Free Republic

For Immediate Release Contact: Kristen Hawn (202) 226-9782 July 29, 2009 Blue Dog Statement on Health Care Reform Legislation in the House Washington, DC - Today, Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, Blue Dog Co-Chair for Administration, issued the following statement regarding the continued development of health care reform legislation in the House. “The Blue Dogs have been successful in ensuring the House will have time to assess the committee products on health care reform, both in the House and the Senate, as there will be no vote on the House floor before August. “Blue Dogs believe fundamental reform of our health...

A recent Gallup poll found that twice as many Americans have become more conservative than liberal. Yet, at the same time, twice as many Americans now identify themselves as Democrats as opposed to Republicans. How did this seeming paradox come about? What, if anything, can the Republican Party do to restore itself? Or are these so-called "Blue Dog" Democrats the new placeholder for the conservative spot on the block? First, let's look at the origins of conservatism. British parliamentarian Edmund Burke, defender of the colonists' cause to preserve their rights against oppressive taxation, was conservatism's founding father. He spoke in...

While Sarah Palin has publicly deflected questions on whether she plans to run for president in 2012, it's becoming clearer she's not stepping out of the national political arena anytime soon, even though she is resigning as Alaska governor. The Washington Times reports that Palin plans to stump for conservative issues and even for Democrats who share her values on limited government, strong defense and energy independence. "I will go around the country on behalf of candidates who believe in the right things, regardless of their party label or affiliation," she said in an interview, "People are so tired of...

July 10, 2009 Dear Mrs. Dunavant: Thank you for contacting me about climate change. As Central Kentucky's advocate in Washington, D.C., your views are extremely important to me, and I appreciate the time you took to share them. I voted for the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, a comprehensive piece of legislation that creates clean jobs, moves us away from our dependence on foreign oil, tackles pollution, and transforms our economy to face the new challenges of the 21st century. Supporting this bill was not an easy decision. I struggled with this legislation, and I recognize the...

ANCHORAGE, Alaska | Brushing aside the criticisms of pundits and politicos, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said she plans to jump immediately back into the national political fray — stumping for conservative issues and even Democrats — after she prematurely vacates her elected post at month's end. The former Republican vice-presidential nominee and heroine to much of the GOP's base said in an interview she views the electorate as embattled and fatigued by nonstop partisanship, and she is eager to campaign for Republicans, independents and even Democrats who share her values on limited government, strong defense and "energy independence." "I will...