Libertarian Party of Texas running a Rick Perry-like Conservative for Gov.

Libertarian: Secure the Border, at the Border

From Eric Dondero:

The Libertarian Party of Texas may have chosen a libertarian-conservative as their nominee for Governor. Oddly, Kathie Glass appears closer to Rick Perry in ideology than some more purist Libertarians may be comfortable with.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram is reporting that Glass has taken what could be described as more of a Jan Brewer approach to border security.

Glass, a Houston lawyer, is the Libertarian Party's candidate for governor. At a meeting of local Libertarians on Thursday night, she presented herself as the ideal replacement for Gov. Rick Perry.

Yet earlier this year, Glass and her husband were staunchly backing Medina, a Republican candidate for governor who earned almost 19 percent of the vote.

"We were very hopeful that she would win, and if she had, I wouldn't be running this race," Glass said.

Speaking to about 30 people in the backroom of Billy Miner's in downtown Fort Worth, Glass, 56, touched on the themes that allowed Medina to strike a chord with many Republican voters, including nullifying intrusive federal legislation, protecting the border and preserving property rights.

On Illegal Immigration from Glass's campaign website:

Secure the border at the border by using the Texas State Guard. No one will cross the border other than at a valid U.S. port of entry where they can be assessed by U. S. immigration officials.

No sanctuary cities, no refusal to process those accused of crimes based on their illegal status, and no more looking the other way when an uninsured illegal alien is involved in a traffic accident.

Illegal aliens commit a form of theft when they receive taxpayer-funded benefits such as food stamps, health care services, and education... Illegal immigration dramatically increases the cost of education. 20% of Texas students are here illegally.

Perry briefly supported Seccesion, Libertarian Glass opposed

The Star-Telegram goes on to report on a confrontation later in the meeting with known Texas Seccesionist Larry Kilgore. Ironically, Glass took a more "conservative" approach to the matter than incumbent Rick Perry. Sounding like a true blue Reagan Conservative she expressed her love of country and said forthrightly that she would not support seccesion under any circumstances.

Glass chimed in. "I was born in America and I intend to die here. And I'm not leaving her in her hour of need. I'm not turning my back. She's not going to fall. Not on my watch."

Glass tried to keep speaking, but Kilgore hollered over her.

"Will you sit down and shut up for a minute?" Glass finally yelled.

Perry in 2009 flirted with the seccsion idea at a Tea Party rally in Austin. Though, later on he also rejected the proposal.

Note - Kilgore was a candidate for Governor himself briefly last year, and then backed off and endorsed Medina

A Libertarian opposed to Gay Marriage?

On another issue which divides most Libertarians - Gay Marriage - Glass has come out on the conservative side.

Dave Jennings of BigJollyPolitics described meeting Glass at a small function in June:

Where she came up short was on the issue of gay marriage, saying that while it isn't important to her, marriage is between a man and a woman and she would veto any legislation that came across her desk stating otherwise. Again, although I would agree with her, that is more of a Republican position than a classical libertarian one.

Of course, there's a down-side for Perry. Kathie Glass's vote total will come straight out of the GOP column.

In an article July 15, at Burnt Orange, "Libertarian Gubernatorial Nominee Kathie Glass Chasing Tea Party Voters" Glass's strategy for reaching more conservative voters is outlined:

Texas Libertarians have a decent amount of overlap with the Tea Party. The concept of limited taxes, small government, and states rights blend into both "party" platforms. And politically it makes sense for Glass to try to tap these voters... if Glass manages to get some of these voters as well as Debra Medina Republicans, she very well may be able to increase the statewide Libertarian share by a couple points at the expense of Rick Perry.

However, there's an upside for Republicans, as well. Having her in the race will force Democrat Bill White to defend his rely on government for everything approach against not one but two hardened limited government advocates.

Phyllis Schlafly an Economic libertarian?

Stop the Moochers, even if they're Female

Staunch Social Conservative Phyllis Schlafly made an extremely economic libertarian statement at a recent fundraiser.

From InstaPundit:

“One of the things Obama’s been doing is deliberately trying to increase the percentage of our population that is dependent on government for their living. For example, do you know what was the second-biggest demographic group that voted for Obama? . . . Unmarried women. Seventy percent of unmarried women voted for Obama. And this is because, when you kick your husband out, you’ve got to have Big Brother government to be your provider. . . .”

Democrat raised the Jew question about his Republican challenger

by Clifford F. Thies

According to a New York newspaper, first term Congressman Mike McMahon (D-NY13) has accused his Republican challenger, Mike Grimm, of raising money from Jewish donors. Supposedly, this is to show that the Republican has little support within the district, which covers Staten Island and part of Brooklyn.

From CNN's Political Ticker:

Staten Island Rep. Mike McMahon (D-NY) moved into damage-control mode Thursday, firing the communications director for his re-election bid Thursday night after she gave a reporter a breakdown of a Republican rival's "Jewish money" contributions. McMahon announced he was firing spokeswoman Jennifer Nelson after she provided a New York Observer reporter with a breakdown of Republican rival Michael Grimm's second-quarter financial haul donations from Jewish donors, in an apparent effort to show the former FBI agent has little financial support within the district. In an astonishing move – putting such a statement on paper – the file the reporter was given was titled "Grimm Jewish Money Q2."

And how did McMahon identify these donors as Jewish? Were they wearing armbands???

Democratic Congress candidate now suing a man to whom he made Gay advances

From Cliff Thies:

David R. Fox, an attorney who has repeatedly shown up on the police blotter during the past year - for sexual harrassment, duriving under the influence, and other such offenses - is now suing a man for assault to whom he made gay advances.

Concerning his DUI arrest, a Seattle newspaper reports:

In June, Fox was arrested by Port of Seattle police after a ticket agent called authorities to report that a man wearing a floppy hat, khaki shorts and a Hawaiian shirt repeatedly pulled out a knife and asked "weird questions."

The driver was unsteady on his feet and kept repeating the same questions, telling me over and over that I need to call the Clallam County Sheriff's Office so they could tell me who he was and that he was running for office," the Port of Seattle police report said. "He told me over and over that he is an attorney, and that I have no right to stop him."

Another officer spotted a marijuana pipe on the passenger's seat, and a search turned up a bag of marijuana and prescription pills for which Fox had no prescription, the report said.

Concerning his gay advances, he claims he has "fallen victim to a 'gay witch hunt,' and that his clients often fall in love with him."

According to a county sheriff, the man demanded that a client expose himself in the police station during a consultation and admitted masturbating in the interview room.

In the end, he took a plea deal.

Other run-ins with the law including boucing checks and being a public neuisance.

With his backround, this guy is sure to fit right in with the House Democratic Leadership team!

Pulling out of Afghanistan as leftwing Libertarians are proposing, a Human Rights catastrophe

by Eric Dondero

Time Magazine is running a shocking photo on its front cover for this week's edition. As the editors explain:

Our cover image this week is powerful, shocking and disturbing. It is a portrait of Aisha, a shy 18-year-old Afghan woman who was sentenced by a Taliban commander to have her nose and ears cut off for fleeing her abusive in-laws. Aisha posed for the picture and says she wants the world to see the effect a Taliban resurgence would have on the women of Afghanistan, many of whom have flourished in the past few years. Her picture is accompanied by a powerful story by our own Aryn Baker on how Afghan women have embraced the freedoms that have come from the defeat of the Taliban — and how they fear a Taliban revival.

The non-interventionist wing of the libertarian movement wants an immediate pull-out of Afghanistan. The Ron Paul movement, Lew Rockwell and his followers, Justin Raimondo and Eric Garris at AntiWar.com, most Libertarian Party members, even many at Reason and Cato, all ignore the human rights catastrophe that would undoubtably follow.

As Raimondo has explained:

This war in Afghanistan has no convincing rationale, and no one can explain it – its goals, or what “victory” means, except as a) a war of retribution against enemies who have long since fled the scene, or b) a means of surrounding the Iranians, and a pretext for extending US influence into Central Asia.

Human Rights does not fit the leftwing libertarian template. It's an inconvenience to their carefully crafted philosphy. Historical events such as the Jewish Holocaust in Europe, Stalin's mass starvation of the Ukrainiuns in the 1930s, the Armenian genocide by the Islamist Turks, Mao's murderous agrarian revolution, and the killing fields of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, are ignored by the non-interventionists. All instances where American pacifism and non-intervention helped to cause murder on a scale never before seen in human history.

No doubt, the non-interventionists will similarly ignore the threat of the Taliban to Afghani citizens, with an American pull-out.

To the non-interventionists, protecting the rights of young women from having their ears and noses cut off is not enough of a "rationale" for keeping our troops in this war-torn South Asia country.

(H/t HotAir)

Libertarian candidate in Maryland says incumbent Republican just too damned old

But he agrees with him on 90% of the issues

From Eric Dondero:

Daniel Massey is running for US Congress in Maryland's 6th District - Western Maryland. He is challenging longtime incumbent Republican Roscoe Bartlett. But it's not issues so much that the Libertarian disagrees with the Republican on; it's his age. Bartlett is 79.

From the Frederick News-Post, "Libertarian candidate enters congressional race" July 30:

Daniel S. Massey's top campaign issue is stopping federal government spending.
Massey, a Washington County resident, is running as the Libertarian candidate for U.S. Congress in the 6th District. The district, which includes Frederick County, is represented by incumbent U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, a Republican seeking his 10th term.

Massey, a first-time office seeker, said he agrees with Bartlett's stance on 90 percent of the issues, but he thinks Bartlett is too old.

"His age has gotten up there too much, and I think that's a detriment to our district -- to have someone who doesn't have the energy or drive to make changes," Massey said.

In many ways, Bartlett is considered a "Ron Paul Republican" - paleo-conservative on foreign policy, and economics. The Texas Congressman recently held a fundraiser for Bartlett in his District.

Michigan Gov's race, Libertarian voting for Republican Mike Cox

Gotta "make sure we get the Democrats out"

From Eric Dondero:

The Detroit Free Press has a new poll out for the Governor's race on the GOP side. It shows the three top contenders in a virtual dead heat; Cong. Pete Hoekstra, AG Mike Cox, and businessman Rick Snyder. Interestingly, the FP interviewed a number of Michigan voters. One, who described himself as a "libertarian," said he was voting for Cox.

From the Detroit Free Press "In Michigan governor race, GOP has 3-way toss-up; None of leading 3 candidates has lock on any 1 type of voter" July 30:

Eric Pfund, 37, of Linwood said he probably will vote for Cox. Pfund said he supports the attorney general's efforts to defend gun rights and support the Arizona immigration law. Pfund said he considers himself a conservative or libertarian, rather than a Republican, but he's voting Republican "to make sure we get the Democrats out."

BREAKING!! Feingold falls behind Ron Johnson in Wisconsin

From Eric Dondero:

We have been closely following the Senate race in Wisconsin between ultra-leftist Democrat incumbent Senator Russ Feingold and his challenger Republican Ron Johnson. This is the ultimate match-up between a Socialist, AntiWar Democrat and a Right Libertarian, Pro-Defense, devotee of Ayn Rand.

Now this poll released overnight from Rasmussen:

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in Wisconsin shows Johnson with 48% support. Feingold, a member of the Senate since 1993, again picks up 46% of the vote. Two percent (2%) favor another candidate in the race, and five percent (5%) are undecided.

Not too mention this was a race not on the radar screen of most political pundits as a likely turnover to the Republicans. A Johnson win over Feingold moves the GOP one step closer to the magic 50 number in the Senate.

Sharron Angle's political activism started in the Home School movement

by Paul Jacob

Sharron Angle, who is running for U.S. Senate against Harry Reid, the majority leader seeking a fifth term, had a very good reason for entering politics. The powers that be wouldn’t leave her be.

In his column “Candidate Nobody Is Not to Be Underestimated,” George Will reports that the roots of the grandmother’s current campaign lie three decades in the past.

Her son was being forced to repeat kindergarten, so she decided to teach him herself. But although homeschooling was legal in Nevada, you couldn’t do it unless you lived at least 50 miles from a public school.

Angle and other parents trooped to the state legislature to demand change. One job-holder there, annoyed by this torrent of interest by mere citizens in legislative doings, said if he’d “known there would be 500 people here instead of 50 and it would take five hours instead of 30 minutes, I would have thrown it [the legislation] in my drawer, and it would never have seen the light of day.” Angle has been “politically incandescent” ever since.

I like this story for many reasons, in part because my wife and I have home-schooled our kids. One thing you have to teach the young is not to expect politicians to look out for your genuine best interests.

Another is that vigilance is the price of liberty.

A third is that if you want something done right, often you have to do it yourself.

Paul Jacob is a longtime libertarian political activist; a one-time Draft Resistor, fmr. National Director of the Libertarian Party, and fmr. President of US Term Limits.

Split on the libertarian Right - Washington State GOP Primary for Senate

GOP libertarians Palin and Paul back Didier; GOP libertarian DeMint goes with Rossi

From Eric Dondero:

Both Sarah Palin and Ron Paul have enthusiastically endorsed the candidacy of former NFL great Clint Didier for US Senate, against incumbent Dem Patty Murray. Now a stunner. Jim DeMint, a stalwart libertarian-conservative and Tea Party leader has endorsed Didier's opponent Dino Rossi.

From the Seattle PI:

Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina, a Tea Party champion from the GOP right, is endorsing Republican Dino Rossi in his bid to unseat three-term Democratic Sen. Patty Murray.

DeMint has been backing anti-establishment insurgents in Republican primaries: He supported libertarian Rand Paul for the Kentucky Senate nomination, and former legislator Sharron Angle in Nevada.

"When I met with Dino a couple months ago, he made it clear he was only interested in running if Republicans were serious about saving our country from fiscal collapse," DeMint said in a statement.

Ross is a former two-time GOP nominee for WA Governor against Christine Gregoire. Polls show Rossi and Didier in a virtual dead heat, but both ahead by 2 to 3 points over Murray.

Note - the Republican Liberty Caucus, which represents the libertarian wing of the GOP, has not made an endorsement in this primary race.

Andre Traversa Presents Libertarian Politics Live: Guest Alfonso Aguilar

Alfonso Aguilar from the Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles. He will be talking about conservative outreach to Hispanics. We will also be discussing SB1070. Host Andre Traversa, co-host Jim Lagnese

Call in at 1-646-915-9887

Stream here.

Thank you for reading this blog.

New ad by libertarian-leaning/Tea Party Republican Frank Guinta

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Frank Guinta, former Mayor of Manchester, is the Republican nominee for US Congress - New Hampshire CD 1

Ron Johnson for Senate says Feingold opposes Victory in Afghanistan

From Eric Dondero:

A conservative blog out of Wisconsin had the opportunity to interview libertarian Republican for US Senate Ron Johnson. The Republican Senate candidate challenging Russ Feingold is heavily backed by fiscal conservative stalwart Sen. Jim DeMint.

George Will in a syndicated column last month called Johnson an a hardline capitalist and Ayn Rand devotee: "the idea of running for office never crossed Ron Johnson's mind. He was, however, dry tinder -- he calls Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" his "foundational book." His main focus as a candidate has been the country's enormous debt and cutting the tax burden for Americans, and small business. But now Johnson's giving indications on his foreign policy beliefs, as well. They are indeed views that clash with those of ultra-leftist "Moveon.org" backed Russ Feingold.

LettersinaBottle blog:

I’m very concerned about President Obama, the way he even announced the strategy, the fact that he announces the surge and the next sentence after that, he says, “Oh, by the way, we’re going to pull out in 16 months.” To me, the Taliban strategy is to surge 16 months and a day. And particularly in a conflict like Afghanistan, where we need the villagers to feel confident that, you know, whoever – that we’re going to be there for victory and that we’re committed to that. Because let’s face it, we’ve got the Taliban that’ll happily move into those villages and, you know, enact some retribution on anybody that sided with the other side. So, my concern is that President Obama has set us up for failure, quite honestly; and that’s not what you do when you’re going to commit our fine young men and women into battle. So, you know, highly concerned about his particular strategy.

I would like to achieve victory in Afghanistan. I mean, I’d like to finish off the job; I mean, I’d like to be able to say that, you know, we’ve cleaned up another nest of terrorists, quite honestly. But I’m just, again, very concerned about the direction of, you know, this policy under this president. The only thing that kind of keeps me supportive of it is the fact that we have David Petraeus. Which, by the way, Russ Feingold was one of only twenty Senators that refused to condemn the ad by Moveon.org that called him “David Betray-us.” I don’t think that’s a real way – a real shining moment in Senator Feingold’s voting record, quite honestly.

Center-Right Parties surge to lead in Sweden

Swedish Democrats look to enter Parliament

By Clifford F. Thies

In 2006, a four-party, center-right coalition achieved a wafer thin majority in the Swedish national parliament. Almost immediately, the Social Democrats and their erstwhile coalition partners - the Left Party and the Greens - surged to a lead in opinions polls. Progress in restoring the Swedish economy to a market-orientation appeared to be in jeopardy.

According to the Wall Street Journal / Heritage Foundation index of economic freedom, the Swedish economy had dramatically improved from 61 in 1995 to 70 in 2005. During the most recent years, it has improved further, to 72 in the latest assessment. In contrast, the United States economy, which had improved from 77 in 1995 to 79 in 2001, and, further improved to 81 in 2009, fell back to 78 after the first year of the new Obama Administration. With even more regulations and tax increases enacted this year, the economic freedom rating of the U.S. is sure to fall even further in the next assessment. Would the socialist left accomplish in Sweden what it is accomplishing in the United States in terms of rolling back market-oriented reforms and ruining the economy? Or, would the center-right parties rebound so as to be able, after this September’s election, to continue to advance the reform agenda, possibility to overtake the emerging USSA (United Socialist States of America)?

As the accompanying chart shows, the parties of the center-right in Sweden, now to include the Democratic Party, have jumped ahead of the parties of the left. These parties include the four parties currently forming the ruling coalition (the Christian Democrats and the Center, Moderate and Peoples parties), as well as the Democrats. The largest party of these five is the Moderate Party. This party is a neo-liberal party, i.e., a fusion of market-liberalism and conservatism. It refers to itself as the “New Moderates” because its aim is to revive the market as well as other social-intermediating institutions of a free society within a country that had become famous not only for democratic-socialism, but for the breakdown of the economic vibrancy, family and community life previously associated with the Swedish people.

Among the potential problems for organizing a five-party coalition is the issue of immigration. The Center Party, which was formerly a party representing agrarian interests, has evolved into something of a libertarian party, representing small business interests as well as small landholders. It is also a green party, being favorably disposed to issuing green cards to immigrants. The Peoples Party, a market liberal party, has also evolved into something of a libertarian party, and favors the integration of immigrants into Swedish life, including establishing language and work requirements. The Democrats, on the other hand, come across as opposing immigration. It may be possible to reconcile these divergent viewpoints; but, as the Dutch are showing us, it may be difficult.

Ayn Rand a prime inspiration for Republican Budget Proposal

From Eric Dondero:

Steven Benen of the far left Washington Monthly gives a snarky yet somewhat accurate description of House Budget Comm. ranking Republican member Rep. Paul Ryan's proposal.

From the Washington Monthly, "ARE REPUBLICANS ON BOARD WITH RYAN'S RADICAL ROADMAP?....":

I'm inclined to give Paul Ryan, a devoted fan of Ayn Rand's novels, at least some credit for putting his beliefs on paper, and subjecting them to public scrutiny. He has a plan to radically transform governmental institutions and Americans' way of life, and he's not afraid to say so.

Indeed, many on the right are on board with the radical Ryan plan. Jonah Goldberg loves it, and when it comes to deficit reduction, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) described Ryan's proposed $1.3 trillion in potential cuts as "a pretty good list of options."

it privatizes Social Security; it eliminates Medicare, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and most of Medicaid; and it wouldn't actually get rid of the deficit anyway. The whole plan offers a breathtaking vision of how the government would operate in the 21st century if conservative Republicans had their way.

DNC Chair accuses Republican Party of turning into the Libertarian Party

Privatize Social Security... end Medicare... shut down government agencies

From Eric Dondero:

Some hardened Libertarians might be a bit surprised by the new description of the Republican Party by Democrat National Committee Chairman Tom Kaine.

From the AP "Dems election strategy: Equate GOP and tea party" July 27:

"The Republican Party agenda has become the tea party agenda, and vice versa," Kaine said.

If the GOP were to retake the House and Senate, they would try to privatize Social Security, end Medicare and shutter those two federal agencies, he said.

"We're determined to make sure Americans understand this," Kaine said.

Libertarian Wayne Root comes out against Mosque at Ground Zero

Should Americans have the right to build a Church or Synagogue at Mecca?

by Wayne Allyn Root

As one of America's leading Libertarian thinkers, perhaps I'm always expected to give the "Libertarian answer" to every issue. But sometimes one has to speak not as a Libertarian, Republican or Democrat, but rather as an American- preferably a common sense American. The issue of allowing a mosque to be built in the shadow of the 9/11 terrorist tragedy is one of those times.

The answer is simple for a common sense American- I support religious freedom, as all Americans should. But this is not a case of religious freedom. Yes, Muslims can build their mosque virtually anywhere in America- despite 9/11...despite the Times Square bomber...despite plots by Islamic extremists to blow up the New York subway system...despite everything happening in Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. That's what makes our country great. We do in fact support religious freedom. You can build a mosque virtually anywhere in America.

However, there are also the rights and sensibilities of others to consider in a free society.

Does "religious freedom" mean hate groups should build statues to Hitler in front of Jewish temples in America? Should Americans raise money to build Jewish temples and Christian churches at Mecca? Should Japan build a statue to the bravery of their pilots at Pearl Harbor? Should the U.S. build a statue to the bravery of our pilots at the site of Hiroshima? Aren't those examples all about "freedom of expression," "religious freedom" and property rights? Perhaps, but is it too much to ask for a little consideration and respect toward others?

This proposed building of a mosque on hallowed ground is an ATROSITY towards America. To build a celebration of Islam within steps of 9/11 does nothing to increase religious freedom...it inspires hatred, divides our cultures, and increases the odds of violence and hate crimes. Common sense suggests this mosque, being built in this specific location, is NOT being built as a sign of friendship between Muslims and Americans...but rather as a sign of the lack of respect...a belief in our weakness...and an attempt to embarrass and belittle us. The financial district of Manhattan is not a residential area with a large number of Muslim residents for the mosque to serve. Therefore common sense suggests that the only possible reason to build it there (rather than in Brooklyn or Queens where there are large Muslim populations) is to show Muslim contempt for Americans by building a monument to Islam in the shadow of the site of their greatest triumph over America.

Privately funded or backed by Foreign Governments?

It is an offense to build a mosque in that location- an offense to all Americans (including Muslim Americans), all Christians and Jews, all relatives of 3000 dead heroes at the World Trade Center.

Yes, private individuals and organizations have the right to build houses of worship with their own funds. But one has to wonder where the money is coming from to build a 15-story building on some of the most expensive real estate in the country. We Americans believe in the separation of Church and State. If it turns out that this project is sponsored by a foreign government -- either directly or through a state-sponsored organization that engages in terrorism -- than the idea of this being an issue of religious freedom is a sham and an argument can be made that our Constitution would actually prohibit this mosque from being built.

However, if this is privately funded by parties with no ties to a foreign government, I have to believe that we have enough people in this country who are offended by the prospect of a mosque at Ground Zero, that the money can be raised to buy this land at a fair price from the owners. I know I'd be the first to contribute to a foundation to keep this sacred land from ever being desecrated by a symbol of the very groups that attacked America on 9/11.

We can also put public pressure on the property owners to sell to this new patriotic foundation funded by Americans. We can organize massive protests, filling the streets surrounding this property with patriotic Americans concerned that the hallowed ground of 9/11never be used as a political tool to taunt or embarrass the United States, or as a place to preach intolerance towards Americans. I, for one, am ready to fly 3000 miles to New York to join the protest.

These are the only rational answers for common sense patriotic Americans who still believe in a free society. In situations like this, none of us can afford to be Libertarians, Republicans, Democrats, or politicians of any stripe. We are all proud Americans.

Editor's Note - Wayne Root was the 2008 Libertarian Vice-Presidential candidate. He is currently an At-Large Member of the Libertarian National Committee, and Chair of the Libertarian Committee for Congressional candidates.

Alaska Independence Party - Libertarian Party - Sarah & Todd Palin connection

by Eric Dondero

The Independent Political Report (IPR) is reporting this morning that the Alaska Libertarian Party and the Alaska Independence Party have agreed to form a "new bipartisan coalition."

at least in the battle for four seats in the Alaska Legislature, including that of Speaker of the House. The Alaskan Independence Party (AIP) and the Alaska Libertarian Party (ALP) have both agreed to endorse and support each others candidates for the Alaska Legislature this year.

There are three Alaska Libertarian Party candidates, Robert Clift in HD21 in Anchorage, Harley Brown in HD25 in Spenard/Jewell Lake and Scott Kohlhaas in HD20 in Mountainvie (photo - right), Russian Jack and Northeast Anchorage. There is one Alaskan Independence Party candidate, Ray Southwell, RN of Nikiski, who is challenging Alaska Speaker of the House, Milke Chenault in House District 34. Southwell said, “Isn’t it time that like minded people from all political persuasions band together in defense of our liberties by electing those who will hold our government accountable?”

Although IPR describes this as a "new" coalition, this has been done before. The Alaska Independence Party in many ways emerged out of the Libertarian Party of Alaska in the 1980s. The LPA got immersed in a huge scandal over a raffle for a sea plane which ran awray of state election laws. For years after, Libertarian candidate ran on the "Independence" ticket. The Party itself is said to have been formed by former members and fellow travelers of the Libertarian Party.

As is well known, Todd Palin was a dues-paying member of the AIP for years. Sarah Palin herself was often an attendee at AIP events, and even produced a video for an AIP convention welcoming attendees as Governor. Of course, Sarah Palin's political mentor was former Alaska Governor Wally Hickel, twice elected on the AIP ticket.

Added to the connections, Rob Clift listed above as helping for forge the coalition between AIP and the LPA, is the very individual who invited Sarah Palin to be a guest speaker at two Libertarian Party of Alaska local supper club meetings held in Anchorage in 2005/06.

In that election year, the leadership of the LPA, including then State LP Chair Jason Dowell publicly endorsed Palin, and worked as volunteers for her campaign. Sarah Palin's opponent for Governor on the ballot Billy Toien, good naturedly endorsed her too the last 3 days of the election.

Briefly in the 2008 Presidential campaign, the Palins were slammed by the liberal media for their attachment to the AIP. Though, suspiciously, their connections to the Libertarian Party of Alaska were largely ignored.

Now the connections may be resurfacing, in an effort to connect Palin and the Tea Party to extremist of "fringe" movements. Progressive Nation and Huffington Post are reporting "The Alaskan Independence Party, The Tea Party Before There Was A Tea Party":

If you like the Tea Party, you gotta love the Alaskan Independence Party, so why has it been shunned even by Alaska politicians?

Onetime Gov. Sarah Palin sort of started this when she was running for vice president back in 2008...

Todd Palin, the husband of ex-Gov. Sarah, was for years a registered AIP party member, and now he’s helping out with the campaign of Tea Partier Miller.

Note - Joe Miller was a guest on "Libertarian Politics Live" (LPL) two weeks ago, the radio show for this blog hosted by Andre Traversa and Jim "Right Guy" Lagnese.

Sarah Palin endorsed Miller (photo) over incumbent Republican Lisa Murkowski on her Facebook page last month.

Sarah Palin's ties to the Libertarian Party of Alaska do not fit the agendas of either the third party advocate folks at IPR, nor the liberal media types at HuffPo and Progressive Nation, which prefer to paint her as a "religious conservative," rather than a Libertarian. So, interestingly enough, her and her husband's ties to AIP are played up, but her ties to the LP are ignored.

Disclosure - I am a longtime friend of Scott Kolhaas, and worked closely with Rob Clift in 2005/06 in Anchorage on a local initiative. I also served as a volunteer in Sarah Palin's campaign for Governor the last few weeks of the election.

Republicans poised to take Colorado Senate seat with either Buck or Norton

LR FOLLOW-UP

From Eric Dondero:

We've been following the very Hot! Colorado Senate primary race between Jane Norton and Michael Bennet these past few weeks. Now comes word that either candidate would handily defeat both incumbent Democrat Michael Bennet or his challenger Andrew Romanoff.

From Hedgehog:

US SENATE – COLORADO (Rasmussen)

Jane Norton (R) 48%
Michael Bennet (D) 39%

Ken Buck (R) 48%
Michael Bennet (D-inc) 42%

Jane Norton (R) 44%
Andrew Romanoff (D) 40%

Ken Buck (R) 48%
Andrew Romanoff (D) 42

Editor's Note - we here at LR support both Buck and Norton. The RLC has not made an endorsement in this race.

Libertarian Politics Live: Jordan Lorance and Jennifer Keeton

ADF Attorney Jordan Lorence will be our guest tonight 9:00-9:30 PM Eastern tonight. Tonight we will be discussing the case of Jennifer Keeton, a counseling student at Augusta State University, who is being threatened with expulsion because she expressed her christian convicitons about homosexuality. Her only alternative is to complete a "remediation program," in whcih she'll be asked to write papers and attend seminars on "diversity, GBLT issues," etc. She is even being censured for views she expresses outside the classroom. Suing on her behalf is the Alliance Defense fund, which is once again to be commended for standing up for the underdog and supporting the cause of liberty.

ABOUT Jordan Lorence: Jordan Lorence serves as senior counsel and senior vice-president of the Office of Strategic Initiatives for the Alliance Defense Fund at its Washington, D.C., Regional Service Center. He has litigated religious liberty, free speech, and marriage cases across the nation since 1984. Lorence earned a J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1980. He is admitted to the bar in three states, the U.S. Supreme Court, and multiple federal courts. Host Andre Traversa, Co-host Jim Lagnese

Call in at 1-646-915-9887

Streaming page is here.

See her videos here:

http://www.telladf.org/UserDocs/video/KeetonVNR.mov

http://www.telladf.org/UserDocs/video/KeetonSOT3.mov

http://www.telladf.org/UserDocs/video/KeetonSOT4.mov

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Top States for Job Growth: Virtually All Republican

ALASKA, TEXAS & NORTH DAKOTA

From Eric Dondero:

Congress just approved yet another extension for unemployment benefits. And Some have been on the government dole for over 2 years. Now new numbers have been released. And they show that if these displaced workers would simply move to a Republican State, their job-finding prospects would be improved dramatically.

The Top 3 States in the Nation for Job Growth for 2010 for the first two quarters of fiscal year 2010 are North Dakota, Alaska, and Texas; All 3 solidly Red States. Out of the Top 10, 8 out of 10 are Republican-run. The two exceptions are the glaring anamoly of the District of Columbia coming in at #5, and oddly enough New York.

From Reuters:

Here are the state-by-state rankings as of mid-2010:

1 North Dakota
2 Alaska
3 Texas
4 South Dakota
5 District of Columbia
6 Nebraska
7 Louisiana
8 New York
9 New Hampshire
10 Utah

Conversely, making up the bottom of the list a number of deeply Blue Democrat states like Michigan, California, Rhode Island, and Ohio. Though, two Republican states - Florida and Georgia - are also near the bottom of the list. One swing state - Nevada - is at the very bottom.

Photos - Gov. Sean Parnell of Alaska, Gov. Rick Perry of Texas, Gov. John Hoeven of North Dakota.

Governor Rick Perry helps open yet another Production Facility in Texas

Loss for Democrat-run states like New York, Illinois, and Ohio is a big gain for Texas

From Eric Dondero:

Governor Rick Perry attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Reyes-Amtex Automotive’s production facility, in San Antonio.

From the Office of the Governor (release):

Reyes–Amtex Automotive is part of a joint venture that is comprised of three companies with a combined 120 years of manufacturing experience. The three entities will combine their strengths to make trim components and carpet manufacturing for the next generation Toyota Tundra pick-up trucks using injection molding, blow molding and various assembly techniques.

While other States mainly in the Northeast, Mid-West and California, are losing jobs at a record pace, Texas continues to be among the leaders in job creation. Commented Perry:

“As Americans look for the best place to live, work and raise a family, more of them are heading to Texas all the time,” Gov. Perry said. “The root cause of our economic success is hardworking Texans, but pro-job policies, low taxes, predictable regulations and fair legal system have also helped Texas lead the nation in job creation.”

The Business world is taking notice. CNBC recently named Texas "America’s Top State for Business" for a second year in a row. CEO named Texas the "Best State to Do Business" for the sixth time in a row. Finally, Forbes named Texas Metro-areas like San Antonion, among "America’s Recovery Capitals."

North Dakota moves to create even more Jobs through Property Tax cuts

Cut State Workers; dramatically increase Private Sector Jobs

From Eric Dondero:

Bucking a national trend, particularly in Democrat states like New York, California and Illinois, North Dakota is moving to cut its property tax through initiative.

From the North Dakota Policy Council:

If property taxes were eliminated and the state government had to fund 100% of local government revenue that is generated by property taxes, North Dakota's private sector would create nearly 12,000 new jobs in the first year and more than 13,000 new jobs by 2015. Personal income would increase a staggering $877 million in the first year and by more than $1 billion by 2015. Private investment would increase nearly $700 million in the first year and by more than $1 billion by 2015. These are good things for North Dakota's economy.

Further a study commissioned by Council, by the Massachusetts-based Beacon Hill Institute, indicated that a cut in the state work force would dramatically increase private sector employment. Continuing:

In 2009, $693,184,750.09 were collected in special taxes and property taxes. According to the Beacon Hill Institute's study, the increase in disposable income for North Dakotans and increased business activity because of that income - along with new private investment - would generate $65.88 million in new state revenue.

Simple Math - if you cut the State Work force, you don't need Revenue increases to make up a Tax Cut shortfall

Predictably, liberals in the State are framing the proposed tax cut as a loss of revenue to State coffers.

North Dakota Tax Commissioner Cory Fong is suggesting that the State will have to make up for it, with increases in other revenue sources.

Rob Port of the conservative blog Say Anything, based in ND, shoots that argument down:

flying in the face of Fong’s suggestion that other taxes in the state would have to be drastically increased to make up for the property tax is a study just released by the Beacon Hill Institute showing that if the tax were to go away the state would really only have to make up about $29 million in tax revenues. And that’s a conservative estimate. The reality is probably quite a bit less.

the state could save $25 million annually that it spends now in assessing the property tax. That combined with reductions in the state’s work force and other cuts in wasteful spending put the study’d estimate at the amount of revenue that would need to be made up through other tax increases at only $29 million (worst case scenario).

Alaska Cruise Ship passengers, now to pay less Taxes thanks to Republican Governor

Tax was taking $25 million a year from dock workers and other support industries

Alaska Governor Sean Parnell has signed a bill which would lower taxes dramatically on tourists visiting the State. His Cruise Ship legislation reduced the passenger tax from $46 per person to $19.50.

"Through this legislative session it became very clear as I talked to small business owners around the state that what they needed was for state government to step out of the way and create more opportunity."

Parnell continued:

"This really gives Alaskans, thousands of Alaskans, hope that we have turned the corner now and we will no longer have the exodus of ships and capacity out of our state and that we will start to build the business back and get those Alaska jobs back for Alaskans."

According to AK3 one industry source estimated that the tax was "taking about $25 million a year away from docks and other work supporting the industry and addressing tourism impacts."

The tax was snuck into a proposition approved by voters, that was pushed by environmentalists and other liberal special interest groups in 2006. The result of the tax was almost immediately felt by Alaska workers along the southeast Coast.

Juneau lost a ship that was permenently berthed at the city's harbour. From JuneauEmpire.com, July 26:

Royal Caribbean this year has relocated the 2,100-berth Serenade of the Seas from Alaskan waters after a dispute with the state over the commercial passenger vessel tax, commonly known as the "head tax," established by voters in 2006.

Overall, Juneau is expecting 14 percent fewer cruise ship visitors this year.

The Legislature has reduced the head tax, beginning next year, and also rolled back associated environmental regulations in a effort to win ship visits in future years.

Who is John Galt? - Colorado Congressional candidate Bob McConnell

A Radical for Capitalism, and Gun Rights

Ayn Randian Republican for the US Congress - Colorado CD 3

Libertarian/Tea Party Republican Bob McConnell wins Sarah Palin's endorsement

From Eric Dondero:

Sarah Palin has endorsed a string of libertarian Republicans for congress, senate and governor's races this year, including most prominently Nikki Haley for South Carolina Gov., Tim Scott for Congress in SC, Tom Emmer for Minnesota Gov. and Rand Paul for US Senate in Kentucky. Now add Ayn Randian, Pro-Military Vietnam War Veteran and staunch gun rights advocate Bob McConnell in Colorado.

From Sarah Palin's Facebook, July 19:

Bob McConnell is considered a grassroots underdog candidate running a dynamic, prudent campaign to represent Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District. Bob sometimes describes himself as a “recovering lawyer,” but that’s just one of his professions. Impressively, he’s a retired Colonel and Airborne Ranger. He’s a husband and the proud father of three and grandfather of seven, and he’s a true American patriot who wants to serve his fellow Coloradans for all the right reasons. Bob knows that in times like these ordinary citizens must be bold and take a stand to return our country back to our Constitutional roots of limited and fiscally responsible government. A decorated combat veteran, Bob is supported by the honorable Combat Veterans for Congress, and was unique in being able to tell a rally crowd at the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum that he’s parachuted out of three of the aircraft in that museum! He’s also an avid outdoorsman who climbed Mt. Everest and lived off the grid as a mountain guide for a number of years.

Please join many other concerned Americans in moving the country onto the right path by supporting Bob McConnell. Visit his website at www.mcconnellforcongress.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

McConnell is in a tight race with moderate-conservative Scott Tipton. The District stretches from southeast Colorado - Pueblo to the Western Slope and Grand Junction.

Fireworks fly in Red Hot! Colorado Senate Primary - Who is the "Real Tea Partyer"?

Obama Birth Certificate now the big issue

From Eric Dondero:

The Colorado Republican Senate Primary is just two weeks away. Battling for the nomination are fmr. Lt. Governor Jane Norton and Well County Prosecutor Ken Buck. From the beginning Buck has been regarded as the Tea Party favorite. But Norton has sharply challenged that notion.

Now a new controversy has erupted over Obama's Birth Certificate. Buck, off mic made a disparaging remark about so-called "Birthers."

At an event Buck said:

"Will you tell those dumbasses at the tea party to stop asking questions about birth certificates while I’m on the camera?"

A Buck campaign spokesman has since apologized for the candidate and stated that Buck was simply tired from a long day's campaigning and was "venting."

But Norton is not letting it pass. Her spokesman remarked (via AP, Politics News):

“Ken Buck is two steps short of fraud. He’s a self-proclaimed tea partier who trashes tea partiers when he thinks no one is looking,” Norton spokeswoman Cinamon Watson said.

Just last week Norton praised former Congressman and now Constitution Party candidate for Governor Tom Tancredo for saying Obama posed a worst threat to the U.S. than the "Soviet Union... or Al Qaeda."

Polls have shown a virtual dead heat, with Buck slightly ahead.

Uh-oh! Rothenberg moves 3 top Dem Senators to "Toss-up"

From Eric Dondero:

Three hateful ultra-liberals are now extremely vulnerable according to Democrat strategist Stuart Rothenberg. He blogs:

Right now, Democrats look poised to lose five to eight seats, and any net loss short of that would have to be regarded with relief by Democratic strategists.

Moving from the Lean Democrat category to "Toss-up":

Toss-Up/Tilt Democrat ( 0 R, 3 D)
Boxer (D-CA) *
Feingold (D-WI) *
Murray (D-WA) *

With help from Independent and 2008 McCain supporter Sen. Joe Lieberman, a sweep of 8 seats by the Republicans could hand the GOP a Senate majority.

Recent polls within the last two weeks have shown Boxer falling behind Carly Fiorna by 3 points, Murray behind her two likely GOP challengers by 3 points each, and even Feingold a 3 points behind Republican Ron Johnson. (All within the margin of error.)

(H/t Jim Antle, AS)

Moderate Republican floats secession idea for Tennessee, other States

Political move?

A Tennessee Republican often accused in the past of being a moderate, establishment politician, has suddenly taken a sharp turn to the Right.

Congressman Zach Wamp who represents the Chatanooga/southeast Tennessee area, told CNN that American States should consider seccession, if things don't improve.

Rep. Zach Wamp, one of three candidates seeking the GOP gubernatorial nomination in Tennessee, told Hotline OnCall that [Texas Gov. Rick] Perry had the right idea. Wamp argued that mandates forced on the states by the Obama administration's health care bill have put secession on the table.

"I hope that the American people will go to the ballot box in 2010 and 2012 so that states are not forced to consider separation from this government," Wamp told Hotline OnCall Friday.

Wamp has been under fire from Tennessee conservatives for having voted for the TARP bailout.

Libertarian Republican contributor and Tennessee conservative activist JB Williams commented:

This was a calculated campaign statement from the start. Wamp is not known in Tennessee for a stiff conservative spine. He is moderate and is easily swayed across the aisle. The notion of Wamp ever seriously considering a move as serious as secession is laughable on its face. People familiar with Wamp's political career would never take that statement seriously to begin with. His recent recant of that statement is much more in line with the always politically correct Zach Wamp.

Wamp is currently one of two top Republican contenders for Tennessee Governor.

Major Development!! Christian Democrats agree to talks with Geert Wilders for coalition government

Radio Netherlands is reporting:

The Christian Democrats have agreed to join informal talks with the free-market VVD party and Geert Wilders’ far-right Freedom Party (PVV) to determine whether it would be possible to form a rightwing coalition.

From Israel News"Wilders anti-Islam party to enter government talks" July 26:

Anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders has emerged as a possible member of the next Dutch government after the centrist Christian Democrats agreed to informal talks with Wilders and the VVD party that won recent Dutch elections.

Wilders says the Christian Democrats' move is "positive news" and he is prepared to start the talks as soon as possible. (AP)

Wilders' Freedom Party came in third and won 24 seats in June elections.

Michele Bachmann "goes all Ayn Rand" at Vegas conservative conference

Every American should be a Wealthy Capitalist

Conservative bloggers met over the weekend in Las Vegas for the RightOnline conference. The two top speakers were Reps. Mike Pence and Michele Bachmann.

A liberal blog, AlterNet snarkily describes Bachmann's role:

LAS VEGAS, NEV. — In two major speeches and in the scuttlebutt of break-out sessions, Tea Party movement activists yesterday witnessed a subtle melding of their ideology with the sensibilities of the religious right and the cold capitalism of libertarian she-ro Ayn Rand.

Over dinner, the RightOnline conference — which is sponsored by Americans for Prosperity — heard from Michele Bachmann...

Resplendently evoking the Gadsden flag — otherwise known as the “Don’t Tread on Me Flag” — in a yellow-and-black ensemble, Bachmann served up the usual dish about the deficit, and how the rescue of the auto industry amounted to some form of “gangster government.” (You can find my live Tweets of Bachmann’s speech here – hashtag #ro10 .)

But Bachmann also defined the Tea Party coalition this way: disaffected Democrats, conservative Republicans, libertarians and “Constitution Party types.”

The social safety net came in for more than its usual share of contempt: Bachmann actually called for ending Social Security and Medicare — which she defined as “welfare” — for all but “the truly needy and the truly disabled.” And then she went all Ayn Rand on her audience. “It is possible for every American to be able to retire a millionaire. It’s entirely possible to do that…if you put away money, and there are alternatives that we can offer.”

Democrat Congressmen in Texas may soon become an Extinct Species

From Eric Dondero:

Chet Edwards is on the ropes. Edwards has represented a central Texas district for over 20 years. Early on in his career he did well at pretending to be a moderate. But since the 1990s, he's let his liberal side shine. In 1996, when Ron Paul first ran for Congress, it was Edwards who went on the attack accusing Paul in the pages of Austin American-Statesman of being a gun nut with ties to extremist groups. Since, then his voting record reflects more of a Nancy Pelosi style, rather than a Texan middle-of-the-roader. His NTU score has consistently been in the 26 to 27% range, indicating a status as a "Big Spender."

Now the Dallas Morning-News is reporting that Edwards is on the endangered list of the Democrat Congressional Committee (DCC).

Rep. Chet Edwards could see a major infusion of TV ads in October, courtesy of the national party, which has set aside $28 million to help 40 vulnerable incumbents across the country.

Safe to say, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee wouldn't be spreading around that sort of largesse if it weren't at least a bit worried – about Edwards, Rep. Ciro Rodriguez of San Antonio and the others and, more to the point, about fending off the GOP's assault on their 40-seat majority.

For Edwards, in particular, the rescue effort does not bode well...

Edwards and Ciro Rodriguez are among the most endangered of Texas Democrats. But other Democrats, including crazed-liberal Sheila Jackson-Lee in the heart of Houston and Lloyd Doggett in Austin, are facing stiff Republican opposition. In fact, Doggett's GOP opponent Dr. Donna Campbell was recently added to the NRCC's "On the Radar" list, indicating that the National Republican group considers him to be exceptionally vulnerable, as well.

Doggett and Edwards are among the very last standing stalwarts of the Texas Democrat Congressmen. If they go down, the Democrat Party will be relegated to virtual "third party" status in the Lone Star State.

Photos of Dr. Donna Campbell running against Lloyd Doggett in the Austin area, and Quico Canseco challenging Ciro Rodriguez in San Antonio.

Ground Zero Mosque - Muslims use Masjids as staging areas for conquering foes

The ultimate Trojan Horse

Leftists and Left-Libertarians who support the construction of the Grand Mosque at Ground Zero argue "tolerance." Yet, history has shown over and over that Muslims use these Mosques as staging areas for conquering un-suspecting and tolerant local populations.

UK Libertarians defend Tory MP who refuses to meet with Burqa, Nijab-wearing Muslim women

Prevention of Crime, Public Safety and a simple case of Common Courtesy

From Eric Dondero:

A Kettering Member of Parliament, Conservative Philip Hollobone, is refusing to hold constituent meetings with Muslim women dressed in a Hijab or Burqa. Though, he will continue to meet their concerns through the mail. The MP says he does not feel comfortable holding face-to-face meetings with a woman whose face is entirely covered. He believes it is a great hinderance to communications. He is also sponsoring a bill to ban face-covering clothing on the grounds that it presents a threat to public safety and for just plain-old common courtesy. Said Hollobone:

I just take what I regard as a common sense view. If you want to engage in normal, daily, interactive dialogue with your fellow human beings, you can only really do this properly by seeing each other’s face.
Seventy-five per cent of the usual communication between two human beings is done with personal experience. God gave us faces to be expressive. It is not just the words we utter but whether we are smiling, sad, angry or frustrated. You don’t get any of that if your face is covered.

Meanwhile, a fellow Tory is opposing Hollobone. From the BBC:

Immigration minister Damian Green has said banning the full Islamic veil in public would be "at odds with the UK's tolerant society".

The Libertarian case for Burqa Ban

Some prominent UK Libertarians are coming to Hollobone's defense.

Claire Khaw, an Ayn Randian and self-described "libertarian secularist" (source: benwoodhams.wordpress.com) of Voice of Reason blog blasts Damian Green:

Damian Green is a cowardly piece of shit, but then he is a Tory MP and we can expect no better from the likes of him... I am a Libertarian and want a ban on the grounds that it brings Islam into hatred, ridicule and contempt...

It is for the prevention of crime and the protection of the reputation of Islam that feminine neurosis should not be indulged in this way.

Respect the Host Country's Culture - "When in Rome..."

And this from Roger Helmer of (the UK) CentreRight July 29, "Why France and Philip Hollobrone are right on the Burqa ban":

As an instinctive libertarian, I must admit that my first thought was to oppose any ban on the burka. We want the government off our backs, not telling us what to wear.

But the libertarian argument works both ways. There certainly are Muslim women who choose voluntarily to wear the burka, perhaps as an expression of identity, or of faith, or perhaps out of a misplaced sense of modesty. On the other hand there is good evidence that many Muslim women wear the burka involuntarily, because of cultural, or religious, or peer pressure, or indeed because they are forced to do so by their husbands or other male relatives. So a burka ban would be an imposition on the first group, but would liberate the second.

Hollobone is not a hater of Islam. In fact, he supports Muslim modesty, but he also recognizes that immigrants should respect the values of a host country. From the FreeThinker:

When in Rome, do as the Romans do … They say that when women come to this country, they ought to adapt to our way of life. The Muslim population is growing across western Europe, as is Islamic fundamentalism. It is important to stress I am a respecter of Islam as one of the world’s great religions. I also respect the right of Muslim women to protect their modesty.

Beware of the fake Tea Partiers - RINO Missouri Sen. caught red-handed

From Eric Dondero:

The Left is constantly accusing the Tea Parties of having a "racist" bent. Some real live racist frauds have even shown up to a couple Tea Party rallies, holding racist signs. They were quickly denounced and ejected by the real Tea Party members. Some suspected that they were Democrat plants.

Now, fake Tea Partying is coming from a different direction. At least one Moderate Republican has been caught associating himself with the movement.

A certified Republican In Name Only (RINO), in Missouri used Tea Party symbolism in campaign literature. The guy has never shown up once to a Tea Party event, or has had anything to do with any state or local chapter.

State State Scott Rupp is being challenged for reelection in the GOP primary by Christian bookstore owner and State Rep. Cynthia Davis for State Senate (St. Charles County west of St. Louis). Davis is a hard-line religious conservative and home school advocate. Though, she has an economic libertarian streak. Last year she won national media attention for opposing school lunch programs. From HHPOA.org:

Last year Davis was scolded by liberal television commentator Keith Olbermann and others when she said “hunger can be a positivemotivator” in opposing taxpayer-funded food programs for poorchildren.

The well-known Missouri blog Bob McCarty Writes has picked these two plums from his voting record:

In May 2009, Rupp supported a House-Senate conference committee measure (H.B. 11) that critics say would have added 35,000 able-bodied people to the Show-Me State’s Medicaid rolls had it not been defeated.

In October 2009, Rupp went so far as to scold a state education official for not acting quickly enough to secure millions in strings-attached federal funding for the state via President Barack Obama’s “Race to the Top” education initiative.

According to McNarty, a local Tea Party leader Chuck McNab had this to say (via BigGovernment.com):

As we see it, his flyer attempts to create an illusion. For instance, we have never seen him show up to meet people or to help out at a Saturday rally of K & N Patriots, the largest and primary “tea party” group that has met every Saturday for over a year in his District. Cynthia Davis, his opponent, has shown up to help out, hold a sign and converse with participants at the corner of K & N almost every Saturday, sometimes for the entire duration of the rally.