com//

Clark Durant

MI

http://www.clarkdurant.com/home

Ted Cruz

TX

http://www.tedcruz.org/

I would also note that Mark Neumann and Eric Hovde are far superior to Tommy Thompson. While I personally prefer Neumann, given his track record when in the United States House, his campaign seems to be having trouble rebuilding bridges burned in the GOP gubernatorial primary. If Neumann can’t repair those bridges and get momentum, Hvode is far superior to Tommy Thompson and I’d have no problem supporting him.

We may add to this list, but it’ll get you started.

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COMMENTS

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  • theericker

    Those primaries take place in August. It sounds like any of the MO Senate candidates would capably take on the chairwoman of Air-Claire…any favorite?

  • free2smooze

    Thomas Massey KY-4
    http://www.thomasmassie.com/
    Mike Lee and Rand Paul-endorsed

  • votemout2012

    Todd Akin congressman in MO has proven conservative record getting 83% from heritage action for conservative voting in congress. Also Akin best at articulating conservative values. Unfortunately Brunner has the cash for the attack ads. Easy to attack when you have no record for voters to view. Who knows what he would do if he gets in the Senate. I have a feeling he would be another moderate republican.

  • commonsenseobserver

    She has the record and the experience, and has been elected on a statewide level.

  • Bill S

    The other commenter points out Todd Akin, who I love as a rep and who I’ve spoken to personally several times in the past. Brunner was endorsed by Sen. Ron Johnson, whose judgement I trust, and Steelman at least talks a good game. My problem with her is a) she has a record of being in bed with trial lawyers, b) her gubernatorial campaign was ultra-dirty, which makes me question her values, and c) she only has statewide political experience, which puts Akin’s national/world politics and issue experience above hers.

  • ffc99

    the Schweikert endorsement. He and his primary opponent have just about identical voting records. Dave’s Heritage Action score is a couple points better and Ben’s CFG score is 5 better than Dave’s. Seems to me that this is a race to stand on the sidelines and proclaim that both candidates would make excellent choices.

  • red_oakster

    Every one of them is going to disappoint-except when compared to Baldwin.

  • commonsenseobserver

    Biggest problem: health care.

  • commonsenseobserver

    Mark Neumann.

    The most Conservative who WILL win.

    Tommy Thompson.

  • funwithknives

    {R-Mich} on the above list.

    Engage this gent for 5 minutes time and you can see why he’s the real deal. I met him purely by accident on the introduction of an aquaintance. {Milford,Mi. TPP 2nd meeting, ever}
    There is no phony in him. Period.

  • votemout2012

    Akin clear winner. He will be the best to go toe to toe with McCaskill. KMOV will have a debate on air Friday. Tune in and judge for yourself. No contest. Akin only one who has a handle on foreign policy. He has been committed to fight the Obama agenda while in congress.

  • commonsenseobserver

    Serving on both the Budget and Armed Services, National Guard service, having a high Heritage Action and ACU score, and coming from Missouri, a historical bellweather, would be nice. He’d also shore up Romney’s position in the South and Midwest. Voted against TARP- conflict with Romney?

    Only problems would be name recognition, age, the voting case, his trade votes, and, of course, whether he relates well to Romney.

  • mikeymike143

    WASHINGTON, June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — After receiving nothing short of a landslide of support from national GOP leaders, congressional candidate Joe Kaufman returned triumphantly from Washington, DC as the apparent frontrunner to unseat Debbie Wasserman Schultz in Florida’s 23rd District.

    Kaufman garnered enthusiastic support from former Presidential candidates Herman Cain, Speaker Newt Gingrich, Senator Rick Santorum and other Republican leaders.

    Kaufman was invited to speak in Washington, along with Senator Marco Rubio, at the kick-off luncheon of the Faith & Freedom Coalition conference, where he received a rousing round of applause.

    “I’m delighted to be supporting Joe Kaufman because he is a true patriot,” said Herman Cain. “We have a lot of people in Washington DC who are there for the wrong reasons, and I’m proud to be supporting Joe in his run to unseat Debbie Wasserman Schultz. When we have more people like Joe in Washington, DC, we would truly have a Congress for the people and not a Congress for the politicians. So good luck Joe.”

    “I’m very much for Joe Kaufman beating Debbie Wasserman Schultz. I think it would be good for America,” said Speaker Newt Gingrich.

    “I can’t think of any other member of Congress that I would like to see replaced more than Debbie Wasserman Schultz, so I wish Joe the very, very best,” said Senator Rick Santorum.

    http://www.bizjournals.com/prnewswire/press_releases/2012/06/25/CL29174

  • alaskaescapeartist

    Art is challenging Peter DeFazio after garnering 45% of the vote in 2010.

  • zollistar

    The unknown, underfunded, underdog senate candidate took 51% of the Republicans’ primary votes beating out two competitors with money and plenty of name recognition.

    How?

    First, Wendy Long’s (tea party) ideas on limited, constitutional government; fiscal responsibility; and free markets resonate. The lesson? IDEAS MATTER.

    Second, Long is an extremely attractive, articulate candidate able to make the timeless ideas compelling and important. The lesson? THE MESSENGER MATTERS.

    Third, as she crisscrossed the state speaking to would-be voters everywhere, the energetic, hard-working candidate had the support of an equally energetic, hard-working loosely-organized coalition of independents, conservatives, and tea party activists. Long did her part; we did our part. The lesson? ALL OF US TOGETHER CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

    To get an idea what ultra-liberal Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is up against,in November, visit: www.WendyLong.com

  • http://www.sunshinestatesarah.com SunshineStateSarah

    I don’t know Goss so I can’t comment on that race, but Erick absolutely made the right choice in backing Adam Hasner, Sandy Adams and Ron DeSantis.

  • Bill S

    Steelman is known because of her statewide office and former gubernatorial campaign. Bruner is soaking the airwaves with ads. Akin is only known around the St. Louis area.

  • votemout2012

    Brunner contributed over $1000 x 3 to Dooley campaign. You have to ask why would a conservative republican contribute to a Liberal like Dooley. Something is REAL wrong with that. To bad Akin doesn’t have the cash to get that in to commercial!

  • Melody Warbington (rwm52)

    Not much to go by, but he looks good on paper, and I like what I’m hearing. I just don’t see how he’s any worse than Corker, and replacing Bob would send a message to Lamar that he’s next up in the hot seat.

    Here’s his website: zachforsenate

  • Dave_A

    Thompson has a good history running in WI – he left the governorship to work in DC, not because he was defeated electorally….

    Neumann has run before & lost (to Feingold)….

    Speaking of which, we’re lucky Russ isn’t running again – he lost in the 2010 sweep, but he is a much more sane and formidable Democrat candidate than (Shudder) Baldwin….

  • mikeymike143

    west is beloved by conservatives in this area.

  • Bill S

    Marvelous.

  • ww2nd95

    Corker will be tough to beat. He has a lot of money and in reality, Tennessee being a reliably red state, is more moderate then her southern neighbors, so I don’t see Poskevich taking out Corker.

  • spoasteph97

    I’m supporting John Brunner. I’m impressed by his endorsements from two of the greatest senators ever: Tom Coburn and Ron Johnson. He also has an endorsement from Freedomworks.

    I wouldn’t mind having Sarah Steelman or Todd Akin (anybody is better than Senator McCaskill). I am kind of concerned about Ms. Steelman’s support from unions and Mr. Akin’s earmarks.

    But I REALLY hope we defeat Senator McCaskill this year!

  • spoasteph97

    Thomas Massie won his primary, and in this GOP-leaning district, he should win easily…which we means we’ve replaced somewhat-RINOish Rep. Geoff Davis, with a strong conservative (especially on fiscal issues), Thomas Massie.

    I hope Thomas wins this November!

    Great comment.

  • spoasteph97

    I don’t mind Rep. Ben Quayle, and I regret that it’s come to this point where two great conservatives have to fight each other. But I do have to say that I am overly impressed by Rep. David Schweikert’s floor speeches. His presentation, the way he shows his emotions, his charts…they are just SO impressive.

    I do think that whoever loses should run for Senator McCain’s seat (I think he should be retiring soon). So after the primary, whoever loses should announce a campaign for McCain’s seat! Just a thought.

  • spoasteph97

    His opponent is an opportunist and a RINO. She raised taxes and wasn’t even on the ballot for this seat until McCotter couldn’t get on the ballot.

    Kerry Bentivolio is the REAL DEAL! This is a rare opportunity to get a true conservative in.

    Thanks to Erick Erickson for supporting Kerry Bentivolio for Congress 2012! :)

    I encourage all to donate to him here: http://www.bentivolioforcongress.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=103

  • http://jakespeaks.wordpress.com/ Jake Walker, no relation

    But I’ve been impressed with what I’ve heard from Byron Donalds. http://www.byrondonalds.com/

    He or Goss would be good for that district.

  • spoasteph97

    Rep. Flake is a true fiscal conservative. He has some social conservatism problems, but it’s not like his opponent (a taxing, earmark-supporting RINO) is any better.

    Help Jeff Flake here: https://secure.campaignsolutions.com/jeffflake/donation1/?initiativekey=3RY42FM5CBST

  • mikeymike143

    and you never know how primaries will work out. it wasnt too long ago that they were saying richard lugar was unbeatable. LOL

  • http://libertynews.com/ mbecker908

    First, in the reapportionment, AZ-6 is mostly Dave’s old district, Quayle made a decision to run against him rather than run in his realigned district where he would have won. I don’t appreciate Quayle making a fight out this district where none was necessary.

    Second, I don’t trust Quayle. His family, while conservative, is part and parcel the Washington establishment. His first term record is good, but when push comes to shove I think he’ll fall in line with the leadership a whole lot faster than Dave might.

    I understand my second point is simply my supposition, but I’m good with it. I’ll also vote for Quayle if he wins the primary.

  • votemout2012

    In reply to Supreme court nominee. Brunner himself said the he could only vote for a tested candidate. I think the fact he has NO record to look at is a negative for the state of MO we will be stuck with him for 6 yrs. Look at Blunt. We don’t need to Moderate senators from MO!

  • ffc99

    how do you know he’d be an upgrade? Talk is cheap. He has no record to look to to determine if his rhetoric can be trusted…

  • http://libertynews.com/ mbecker908

    We’ve got a great bench in Arizona.

  • Melody Warbington (rwm52)

    The more of a scare conservatives can put into a squish, the better. Having spent the first half of my life in Tennessee, I’m well aware of the moderate tendencies of the larger cities and the blue dog Dem stronghold in the smaller areas. But that’s changing. The defeat of Lincoln Davis is a prime example. Bart Gordon’s “retirement” is another in that he knew he was likely to lose.

  • mikeymike143

    nt.

  • Melody Warbington (rwm52)

    You know, the one that’s squishy.

  • mikeymike143

    what conservative do you think should run against mccain in 2016 that can beat him? i believe mccain is like lugar, very vunerable to the right challenger.

  • ffc99

    Could Tennessee elect a more conservative candidate than Bob Corker? Of course it could, but that doesn’t make him a RINO. Seriously, some people here use that term to describe any Republican who doesn’t agree 100% with them…

  • ffc99

    I’d like to see some record of accomplishment (be it in politics, business) in folks I elect to the Senate. A quick perusal of Zach’s website suggests his resume is really thin. He needs to start a little lower on the political ladder to build a record that matches his rhetoric.

  • Bill S

    You’re obviously not familiar with 100%er syndrome.

  • http://libertynews.com/ mbecker908

    As for potential candidates, anybody but Hayworth, Brewer or Arpaio.

    I think either Flake or John Shadegg could have given McCain a real run last time.

  • theericker

    Doesn’t he sound kind of cartoonish when he speaks in his ads? “And I won’t LET THEM.” I have a hard time believing he would do well against Claire….haven’t heard Akin though.

  • bs61

    I’ve seen Schweikert many times on CSPAN and our talk radio, but not so much with Quayle until we got closer to the election.

  • bs61

    Plus, I heard him on talk radio last week and the host asked him what he thought of the Dem’s walking out on Holder’s contempt vote and he said that he was very scared! He was trying to make it back up the stairs at the exact moment when they were marching down! Too funny!

  • mdredstater

    TEA party conservative Dan Bongino in unseating Ben Cardin!
    www.bongino.com

    He is the real deal! Maryland may look hopelessly dark blue, but we can elect Dan to the Senate! His campaign has been completely organic. He grew up in Baltimore city in a family struggling to make ends meet, so he can relate to people going through hard times.

    Conservatives are fighting here. They have made it happen at the state level, successful in bringing passed left wing laws on same-sex marriage and college tuition for illegals to referendum, and we’ll fight for victory for Dan all the way through November!

  • funwithknives

    The GOP Establishment in Oakland County, as she was the only Name-Recognized Repub. they had in their holster, & that would consider running as a write-in.
    She is well-known in these parts for ‘drifting in the wind’,
    personal-policies wise. {Some call it “continually evolving” }

    Not to put too fine a point on it, but it is puzzeling why she would choose to run, being 68 years young and Really Not needing the headache of moving, etc. No surprises here if she ‘gets really tired’ 6 months in and Va-mooses…… but who knows?
    She could learn to Love the Beltway.

  • pirate55

    Goss comes to us courtesy of a father’s record, similar to Mack. Smacks of political privilege. Time for a new breed like Trey Radel.

  • http://www.BIO.DavidOsborne.net davidosborne

    Why settle for either these ESTABLISHMENT “entitled” candidates when you you get behind the CLEAR WINNER … Byron Donalds !!

    Wake up FLORIDA, THE PEOPLE of FL-19 chose Byron as their GOOOH candidate.. He deserves and has EARNED your support. Post your PUBLIC endorsement of Byron Donalds here please.

    David Osborne
    Tallahassee, Florida

  • http://www.BIO.DavidOsborne.net davidosborne

    http://www.ByronDonalds.com

  • http://www.BIO.DavidOsborne.net DavidOsborne

    http://www.redstate.com/davidosborne/2012/07/06/byron-donalds-for-fl-19-will-you-join-me-in-supporting-him/

  • http://www.BIO.DavidOsborne.net DavidOsborne
  • nomorekoolaid

    Connie Mack’s team IS Radel’s team. Mack gave him a campaign and a fundraising team. Really? Radel will be a puppet vote in congress for Mack. 2 votes in one, what a deal!

  • nomorekoolaid
    I can’t find my post anymore, Erick. Is it because I disagree with your selection of Goss for CD 19? Did I lose my free speech somewhere along the way? I’m trying to be respectful, but people deserve the opportunity to look at candidates themselves, not just who you pick. I like Goss, but Byron Donalds is far better able to take the case to Washington and to the voters. Please don’t remove my post. I’m kinda losing a little respect for this site if you do.

    I repeat. For a look at another conservative candidate, you can go to see Byron Donalds.

    ?Byron Donalds is the only candidate in this race who can boast of over 250 committed grassroots volunteers.
    ?He has won 3 forum straw polls by wide margins and the News-Press Poll. http://www.news-press.com/article/20120609/NEWS0107/120609014
    ?Byron Donalds has been endorsed by Constitutional Scholar Andrew Joppa, retired professor of Mercy College in NY on the air with Bob Harden here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmtgXtmITHs&feature=relmfu.
    ?He spoke at the Save America Foundation meeting a few weeks ago to a standing ovation. You can hear that speech here http://watchdogwire.com/florida/video/byron-donalds-running-florida-congressional-district-19/.
    ?Donalds has been endorsed by GOOOH (Get Out Of Our House). GOOOH is a non-partisan movement to elect citizen legislators, enact term limits and remove special interest influence. Byron was selected for endorsement based upon a vetting process of more than 300 citizens who selected him over other candidates in the race. See the endorsement here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJgP5G3S7wM&feature=player_embedded.
    ?Donalds has also gained the attention of and is being supported by Herman Cain as the Fair Tax candidate. See the article here http://cainsolutionsrevolution.com/S=65e320e40764884a1fd28eee98e5418616df6d5a/news/florida-candidate-now-a-cain-lieutenant.
    ?He has just received notice that he is a Liberty Takeover 2012 endorsed Candidate. You can see that endorsement here http://www.examiner.com/article/byron-donalds-liberty-candidate-for-u-s-congress.

    Do you want a real conservative? Then you want Byron Donalds! www.byrondonalds.com

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    I go out, get a haircut, get Chick fil A, and now I come home to see another DUUUH GOOOH sockpuppet to clean out.

    Nice.

  • norino2012

    Radel has never done a thing in his life except read teleprompters, buy pornographic domain names, and try to cuddle up to Marco Rubio. Goss does come to us courtesy of his father, as do most humans not born of a test tube. His father was a pretty decent conservative. More importantly, Goss has his own record as Paul Ryan’s chief analyst and a campaign policy advisor to Rubio. He knows what he is talking about and is by far the most qualified conservative in this race. He is nothing like Mack (who endorsed Radel). In fact, he is about as unlike Mack as is you can get.

  • mikeymike143

    all the republican candidates were good, but tea partier joe kaufman is my choice in the race. and whoever wins will be worth supporting against DWS.