Leaders for Liberty: Sharron Angle, Terri McCormick, and Sarah Steelman

Republican Liberty Caucus ^ | 2009-07-01

[rabscuttle385]

As the focus turns from rebuilding the Republican Party in 2009 to winning elections in 2010, look to three savvy women to lead the way for liberty next year.

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Sharron Angle is a former member of the Nevada Assembly who was narrowly defeated in a Congressional primary two years ago. At her website, she sharply criticizes the national debt, the continued growth of government, and mounting Congressional spending.

In 2010, Angle is likely to run against the vulnerable U.S. Senate Speaker Harry Reid (D-NV).

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Terri McCormick is a former State Representative from Wisconsin. Elected in 2000, she self-imposed a term limit and stood by her promise, leaving office in 2006. She ran against the GOP establishment choice for Congress in 2006, losing to him in the primary. The GOP’s “top-tier” choice went on to lose the General Election in a swing district.

While in the legislature, Terri helped expand charter schools in Wisconsin. Since leaving public life, she has worked to reduce health care costs for local governments via her firm, McCormick Dawson. Rep. McCormick is considering running for office in 2010 and has expressed a belief that the libertarian wing of the party is best positioned to save the Republican Party.

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Sarah Steelman is the former State Treasurer of Missouri. She lost a Gubernatorial primary in 2008 to the GOP establishment choice. The establishment’s choice went on to lose the Gubernatorial election.

At her website, Steelman features a John Adams quote that “the only maxim of a free government ought to be trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty.” She goes on to say that liberty is “a fire that burns in every heart … the spark that ignites greatness … the soul of our nation … the destiny of every man.”

Steelman is considering a bid for Congress in 2010 or State Auditor in 2012.

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Look for these savvy ladies to vigorously defend our shared principles in 2010.

[rabscuttle385]

Heads up! :)

[Eric in the Ozarks]

We could use a new congresscritter in Missouri. Ike Skelton, who had spent his entire life on the public payroll, voted for the carbon tax, saying it would “protect farmers.” He needs the heave-ho.

[bamahead]

BUMP!

Now let’s see if the clueless GOP takes a hint and backs these outstanding candidates this time around. Or if they prop up more establishment RINO’s against them. I’m not harboring much faith.

[mukraker]

I wrote about this tactic of the GOP in 2006.

"We see small stories coming to light here and there, stories about Republican leaders ignoring some of their most qualified candidates in favor of those who agree to “play the game.” It’s the GOP Harris-ment factor. As a result, in race after race, we’re getting the same old stale career politicians, with little or no real world experience, being proffered as candidates, as career politicians use these races to advance their own political careers."

"Instead of getting candidates with new perspectives and fresh points of view, we end up having to decide whether we will cast a vote for the lesser of two evils, or just stay home and not vote on election day. Republicans used to embrace these fresh candidates; now they’re seen as a threat to the status quo."

(read my full March 23, 2006 editorial "Is The GOP Harris-ing Good Candidates?" at kerrythomas.com)

[mukraker]

and I wrote a follow-up after the 2008 elections:

"The Wisconsin GOP is in DESPERATE need of new leadership."

"Clearly, the pecking order system, which rewards loyal Republicans with favorable party status, while treating those who violate the pecking order system with contempt, the pecking order embraced by Wisconsin’s GOP doesn’t work very well. If we continue to use that process behind the scenes to select our candidates, it won’t be pretty."

"The RPW leadership needs to realize what we all know. Principled people with good ideas should be encouraged, not shunned, regardless of their prior experience."

(read my full November 6, 2008 editorial "Not Again, John" at kerrythomas.com)