Free Republic

Here's the story of how armed men on a mission from God grabbed a national wildlife refuge and sparked a debate about the rule of law and public lands. By Rocky Barker Efforts to expel a controversial state representative from the Washington Legislature are likely over after no Republicans would sign a letter calling for state Rep. Matt Shea’s expulsion. The Spokesman-Review reports that all 98 members of the state House of Representatives were asked Thursday to sign a letter calling for the expulsion of Spokane Valley Republican. All 56 Democrats signed the letter, but no Republicans did. Democratic Rep....

SPOKANE, Wash. — Matt Shea was 34 years old when he ran for the State Legislature in eastern Washington, but he had already established credentials that made him a promising Republican candidate. A lawyer trained at Gonzaga University who had served a tour in Iraq with Washington’s Army National Guard, Mr. Shea pitched voters in 2008 on a platform of limiting taxes and punishing criminals, opposing same-sex marriage and supporting gun rights. He went on to win with nearly 60 percent of the vote, then moved up the ranks in the Legislature, reaching the powerful position of chair of his...

The House Republican Caucus has expelled Matt Shea after an investigation revealed that he "participated in an act of domestic terrorism against the United States." Shea represents Washington’s 4th District, which encapsulates the area surrounding Spokane Valley. He has since taken to social media to call the investigation a "sham." On Facebook he wrote: "Like we are seeing with our President this is a sham investigation meant to silence those of us who stand up against attempts to disarm and destroy our great country. I will not back down, I will not give in, I will not resign. Stand strong...

OLYMPIA-The Washington State Patrol is investigating threats against Rep. Matt Shea. Kyle Moore, a spokesman for the patrol, confirmed Friday the agency's Spokane District has 'an open and active case' involving threats against the Spokane Valley Republican, but he could not give further details because of procedural rules...... Shea declined to comment to the newspaper. "Rep. Shea received a very threatening voice mail this week. It's being taken very seriously," according to his legislative spokesman, who said he couldn't comment further. On Facebook posts, Shea said he received a death threat Jan. 12 after articles were published in The Spokesman-Review...

Washington state legislator Rep. Matt Shea (R) says preparation is crucial to get ready for what he calls "the inevitable collapse" of the US economy. The Self-Reliance Rally event at an Idaho State Park had several speakers encouraging attendees to prepare by gathering arms and ammunition and considering forming militias. "When it happens, we need to look at this as a opportunity, not a crisis," Shea said. "Who's job is liberty? That's our job." Shea told the crowd to stock up on ammunition, stay in shape, practice shooting, learn self defense and special tactics. He related a story from when...