Happy Warriors Until the End


In Pittsburgh this past weekend I spoke at Right Online. Rob Bluey asked if I would give the audience some advice. Let me share that with you now. If you aren’t a Christian, you may not understand this, but I’ll put it here anyway.

William Wilberforce, having become an evangelical, wrote to his good friend Prime Minister William Pitt. Wilberforce told Pitt he intended to get out of politics and dedicate himself to the Lord. Pitt relied on Wilberforce and saw Wilberforce could be someone strong and apply his faith to life if he just wouldn’t quit.

In Pitt’s reply to Wilberforce, Pitt wrote, “If a Christian may act in the several relations of life, must he seclude himself from them all to become so? Surely the principles as well as the practice of Christianity are simple, and lead not only to meditation only but to action.

Pitt was no evangelical, but I think he got it there. Our faith compels us to action. But in our actions and our struggles, it often seems the Christ follower, a term I use to separate those who actually follow Christ from those who call themselves Christians by habit and nothing else, are dealt setback after setback.

On occasion our frustration gets the best of us. We get angry and frustrated. We sometimes want to sit it out — to go into seclusion and meditation.

Read More →

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Now that we’ve met in Atlanta, we must mobilize.


This weekend, 200 RedStaters gathered together in Atlanta to hear from real conservative leaders and candidates.

We were specific in our invitations — we wanted conservatives, not just Republicans. The message was phenomenal. The time shared was outstanding.

But now we have work to do. We cannot return to our former ways. We must commit to continuous activity on behalf of these outstanding men and women.

If you live in their area, help them. Volunteer. If you don’t live near them, consider opening your checkbook or pulling out your credit card.

We can take back the GOP. We can win on a message of small government. But we have to step up and help.

Each person listed below paid their own way to spend time with RedState activists in Atlanta. This was not a gathering for you to hear from them, but for them to hear from you. And they did hear from you.

Now let them hear from you again — volunteer, talk to your friends, donate, do whatever you can to help them in their elections.

  • Rep. Roy Blunt (R-MO) Candidate for the United States Senate
  • Former Congressman Pat Toomey (R-PA) Candidate for the United States Senate
  • Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC)
  • Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX)
  • Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) Chairman, Republican Study Committee
  • Hon. Karen Handel (R-GA) Georgia’s Secretary of State & Candidate for Governor
  • Liz Cheney (okay, she’s not a candidate, but she should be)
  • Ken Cuccinelli (R-VA) Virginia State Senator & Candidate for Virginia Attorney General
  • Michael Williams (R-TX) Texas Railroad Commissioner, Candidate for the United States Senate
  • Marco Rubio (R-FL) Former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, Candidate for the United States Senate
  • Ted Cruz (R-TX) Texas Solicitor General, Candidate for Texas Attorney General
  • Nikki Haley (R-SC) Member, South Carolina House of Representatives, Candidate for Governor

Imagine a United States Senate with Michael Williams, Pat Toomey, and Marco Rubio. Imagine a Supreme Court hearing from Ken Cuccinelli and Ted Cruz on states’ rights. And imagine having two ladies like Karen Handel and Nikki Haley slashing goverment bugets and taxes from their respective Governors’ Mansions.

We can make all that a reality.


Marco Rubio at the RedState Gathering


“That cap and trade legislation, which will do nothing but make America one of the cleanest third world economies . . .,” said Marco Rubio at the RedState Gathering.

He is a phenomenal speaker.

One of the valuable points Marco Rubio made at the RedState Gathering was that the Republican Party is the natural home of conservatives, but it is not the inevitable home of conservatives. If the GOP does not clean up its act and turn back from the path it has been on, conservatives will leave.

People like Marco Rubio can keep the party together, expand the base, and keep conservatives engaged.

My favorite line: “People ask me about expanding outreach to hispanics. The first thing they can do is stop hiring mariachi bands for hispanic outreach events.”


The RedState Gathering Happens This Weekend


Many of us will be headed to Atlanta today for our first RedState Gathering.

Tonight, we’ll hear from Roy Blunt, Pat Toomey, Jim DeMint, and Rick Perry. Then we’ll watch a special presentation of John Ziegler’s new movie.

Tomorrow, Tom Price, Karen Handel, a super secret special guest, Ken Cuccinelli, Michael Williams, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, and Nikki Haley join us.

We’re also going to do two workshops. One will be on becoming better online activists and the other on being better offline activists.

250 activists from across the country will be coming. And we’re already planning for next year.

Registration is closed for this year, but you may want to start planning for next year. Same weekend. Same place. Even better.

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Important Details About the RedState Gathering


The RedState Gathering 2009 happens in Atlanta beginning this Friday.

There is still time for any of your interested friends to register by going here.  You must be registered to attend.  Registration is now $50.00.  By registering, you will be eligible for discount pricing for a room at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta.

Please note the following important information:

If you are driving, please go here for directions.

The Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead is accessible via Atlanta’s MARTA system directly from the Atlanta airport.  Travelers can board the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) train within the airport. Train fare is $1.75. Service runs from 5-1:30am on weekdays and 5:30-1:00am on weekends. Trains depart every four to five minutes weekdays and every 10-15 minutes on weekends. Grand Hyatt Atlanta guests should board the Northbound train (N to North Springs). Exit at the Buckhead Station N7 onto Peachtree Road S. The hotel is one block away. Guests also may call the hotel at 404-237-1234 to request pick up from our courtesy car at the MARTA station.

For more detailed information, including information on shuttles, taxis, etc., please go here.

For a full detailed agenda for the RedState Gathering, go here.

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15 days from today, we gather in Atlanta


You can still register and stay at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead for a super low price.

CHANGE IN PLANS: Registration will not be cut off on July 15th, but the cost to register will go up to $30.00.

Go here to register and get the special link to reserve your hotel room.

REDSTATE GATHERING
TENTATIVE AGENDA

July 31st - August 1st
Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

July 31st*
—————-

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Cocktail Reception with Congressman Pat Toomey

7:00 p.m.: Special Presentation of John Ziegler’s Media Malpractice with popcorn, of course.

Join Erick and the RedState contributors at the hotel bar after the movie.

August 1st*
—————-

9:00 - 9:10: Welcome by Erick Erickson

9:10 - 9:35: Congressman Tom Price (R-GA), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee

9:45 - 10:45 Right Online

10:45 - 11:15 Hon. Karen Handel, Georgia’s Secretary of State

11:15 - 11:30 BREAK

11:30 - 12:00 Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC)

12:00 - 1:00 LUNCH (several presentations will be made during lunch along with an AFP breakout session and time for a book signing with Senator DeMint)

1:00 - 1:30 Hon. Michael Williams (R-TX), Texas Railroad Commissioner and candidate for the United States Senate

1:30 - 2:00 Marco Rubio (R-FL)

2:00 - 2:30 Ken Cuccinelli (R-VA)

2:30 - 2:45 BREAK

2:45 - 3:45 American Majority Training

3:45 - 4:15 Ted Cruz (R-TX)

4:15 - 4:45 Nikki Haley (R-SC)

4:45 - 5:15 TBD

5:15 Closing Comments

6:00 Closing Reception with the candidates

*times and listing are subject to change.

Register now.

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17 days to go


You can still register and stay at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead for a super low price.

CHANGE IN PLANS: Registration will not be cut off on July 15th, but the cost to register will go up to $30.00.

Go here to register and get the special link to reserve your hotel room.

REDSTATE GATHERING
TENTATIVE AGENDA

July 31st - August 1st
Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

July 31st*
—————-

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Cocktail Reception.

7:00 p.m.: Special Presentation of John Ziegler’s Media Malpractice with popcorn, of course.

Join Erick and the RedState contributors at the hotel bar after the movie.

August 1st*
—————-

9:00 - 9:10: Welcome by Erick Erickson

9:10 - 9:35: Congressman Tom Price (R-GA), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee

9:45 - 10:45 Right Online

10:45 - 11:15 Hon. Karen Handel, Georgia’s Secretary of State

11:15 - 11:30 BREAK

11:30 - 12:00 Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC)

12:00 - 1:00 LUNCH (several presentations will be made during lunch along with an AFP breakout session and time for a book signing with Senator DeMint)

1:00 - 1:30 Hon. Michael Williams (R-TX), Texas Railroad Commissioner and candidate for the United States Senate

1:30 - 2:00 Marco Rubio (R-FL)

2:00 - 2:30 Ken Cuccinelli (R-VA)

*times and listing are subject to change.

More of the agenda tomorrow.

Register now.

Category:

We’re 18 days from the RedState Gathering


You can still register and stay at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead for a super low price.

CHANGE IN PLANS: Registration will not be cut off on July 15th, but the cost to register will go up to $30.00.

Go here to register and get the special link to reserve your hotel room.

REDSTATE GATHERING
TENTATIVE AGENDA

July 31st - August 1st
Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

July 31st*
—————-

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Cocktail Reception.

7:00 p.m.: Special Presentation of John Ziegler’s Media Malpractice with popcorn, of course.

Join Erick and the RedState contributors at the hotel bar after the movie.

August 1st*
—————-

9:00 - 9:10: Welcome by Erick Erickson

9:10 - 9:35: Congressman Tom Price (R-GA), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee

9:45 - 10:45 Right Online

10:45 - 11:15 Hon. Karen Handel, Georgia’s Secretary of State

11:15 - 11:30 BREAK

11:30 - 12:00 Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC)

12:00 - 1:00 LUNCH (several presentations will be made during lunch along with an AFP breakout session and time for a book signing with Senator DeMint)

1:00 - 1:30 Hon. Michael Williams (R-TX), Texas Railroad Commissioner and candidate for the United States Senate

1:30 - 2:00 Marco Rubio (R-FL)

*times and listing are subject to change.

More of the agenda tomorrow.

Register now.

Category:

We’re 22 days from the RedState Gathering


For the next several days we’ll roll out the agenda, revealing a bit more each day.

You can still register and stay at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead for a super low price.

Registration will be cut off on July 15, 2009.

Go here to register and get the special link to reserve your hotel room.

REDSTATE GATHERING
TENTATIVE AGENDA

July 31st - August 1st
Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

July 31st*
—————-

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Cocktail Reception.

7:00 p.m.: Special Presentation of John Ziegler’s Media Malpractice with popcorn, of course.

Join Erick and the RedState contributors at the hotel bar after the movie.

August 1st*
—————-

9:00 - 9:10: Welcome by Erick Erickson

9:10 - 9:35: Congressman Tom Price (R-GA), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee

9:45 - 10:45 Right Online

10:45 - 11:15 Hon. Karen Handel, Georgia’s Secretary of State

11:15 - 11:30 BREAK

11:30 - 12:00 Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC)

12:00 - 1:00 LUNCH (several presentations will be made during lunch along with an AFP breakout session and time for a book signing with Senator DeMint)

1:00 - 1:30 Hon. Michael Williams (R-TX), Texas Railroad Commissioner and candidate for the United States Senate

*times and listing are subject to change.

More of the agenda tomorrow.

Register now.

Category:

We’re 23 days from the RedState Gathering


For the next several days we’ll roll out the agenda, revealing a bit more each day.

You can still register and stay at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead for a super low price.

Registration will be cut off on July 15, 2009.

Go here to register and get the special link to reserve your hotel room.

REDSTATE GATHERING
TENTATIVE AGENDA

July 31st - August 1st
Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

July 31st*
—————-

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Cocktail Reception.

7:00 p.m.: Special Presentation of John Ziegler’s Media Malpractice with popcorn, of course.

Join Erick and the RedState contributors at the hotel bar after the movie.

August 1st*
—————-

9:00 - 9:10: Welcome by Erick Erickson

9:10 - 9:35: Congressman Tom Price (R-GA), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee

9:45 - 10:45 Right Online

10:45 - 11:15 Hon. Karen Handel, Georgia’s Secretary of State

11:15 - 11:30 BREAK

11:30 - 12:00 Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC)

12:00 - 1:00 LUNCH (several presentations will be made during lunch along with an AFP breakout session and time for a book signing with Senator DeMint)

*times and listing are subject to change.

More of the agenda tomorrow.

Register now.

Category:

We’re 24 days from the RedState Gathering


Let’s begin revealing the RedState agenda.

For the next 11 days we’ll roll out the agenda, revealing a bit more each day.

You can still register and stay at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead for a super low price.

Registration will be cut off on July 15, 2009.

Go here to register and get the special link to reserve your hotel room.

REDSTATE GATHERING
TENTATIVE AGENDA

July 31st - August 1st
Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

July 31st*
—————-

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Cocktail Reception.

7:00 p.m.: Special Presentation of John Ziegler’s Media Malpractice with popcorn, of course.

Join Erick and the RedState contributors at the hotel bar after the movie.

August 1st*
—————-

9:00 - 9:10: Welcome by Erick Erickson

9:10 - 9:35: Congressman Tom Price (R-GA), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee

9:45 - 10:45 Right Online

10:45 - 11:15 Hon. Karen Handel, Georgia’s Secretary of State

11:15 - 11:30 BREAK

11:30 - 12:00 Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC)

*times and listing are subject to change.

More of the agenda tomorrow.

Register now.

Category:

We’re 25 days from the RedState Gathering


Let’s begin revealing the RedState agenda.

For the next 11 days we’ll roll out the agenda, revealing a bit more each day.

You can still register and stay at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead for a super low price.

Registration will be cut off on July 15, 2009.

Go here to register and get the special link to reserve your hotel room.

REDSTATE GATHERING
TENTATIVE AGENDA

July 31st - August 1st
Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

July 31st*
—————-

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Cocktail Reception.

7:00 p.m.: Special Presentation of John Ziegler’s Media Malpractice with popcorn, of course.

Join Erick and the RedState contributors at the hotel bar after the movie.

August 1st*
—————-

9:00 - 9:10: Welcome by Erick Erickson

9:10 - 9:35: Congressman Tom Price (R-GA), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee

9:45 - 10:45 Right Online

10:45 - 11:15 Hon. Karen Handel, Georgia’s Secretary of State

11:15 - 11:30 BREAK

*times and listing are subject to change.

More of the agenda tomorrow.

Register now.

Category:

We’re 27 days from the RedState Gathering


Let’s begin revealing the RedState agenda.

For the next 12 days we’ll roll out the agenda, revealing a bit more each day.

You can still register and stay at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead for a super low price.

Registration will be cut off on July 15, 2009.

Go here to register and get the special link to reserve your hotel room.

REDSTATE GATHERING
TENTATIVE AGENDA

July 31st - August 1st
Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

July 31st*
—————-

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Cocktail Reception.

7:00 p.m.: Special Presentation of John Ziegler’s Media Malpractice with popcorn, of course.

Join Erick and the RedState contributors at the hotel bar after the movie.

August 1st*
—————-

9:00 - 9:10: Welcome by Erick Erickson

9:10 - 9:35: Congressman Tom Price (R-GA), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee

9:45 - 10:45 Right Online

*times and listing are subject to change.

More of the agenda tomorrow.

Register now.

Category:

We’re 29 days away from the RedState Gathering


Let’s begin revealing the RedState agenda.

For the next 14 days we’ll roll out the agenda, revealing a bit more each day.

You can still register and stay at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead for a super low price.

Registration will be cut of on July 15, 2009.

Go here to register and get the special link to reserve your hotel room.

REDSTATE GATHERING
TENTATIVE AGENDA

July 31st - August 1st
Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

July 31st*
—————-

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Cocktail Reception.

7:00 p.m.: Special Presentation of John Ziegler’s Media Malpractice with popcorn, of course.

Join Erick and the RedState contributors at the hotel bar after the movie.

August 1st*
—————-

9:00 - 9:10: Welcome by Erick Erickson

9:10 - 9:35: Congressman Tom Price (R-GA), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee

*times and listing are subject to change.

More of the agenda tomorrow.

Register now.

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The Power of Small Numbers: A Butterfly Effect


Think of it as people powered pennies from heaven.

In Maricopa County, AZ there are 700,000 registered Republican voters.

There are 6,000 precinct captain positions for the Republican Party in Maricopa County. Of those, only 2,000 or filled. In other words, one-third of the precinct captain positions are filled. More bluntly, three-tenths of one percent of the registered Republicans in Maricopa County, AZ are actively engaged in their party.

Back in February, 200 people showed up at a tea party protest in Maricopa County. Assume, if you will, that half are not actively involved in the local Republican Party. That makes 100 people who were so hacked off at out of control government that they showed up at noon on a weekday to protest.

If those 100 people each became a precinct captain, they would have enough impact to make significant changes in the Maricopa County Republican Party. Why? Because of the 2000 named captains, not all are actively engaged. And of those who are, not all can show up at a meeting because of schedule conflicts.

If the 100 stand strong, they can approve the larger leadership of Maricopa County.

Just 100 people.

Yes, let’s remember that 300 Spartans held off the Persian Army. Small numbers compared to the thousands of well armed Persians (sorry, Pej).

Small numbers working well together can be powerful numbers. It just takes some dedication.

Read More →


We’re 30 Days from the RedState Gathering in Atlanta


Let’s begin revealing the RedState agenda.

For the next 15 days we’ll roll out the agenda, revealing a bit more each day.

You can still register and stay at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead for a super low price.

Registration will be cut of on July 15, 2009.

Go here to register and get the special link to reserve your hotel room.

REDSTATE GATHERING
TENTATIVE AGENDA

July 31st - August 1st
Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

July 31st*
—————-

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Cocktail Reception.

7:00 p.m.: Special Presentation of John Ziegler’s Media Malpractice with popcorn, of course.

*times and listing are subject to change.

Join Erick and the RedState contributors at the hotel bar after the movie.

More of the agenda tomorrow.

Register now.

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The RedState Army


We haven’t talked a lot about the RedState Army in a good while. The Cap and Trade vote made me realize how useful it is. We aggressively called Congress and were able to push a few people back from the yes category. Same with the Supplemental Appropriations Act, where we were able to keep all the GOP in the “no” camp until it reached 218 votes.

Sure, both measures went on to pass, but we were able to make it difficult for the Democrats. And it is more and more important that we grow the ranks of the RedState Army as the healthcare fight picks up.

Below the fold, I’ve got the updated numbers by state. We have a total file of 15,554. We have enough information on 7,319 to target them by state. We’ve only added 1,000 people in the past few months without me aggressively pushing this.

Let’s get on the ball and see what we can do to increase the numbers.

We should be able to get up to 200 in Colorado. 300 should be easily doable in Illinois. Texas can get to 600.

Will you help? Get your friends to sign up here. Or you can use the form below.

Likewise, below the fold, I’ve got the state by state numbers. See how many people in your state are members and see if you can increase that number. We need your help.

Read More →

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Marco Rubio Will Be In Atlanta. Will You?


Rooms are still available. REGISTER HERE. We get together the night of July 31st, then go all day on August 1st with Marco, Jim DeMint, and several others to be announced.


The RedState Gathering Gets Closer and Closer


The RedState Gathering takes place in Atlanta, GA on August 1, 2009.

I’d like to thank American Majority and Americans for Prosperity for helping us out with it. Because of them, you guys get to come eat, drink, and visit on the cheap.

If you haven’t registered, it’s only $15.00. Go here to register.

You’ll get to see Tom Price, Jim DeMint, Michael Williams, Ken Cuccinelli, Marco Rubio, and a host of other conservatives. And each one will consent to fifteen minutes of questions and answers.

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