Introducing the Reagan21 Caucus
Remember my ambivalence during my visit to the Reagan Ranch? It was an inspiring, yet depressing reminder of where conservatism once stood and how so many of its pillars seem to have crumbled. Well, some Republican members of both the House and Senate are trying to revive Reagan’s spirit–not just in word, but in deed. The movement is called the Reagan21 Caucus. Sounds very promising. Grass-roots conservatives should keep an eye on the caucus. If they do their job right, they’ll be battling the GOP establishment with as much frequency, if not more, than the Democrats and nutroots.
Human Events has quotes from some of the participants:
Today, a bicameral group of Senators and Congressman presented a positive alternative to the current majority in Congress. Members of Reagan21 are committed to the advancement of a new and invigorated Republican Party fighting for Reagan’s principles of liberty and a 21st Century vision for America, including individual freedom, free enterprise and common-sense values. The Partnership’s goal is to give Americans a positive choice in public policy by advancing the integrity and optimism of the Republican Party.
Senator Tom Coburn:
“At a time when Congress’ approval rating is at an all-time low, it is vital that elected officials regain the trust and confidence of the American people. Reagan21 provides a way for members of Congress to commit themselves to a clear set of common sense principles about freedom and limited government that are not merely Republican values, but American values.”
Senator Jim DeMint Statement:
“The Republican Party is about big, inspiring ideas that expand freedom and prosperity for all Americans. Reagan21 is a forum for Republicans who are willing to champion innovative reforms and commit to the principles that ignited the Reagan revolution.”
Roll Call spotlights the group:
Frustrated by what they see as a party gone astray, a group of House and Senate conservatives led by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) and Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) today will announce a new bicameral caucus aimed at returning fiscal restraint, ethics and national defense to the fore of the GOP’s philosophical and policy platforms….
…Representative John Shadegg:
“Americans are desperate for leadership in Washington that will stand up to the radical leftist agenda of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. Reagan 21 is an organization dedicated to articulating and fighting aggressively for freedom Integrity, Principle, and Freedom and every American who shares those values is welcome to join this effort.”
Representative Jeb Hensarling:
“The challenges of the 21st Century are unique; the solutions to those challenges are not. Reagan21 will offer a new vision for Americans based upon on the core principles of freedom, opportunity and security. I’m proud to be associated with this group will work to communicate our vision to Americans who are looking for change in Washington. I’m proud to be a part of a group that will go on earmarks where no other group has gone before.”
Representative John Campbell:
“Americans are crying out for leadership with courage, principle, and integrity. The members of Reagan 21 will provide that leadership.”
They’ve got big shoes to fill. Here’s hoping…
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I better find Ander Crenshaw on that list real soon — or he won’t get much support from me come this time next year.
I especially like commons sense values. With to much frequency these values have become MIA.
I drift, I’t seems when I read an article about President Reagan a personal highlight real plays in my head like ESPN covering an SC/Notre Dame game. I admired him as millions of others did. I drift because the highlight real is long and filled with reasons why we admired him so much, I drift….and miss President Reagan.
“Win one for the Gipper”
Thanks for this good news Michelle. Positive news is a good way to start this beautiful day. I pray their initiative will take root and flourish.
Isn’t it ironic that the GOP has to start a conservative, Reagan caucus? I thought they were supposed to already be that way by default.
It will be interesting to see whether these members lose any leadership roles or get ostracized by party “leaders” committed to advancing the Dem agenda so they get face time on Meet the Depressed.
Hallelujah!! American values…none of that divisive stuff. Me likey…
And praying…
Achefty, it is ironic. However, there is something amiss in the GOP and I welcome this caucus with open arms.
We talk about getting back to what makes conservatives conservative and if this group does that, wonderful. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Let the fight commence.
Speaking of fights, it looks like you’re up for both Blog of the Year and Best Conservative Blog, and Hot Air is up for Best Video Blog. Congratulations, and get a new Vent or two up please.
#5 ACHefty:
“Isn’t it ironic that the GOP has to start a conservative, Reagan caucus? I thought they were supposed to already be that way by default.”
As I’ve said before, the trouble is that politicians, whatever they’ve said in order to be elected; once they get to Washington, they like the way it is and what it offers them (sort of like a dream bordello?), and they go “native”.
I agree, a new vent on this bullcrap nickelodeon is pulling is a great place to start. please.
I miss my dose of vent also!
Well it’s about damn time! How do we find out who all the members are? I’d love to ping my Republican senators and get their thoughts. And my standard quote for RR threads… “I miss Ronald Reagan.” *sigh*
Talk and goals are good. Let’s see some action. One of the best statements I heard once, came from my own Dad, “Don’t tell me what you’re going to do, tell me when you’ve done it.” Something I never forgot. I hope the caucus works well. We certainly need leadership besides speeches.
I agree that it is certainly welcome. I think the party of Reagan needs to be just that. But we must hold our current officials accountable, which is why I said that Crenshaw had better jump in quickly, or I may wonder (more loudly) if he is a carer-pork spender.
Nice guy, solid credentials, but loves to spend money.
Sounds like Crenshaw had better get his act together then…
Got to love those Okee’s. Anything Dr.Coburn is involved in is good. The Dems hate him.
Dear Michelle and Fellow Commenters
The news of the Reagan21 caucus is the greatest breath of fresh air I’ve inhaled since the great man was president.
But Reagan21 shouldn’t be limited to just a few senators – it should be a coherent national movement. I want In, and I’m sure that millions of others across the nation would want to join in supporting a return to the American ideals so wonderfully personified in Ronald Reagan.
Michelle, would you please go to these senators and tell them this? That there are millions of us who want to be part of returning our country to its true nobility as the land of the free and the home of the brave?
I haven’t a clue as to how this can happen, but I promise to do whatever I can to help. As far as I can see, it’s our last best hope. What do you say?
All the best, Sean O’
I’m so tired of hearing Republicans quoting our hero…JUST DO IT!!!
“Led by Senator Jim DeMint”…
Senator, you are my hero. I will be a big part of your re-election campaign here in SC. Keep up the good work
Americans are desperate for leadership
advancing the integrity and optimism
fighting aggressively for freedom Integrity, Principle, and Freedom
core principles of freedom, opportunity and security
Americans are crying out for leadership with courage, principle, and integrity
This is such pointless, vanilla crap. Who would ever argue against courage, leadership, principle, integrity, security etc…
It’s the way that those things are defined and road one will take to get there that seperate liberals from conservatives. Lets hear some concrete policy proposals and mission statements…so far it looks like this caucus is just recycling the same lame poltical language as everyone else.
I hope these aren’t the same Bush/Cheney Republicans who are trying to take away our freedoms and are so corrupt and unpatriotic they want to give our country away to Mexicans (like Reagan started with the amnesty bit).
Real conservatism means fiscal responsibility, not the relentless drives for tax breaks for the rich that leads to ever greater deficits and unfunded liabilities. As tax-and-spend has had its day, so also is borrow-and-spend Bush/Reagan economics a dead end.
Why not The Republican Liberty Caucus ?
Welcome to my nightmare — where Conservative values and Constitutional governance are called “fringe,” “nutty,” and people who advocate it are compared to Neville Chamberlain. I guess Reagan was a “Chamberlain” too, since he “waved the white flag” at terrorists in Lebanon and brought our troops home. I hope this “Reagan21 caucus” is more than an invocation of his name in order to further the warped so-called “neo-con” brand of Conservatism popularized by Bush and his cronies.
How about:
- Strong defense
- Extricate ourselves from entangling foreign alliances and engagements
- Low taxes
- Small government
- Protect our borders and national sovereignty
- Protect life and liberty
That sounds like something that would make Reagan proud — but none of the “leading” Republican candidates is advocating all of that. Heck… they’re not even advocating half of it!
Show me, don’t tell me.
There was only one Ronald Wilson Reagan. But, maybe, they can carry forward some of his common sense principles.
Like Michelle said, “They’ve got big shoes to fill. Here’s hoping…”
Why not? Lessee.
Ah, you’re one of those “REAL” conservatives. We always hear about you guys.
Ah…I see where this is going. Reagan had enough on his plate dealing with the Commies, he punted. Everybody else punted too, we paid for it.
Note, not all conflicts are the same. We fought WWI, WWII and the Cold War all much differently. But for some reason, some people have a hard time wrapping their heads around that. We’re dealing with a new problem and a new enemy…surprise! There’s a learning period involved in creating a new strategy!
Neocons! Can you throw in something like Chimpy McFlightsuit to go in with that? Just gives it a more natural moonbatty flavored flow, and makes it easier for everyone else to ignore you.
And we get to the real heart of it, PaleoCon codespeak, Operation Screw The Jews.
What the fark is with you Paleocons? Why do you have such a raging fixation on seeing the Israelis pushed into the sea?
I’m all about reducing government and increasing liberty, which you paleolibertine types are rightly angry about, but you sickos lose me here on this Israel deal every time. And don’t kid yourself, that’s what it is for most of you.
Bad Candy
‘zactly.