Overview of Candidates
2010 Incumbents
U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, South Carolina
Jim DeMint has been a Senator from South Carolina since 2005. He had previously represented South Carolina’s 4th congressional district from 1999 to 2005. DeMint’s main work has been opposing the increase of federal government spending, both under the Bush and Obama Administrations. He was opposed to federal bailouts for banks and other corporations. He is the most vocal and consistent advocate of limited government in the U.S. Senate.
U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake, Arizona
Jeff Flake is known as one of the more libertarian House Republicans, often among a handful of Republicans casting ‘no’ votes on bills most of his party supports. He has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 2001, representing Arizona’s 6th congressional district — the eastern Phoenix suburbs. He used to serve as President of the Goldwater Institute, a libertarian-conservative Arizona think-tank.
U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock, California
Tom McClintock II is a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from California’s 4th congressional district and was elected in 2008. The district extends from the eastern suburbs of Sacramento to the Nevada and Oregon borders. McClintock has served as an elected official since 1982 but has kept his connections to common people. He is an outspoken opponent of government intervention in the economy, and was endorsed by Congressman Ron Paul in his first race for Congress in 2008.
U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, Texas
Ron Paul is a physician and Republican Congressman in the 14th congressional district of Texas, which is west of Houston and extends to the Gulf of Mexico. He is the foremost defender of individual liberty in Washington and has been called the conscience of the Congress. Congressman Paul has a thirty year record of supporting individual liberty and limited government in Congress.
2010 Challengers
Dr. Rand Paul, Kentucky
Dr. Rand Paul is a longtime Kentucky resident, eye doctor, and son of Congressman Ron Paul. In 1994, he started a taxpayer group in Kentucky and therefore Dr. Paul has been engaged in politics in the Bluegrass State for many years. Thus far, the Republican establishment has not embraced his candidacy, despite that he is leading primary opponent Trey Grayson in the polls. Dr. Paul represents the best chance to add a voice of common sense and limited government to the U.S. Senate in 2010.
Dr. Rand Paul’s Ranking | Dr. Rand Paul on the Issues | Race Information
Mike Lee, Utah
Michael S. Lee is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney who prepared briefs and argued cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. He served as Governor Huntsman’s General Counsel from January 2005 until June 2006, when he returned to Washington for a one-year clerkship with Justice Alito at the U.S. Supreme Court. Lee will face three minor opponents and U.S. Senator Bob Bennett in the Republican primary for Utah’s U.S. Senate seat. Bennett is a supporter of the Bush wiretapping proposals, has broken his term limits pledge, and also voted for the 2008 federal bank bailout. Utah is a red state with grassroots Tea Party and conservative support and the folks are angry with Senator Bennett. Mike Lee is well known in Utah politics and could damage Bennett, or perhaps even send him from Washington to Utah.
Mike Lee’s Ranking | Mike Lee on the Issues | Race Information
Sen. Mick Mulvaney, South Carolina
Mick Mulvaney is a State Senator that represents part of South Carolina’s Fifth District in the Senate. The seat has been held by John Spratt, a Democrat, since 1983. Spratt continues to win 20-point margins against his opponents, even after serving for nearly thirty years in Congress. The district is one of the few remaining in the former Confederacy to have never elected a Republican since Reconstruction. Mulvaney calls himself a libertarian openly, and is the best candidate Republicans could hope for to take the seat away from Spratt. With the right dynamics, it would be possible for Mulvaney to win, especially because Pratt is part of the Democrat leadership in the House.
Sen. Mick Mulvaney’s Ranking | Sen. Mick Mulvaney on the Issues | Race Information
R.J. Harris, Oklahoma
R.J. Harris is a father and Army National Guardsman that has served our country on three tours of duty overseas. Waging a Republican primary challenge to Republican Tom Cole is something that someone needed to do. Cole is somewhat vulnerable because some Republicans have blamed him for losing Republican seats in Congress while he chaired the Republican National Congressional Committee. Cole did not win the seat by huge amounts in recent years, which shows his popularity is waning. In short, Harris is a better fit for this conservative Oklahoma district, and playing up his military service enough could solidify the biggest upset of the 2010 primary cycle.
R.J. Harris’s Ranking | R.J. Harris on the Issues | Race Information
Rep. Justin Amash, Michigan
Justin Amash is a father, attorney, and State Representative running for the open Congressional seat in western Michigan’s Third District. The seat was previously held by U.S. Rep. Vern Ehlers, who decided to retire in 2010. It’s a safe Republican seat. Ehlers announced his retirement in early February of 2010, so the dynamics of this race are still taking shape. What we know about Amash is that he is a visionary leader with a sound record of supporting smaller, more efficient government. Representative Amash was among the first legislators to to list his office expenses, staff salaries, and legislative benefits online. He also posts all of his votes on his Facebook page, with explanation and opportunity for voter interaction. Amash recently received the endorsements of former RNC Committeewoman from Michigan, Betsy DeVos, and 2006 Republican Gubernatorial nominee Dick DeVos. Rarely is a young elected legislator as principled, consistent, and committed as is Representative Amash, so we hope western Michigan sends him to Congress.
Rep. Justin Amash’s Ranking | Rep. Justin Amash on the Issues | Race Information
Peter Schiff, Connecticut
Peter Schiff is a successful businessman, bestselling author, and economic expert widely credited with foretelling the US economic crisis years before it occurred. He has dedicated his entire adult life to economics and finance. Mr. Schiff is in a multi-candidate primary to face Senator Chris Dodd in the General Election, but faces very tough challengers in former Congressman Rob Simmons and WWE CEO Linda McMahon. While Schiff is a standout candidate, offers expertise on financial matters, and is excellent on the issues, many voters in Connecticut may not know him and winning the Republican primary will be a tough endeavor.
Peter Schiff’s Ranking | Peter Schiff on the Issues | Race Information
Rep. Terri McCormick, Wisconsin
Terri McCormick is a former three-term State Representative that upheld her term limits pledge when elected in 2001. She ran for Congress in 2006 and lost handidly against a well-funded, NRCC-backed opponent. In 2009, McCormick worked to charter a Wisconsin affiliate of the Republican Liberty Caucus. Due to her district-wide name recognition and policy innovations in the legislature, she has a slight advantage over her two establishment GOP opponents, Reid Ribble and Roger Roth. Wisconsin’s Eighth district was won by the incumbent Democrat (Steve Kagan) by just two percentage points in 2008, so whoever wins the eight-way GOP primary may be the next Congressperson from this very independent-minded, conservative district.
Rep. Terri McCormick’s Ranking | Rep. Terri McCormick on the Issues | Race Information
Brian Miller, Arizona
Brian Miller is a Major and senior pilot in the United States Air Force Reserve, 45th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. He is one of four candidates seeking the Republican nomination in southern Arizona’s Eighth Congressional district. The winner of the primary will face Gabrielle Giffords, a second-term Democrat. Miller is well-positioned to win the primary. The best part of his website is “Miller’s Mission,” in which he expains the proper role of government and that he wants to be a citizen-legislator to work to represent the people of southern Arizona. Overall, Miller is an impressive candidate with the right resume and commitment to succeed in this Southwestern swing district.
Brian Miller’s Ranking | Brian Miller on the Issues | Race Information
Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Iowa
Mariannette Miller-Meeks is a mother, doctor specializing in ophthalmology, and Army veteran. She retired from the US Army Reserve in 1998 after 24 years at the rank of Lt. Colonel and after a 15 month deployment following 9/11. She has been a physician in private practice in Iowa for the last decade. Dr. Miller-Meeks ran in 2008 for the same seat, losing to then-first-term Democrat Dave Loebsack 57% to 39%. She is back again in 2008 and has two Republican primary opponents. The district trends Democrat, but not overwhelmingly, so whoever the Republican nominee is could possibly win the seat. Dr. Miller-Meeks is the most qualified candidate in the race and offers thoughtful solutions for Iowa.
Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks’s Ranking | Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks on the Issues | Race Information
Bob Giuda, New Hampshire
Bob Giuda was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Operations Analysis. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 1975. He served ten years as an attack pilot and instructor achieved the rank of Captain. He has spent the last 23 years as a pilot for a major U.S. airline. He is a former member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, serving from 2001 to 2006. Giuda has two difficult opponents he must defeat in the primary, conservative Jennifer Horn (the 2008 nominee) and moderate former Congressman Charlie Bass. New Hampshire’s Second District is a former Republican stronghold that — like the state — has been trending Democrat. U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes (D) vacated his seat to run for U.S. Senate, so the seat is up for grabs. Giuda may be the favorite to win both the primary and general elections. He is not perfect on all of the issues — especially in the foreign policy arena (he supports human rights endeavors abroad) — but would be a solid pro-liberty Representative.
Bob Giuda’s Ranking | Bob Giuda on the Issues | Race Information
Mattie Fein, California
Mattie Fein has a wealth of experience in national and international policy and media. She was an Associate Producer at CNBC and creator of public television’s educational programming for children which promoted cultural awareness and literacy. Ms. Fein has been a contributor to the Financial Times and CBS MarketWatch, and has served as a frequent guest on the BBC regarding Argentine political and economic affairs. She is running for Congress in the Los Angeles area against Jane Harman, who was elected to Congress in 1993. In 1994, Harman barely survived reelection, winning by 812 votes. Fein is being called the best candidate Republicans have fielded in the district in the past 15 years. Fein has one primary opponent — who she will easily defeat — and is going to give Jane Harman a run for her money in November.
Mattie Fein’s Ranking | Mattie Fein on the Issues | Race Information
David Ratowitz, Illinois
David Ratowitz is a former U.S. Army Captain and business owner. He has advanced degrees, has served his community as a volunteer, and is involved with his local Republican Party organization. He faces two primary opponents, each vying for the opportunity to face U.S. Representative Mike Quigley, a Democrat who was recently elected to the seat after Rahm Emanuel vacated it. Ratowitz is a very promising candidate who won his three-way Republican primary. Unfortunately, the Chicago area district he is running in favors Democrats significantly, therefore limiting his chance of victory. However, given that Quigley is unproven in a general election contest, Ratowitz could do better than past Republican candidates in the race and build up name recognition for future leadership posts.
David Ratowitz’s Ranking | David Ratowitz on the Issues | Race Information
John Dennis, California
John Dennis is a father and businessman who got fed up with politics as usual and decided to do something about it. Dennis is active in the Republican Liberty Caucus of California and the local Republican Party. He has the potential to make inroads with San Francisco voters because of his libertarian positions on social issues and strong anti-war stance. He also has the potential to cash in on nationwide anger with his opponent, Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
John Dennis’s Ranking | John Dennis on the Issues | Race Information
Rep. Morgan Philpot, Utah
Morgan Philpot is a former State Representative and immediate past Vice-Chairman of the Republican Party of Utah. Republican Liberty Caucus members were very active in helping Philpot obtain the post of Utah GOP Vice-Chair in 2008. While in the legislature, Philpot was granted the “Friend of the Taxpayer” award by the Utah Taxpayer’s Association and the “Guardian of Small Business” award by the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Philpot has no Republican challenger and his opponent in the General Election, U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson, is vulnerable. Matheson was elected in 2000 and is the co-chair of the Blue Dog Coalition in the House. Philpot has a wealth of experience combined with a strong commitment to limited government principles. We hope he wins.
Rep. Morgan Philpot’s Ranking | Rep. Morgan Philpot on the Issues | Race Information
Howard Houchen, Oklahoma
Howard Houchen is a father, business owner, and conservative columnist. He is running against two primary contenders for the chance to defeat incumbent Democrat Dan Boren. Oklahoma’s Second Congressional District covers approximately the eastern one-fourth of the state. In recent years, the district has trended more conservative, despite that it has traditionally been a union/Blue Dog Democrat stronghold. Houchen is an interesting and determined candidate. He has an uphill road to climb, first defeating two primary challengers and then trying to knock off the son of Oklahoma University’s president and former Governor. Still, he does not seem deterred.
Howard Houchen’s Ranking | Howard Houchen on the Issues | Race Information
Gary Clift, California
Gary Clift is running for Congress in northern California’s Tenth District against John Garamendi. He will have several Republican primary challengers he will have to defeat in June for the right to face Garamendi. Clift is a retired law enforcement officer who says he battled bureaucracy in the California system throughout his career. He is also a farmer. Clift was initially asked by his neighbors to run for Congress when the District 10 seat became vacant in 2009 after Ellen Tauscher resigned to take a position in the Obama Administration. Garamendi was the California State Insurance Commissioner from 1991 to 1995, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Interior from 1995 to 1998, and the California State Insurance Commissioner again from 2003 to 2007. He then served as the 46th Lieutenant Governor of California from January 8, 2007 until he was elected to Congress in November 2009. Clift’s platform focuses on limited, efficient government that is responsive to the people.
Gary Clift’s Ranking | Gary Clift on the Issues | Race Information
Troy Stanley, Florida
Troy D. Stanley is running against Congressman Ander Crenshaw in the August 24 Republican Party primary. Stanley A twenty-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and has served all over the world. Ander Crenshaw has been a member of Congress since 2001 and represents Florida’s 4th Congressional district. He is somewhat of a career politician, having spent large parts of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s in the Florida legislature. Crenshaw’s district takes in most of Jacksonville along with a long portion of North Florida. The district is largely Republican and Crenshaw has only one Independent and zero Democrats opposing him in 2010. This may be due to his moderate voting record. Stanley is challenging Crenshaw as a Liberty candidate, asking why Crenshaw has voted for more government intervention on most issues most of the time. It would be a major upset for Tea Party and independent-minded Republican voters to elect Troy Stanley over the longtime incumbent. That would be a blessing for the conservative north Florida district.
Troy Stanley’s Ranking | Troy Stanley on the Issues | Race Information
James Scholz, Missouri
James Scholz is a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army with 20 years of peace-time and combat service. He is also a former Deputy Sheriff, small business owner, and family man. Scholz is challenging Blue Dog Democrat Ike Skelton and at least four Republican primary opponents. Skelton represents Missouri’s 4th congressional district, a rural district which includes most of the western-central part of the state. Skelton has held the seat since 1976. Scholz is a refreshing candidate with a vision for peace and prosperity in Missouri. His life experience and core values make him the strongest candidate in the Republican field.
James Scholz’s Ranking | James Scholz on the Issues | Race Information
Robert Broadus, Maryland
Robert Broadus is a Navy veteran, concerned parent, and political activist running for Congress in liberal Montgomy County, Maryland against U.S. Rep. Donna Edwards (D). Edwards is telegenic and likeable, but wrong on the issues. This district is largely African American and Donna Edwards defeated her Republican opponent in 2008 with a margin of 85 to 15. Broadus is principled, likeable, and has a strong philosophical basis behind his platform. He currently faces no primary opponents. We hope Broadus can defeat Edwards, or, at the very least, educate more Americans about the value of constitutionally government in the process of running for Congress.
Robert Broadus’s Ranking | Robert Broadus on the Issues | Race Information
Linda Goldthorpe, Michigan
Linda Goldthorpe is running against Bart Stupak in Michigan district 1, rural Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Stupak has gained a reputation as a pro-life Democrat who is involved with “The Family” — a cultish religious sect that has heavy influence in Congress. Since being elected in 1993, Stupak’s share of the votes have gone up in each election cycle. Linda Goldthorpe is an attorney who also ran for Congress in 2008, but lost the Republican primary. This year she has no primary opponent.
Linda Goldthorpe’s Ranking | Linda Goldthorpe on the Issues | Race Information
Collins Bailey, Maryland
Collins Bailey is a member of the St. Charles County School Board who is challenging Steny Hoyer for Congress, as he did in 2008. Hoyer has represented Maryland’s Fifth district since 1981. Bailey received just 26% in 2008, which is not a reflection of Bailey’s quality as a candidate, but of district voting preferences. Bailey himself is a thoughtful candidate who understands the issues, and the district would do well to elect him to Congress. Bailey has two primary opponents, one of whom will be tough to beat.
Collins Bailey’s Ranking | Collins Bailey on the Issues | Race Information
Stephen Bailey, Colorado
Stephen Bailey is a marketing executive and father running for Congress in Colorado’s Second District against first-term U.S. Rep. Jared Polis. Bailey has two Republican primary opponents. The 2nd Congressional district of Colorado is located in north-central Colorado, encompassing the northwestern suburbs of Denver, the city of Boulder and mountain towns such as Vail, Grand Lake and Idaho Springs. Due to the demographics of the district, it is unlikely that a Republican could win the seat. Stephen Bailey is grounded in libertarian philosophy and seems to act in accord with the non-aggression principle. At his website, Bailey blames power-lusting politicians who have swept away Constitutional authority, leaving us with an all-powerful government. He’s optimistic that people are waking up to the situation.
Stephen Bailey’s Ranking | Stephen Bailey on the Issues | Race Information
Robyn Hamlin, Missouri
Robyn Hamlin is running for Congress in Missouri’s First Congressional District against Lacy Clay, Jr. Hamlin has experience as a single mother, business owner, and political activist. She was one of the Missouri coordinators for the Campaign for Liberty, but resigned that post to focus on her Congressional campaign. She is currently the only opponent facing Clay. Hamlin has a history of political activism, including a stint in the 1980s as a Precinct Leader with the Madison County, Illinois Republican Party. The district is the St. Louis suburbs, and trends heavily Democrat. In 2000, Clay, Sr. retired after 32 years in the U.S. Congress. Clay, Jr. won a crowded six-way Democratic primary with 60 percent of the vote. He has been reelected four times with no substantive opposition, never dropping below 70 percent of the vote. Hamlin has principles and energy, two things needed to get our country back on the right track.
Robyn Hamlin’s Ranking | Robyn Hamlin on the Issues | Race Information
Delia Lopez, Oregon
Delia Lopez is a mother and small business owner running against Earl Blumenauer again in 2010. She also was the Republican nominee against Blumenauer in 2008 and gained 21% of the vote to the incumbent’s 75%. Blumenauer has represented Oregon’s 3rd Congressional district — which includes most of Portland east of the Willamette River — since 1996. Blumenauer served as Oregon Campaign Chair for both John Kerry’s and Barack Obama’s Presidential campaigns. Lopez offers a vision of limited government that those in Oregon 3 should consider implementing.
Delia Lopez’s Ranking | Delia Lopez on the Issues | Race Information
Alan Bateman, New Jersey
Alan Bateman is a businessman, former Deputy Mayor, and former elected member of the Holmdel Township Committee. He was the Republican nominee for Congress in New Jersey’s Twelfth District in 2008, with Bateman scoring 39 percent of the vote. Now, Bateman is challenging entrenched U.S. Rep. Christopher Smith (R) for the Republican nomination. Smith has won re-election every term since 1981 and spends most of his time in Herndon, Virginia. Smith has one of the most liberal voting records in Congress, routinely supports compulsory unionism, and voted for the Cap and Trade tax bill. Smith needs a primary challenger and Bateman may have the credentials to win due to his longtime involvement in New Jersey GOP politics and because he was already a Republican Congressional nominee in a previous cycle. That said, we do wish he would update his website to include more information on his issue stances.
Alan Bateman’s Ranking | Alan Bateman on the Issues | Race Information
Nathan Dahm, Oklahoma
Nathan Dahm currently serves on the Executive Committee and as a Precinct Chair of the Tulsa Republican Party. He is also the Vice-Chair of the Tulsa County Alliance of Young Republicans. He is a founding member of Raffstar, an online site that generates charity awareness by offering prizes and giveaways free of charge. Dahm is running against incumbent John Sullivan, who has represented conservative District One since 2003. Sullivan supports creating a fence between the U.S. and Mexico and a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning. Sullivan also voted to make the PATRIOT Act permanent, without any future option for Congressional review or revocation. On October 3, 2008, Sullivan was one of two Oklahoma Republican Congressmen to vote for the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which created the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP). Dahm would be a more thoughtful representative for this conservative district.
Nathan Dahm’s Ranking | Nathan Dahm on the Issues | Race Information
Race Completed
Michael McPadden, Virginia
Michael McPadden graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech. University. He then joined the U.S. Navy, was commissioned as an ensign, and earned his wings as a United States Naval Aviator. He flew for six years on active duty. In addition to flying as a plane commander on the P-3 Orion, he also served as an instructor pilot. He retired from the Navy in 2002 with a combined 22 years of service. Mr. McPadden is running against probably the most vulnerable incumbent in the country, Democrat Tom Perriello. Virginia District 5 is one of the most conservative districts in the state. McPadden’s most difficult challenge will be winning the eight-way primary, especially against the establishment’s choice, State Senator Robert Hurt. McPadden has broad experience and would be a very good fit with the district. If he wins the primary, Perriello will have a difficult time holding the seat.
Michael McPadden’s Ranking | Michael McPadden on the Issues | Race Information
Rep. John Hostettler, Indiana
John Hostettler is a former Congressman from southern Indiana running for U.S. Senate. There is an open Senate seat in Indiana being vacated by Evan Bayh (D), and three other Republicans are also vying to win the May primary. Hostettler is a perfect Tea Party candidate despite his political experience. He opposed the Iraq War and believes that the federal government has too much power. He voted against the No Child Left Behind law and opposes federal involvement in environmental affairs. He opposes illegal immigration, is pro-life, and supports the 2nd Amendment. All in all, he offers a pro-liberty vision for Indiana and offers a credible campaign.
Rep. John Hostettler’s Ranking | Rep. John Hostettler on the Issues | Race Information
Dr. Dan Eichenbaum, North Carolina
Dan Eichenbaum is an ophthalmologist who has lived in North Carolina for over twenty years. His campaign slogan is “Trust in Freedom”. Dr. Eichenbaum received a BS Degree from the University of Michigan with high distinction and honors and an MD Degree from Yale University School of Medicine cum laude. His opponent is second-term Blue Dog Democrat and former football player Heath Shuler. The district Shuler represents is a conservative district, so Shuler is a vulnerable incumbent. Eichenbaum is running as a “common man” that is fed up with RINOs and has aligned himself with the grassroots Tea Party movement. His four opponents in the Republican primary are less than impressive and only one of them has a current website. If Eichenbaum wins the primary, which looks increasingly likely, then Shuler is going to have a tough time holding the seat.
Dr. Dan Eichenbaum’s Ranking | Dr. Dan Eichenbaum on the Issues | Race Information
Pat Sellers, Pennsylvania
Patrick Henry Sellers is a former Coatesville Area School Board President running for an open seat in Pennsylvania’s District 6. Sellers is involved with Tea Party groups locally and has a long history of involvement in local Republican Party politics. His stances on the issues are presented clearly and persuasively. He will face two primary opponents, including incumbent Jim Gerlach. The district includes Philadelphia suburbs Lehigh, Berks, Chester, and Montgomery counties. Sellers is going to have a tough time winning the Republican Primary, but we hope he does it. Voters in PA-06 would be lucky to have a Congressman like Sellers.
Pat Sellers’s Ranking | Pat Sellers on the Issues | Race Information
Travis Hankins, Indiana
Travis Hankins is running for Congress in Indiana 9, a district that has shifted back and forth between Democrat Baron Hill and one of Hankins’ Republican primary opponents since 2002. The southern Indiana district leans conservative, so in 2010 the winner of the Republican primary may end up as the eventually November victor. Hankins is a strong conservative who also is far right of central on social issues. He believes in less government intervention and tends to take positions similar to those of John Hostettler, the Indiana U.S. Senate candidate also endorsed by LibertySlate. Hankins has three primary opponents, and the most threatening of his two opponents both tend to be more moderate and less liberty-focused. The result may be a Travis Hankins primary victory, which would be a great result for liberty-loving Hoosiers.
Travis Hankins’s Ranking | Travis Hankins on the Issues | Race Information
Adam Kokesh, New Mexico
Adam Kokesh is an Iraq War veteran and former Corporal in the Marine Corps Reserve. Kokesh has generated support from libertarian-leaning voters from across the country via online social networking and YouTube videos. He no doubt has the ability to raise money and mobilize grassroots voters, and the credit for these positives goes entirely to Kokesh. The problem for Kokesh is twofold: first, he has a Republican opponent, Tom Mullins, who appears to have the support of many in the Republican Party leadership; second, even if Kokesh was the Republican nominee, he would lose the general election. The incumbent, Ben Lujan, is not vulnerable because the district votes Democrat in overwhelming numbers. Case in point, the Republican nominee in 2008 received just 30% of the vote. Kokesh’s strategy of reaching out to Democrat and Independent voters is great for educational purposes, but it is not going to help him win the Republican primary. Voters would do good to select Kokesh, but it is unlikely to happen in the general election against the incumbent in this district.
Adam Kokesh’s Ranking | Adam Kokesh on the Issues | Race Information
Stephen Schoppe, Texas
Stephen Schoppe is waging a grassroots campaign against fellow Republican U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, who represents Travis and Bexar County. Schoppe is a father, small business owner, and serves as Treasurer of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Texas. Lamar Smith was elected to Congress in 1986 but had not had a Republican primary challenger in sixteen years. Smith’s campaign website discusses many political issues, but never touches on any of the LibertySlate 2010 issues — not even taxes or spending. Our sense is that Mr. Smith has forgotten what he is fighting for and why he was first elected. Mr. Smith has voted for various government bailouts since 2007, something that constituents in this heavily Republican district may find offensive. Schoppe’s website includes a video directly attacking Lamar Smith’s campaign brochure that was funded by his constituents to prop up Mr. Smith. Overall, this is a Republican district and Schoppe is depending on grassroots anger to fuel his campaign. We hope he unseats Lamar Smith.
Stephen Schoppe’s Ranking | Stephen Schoppe on the Issues | Race Information
Joe Kennedy, Massachusetts
Joe Kennedy is a businessman running as an Independent candidate for the Massachusetts U.S. Senate seat vacated by deceased Senator Ted Kennedy (D). Kennedy is not related to the famous Kennedy clan that has dominated Massachusetts politics, but does provide a solid vision to change Massachusetts politics-as-usual. His performances in the debates have been extremely good and he has a grassroots base of support from libertarians and Tea Party activists. While it is unlikely Kennedy could win the race, his presence is giving voters a choice. Kennedy is the only third-party candidate endorsed by LibertySlate 2010. We selected him because he is excellent on the issues and performed well in the debates. His Republican opponent, Scott Brown, has a record that does not match up with his rhetoric. Senator Brown has been running from a debate with all three ballot-qualified candidates and it became clear why Brown is running after his debate performances. In the end, we think Massachusetts voters should take a principled stand for less government by voting for Joe Kennedy in the January 19 special election.
Joe Kennedy’s Ranking | Joe Kennedy on the Issues | Race Information
Todd Gailas, North Carolina
Todd Gailas is a small businessman running for Congress against Bob Etheridge in North Carolina’s 2nd congressional district. He will face at least two Republican challengers in the primary for the right to face Etheridge. The district itself is located in the central and eastern parts of the state. Like other members of the LibertySlate, his views on the issues are refreshing. He was prompted to run for office after Bob Etheridge voted for government bailouts of private industry. His opponent, Bob Etheridge, is a career politician who was elected to Congress in 1996. The last time a Republican was elected in the district was David Funderburk, who won in the Republican Revolution of 1994 and served a single term. Funderburk was the first Republican to represent his district since 1901.
Todd Gailas’s Ranking | Todd Gailas on the Issues | Race Information
John Mitchel, Ohio
John “Mitch” Mitchel is a retired Air Force Lt. Col. running against incumbent Steve Austria in Ohio’s Seventh District. During his active duty career, Col. Mitchel was awarded two Air Force Commendation Medals and four Meritorious Service Medals. He is qualified expert in the .38 caliber hand gun and M-16 semi-automatic assault rifle. Colonel Mitchel holds two Master of Science degrees including an MBA from Michigan Tech University, and Social and Applied Economics from Wright State. He is the Ohio Contact of the Republican Liberty Caucus and has run for various political jobs over the years. He also has a history of bringing government corruption out into the open, going so far as to force a lawsuit onto his local county Board for violating the privacy of residents in Greene County, Ohio. Steve Austria won the seat after Dave Hobson retired in 2008. The Seventh District stretches from Springfield to the southern suburbs of Columbus. Mitchel, if elected, would bring a breath of fresh air and commitment to limited, open government to Congress.
John Mitchel’s Ranking | John Mitchel on the Issues | Race Information
Paul Lambert, Alabama
Paul Lambert is challenging Congressman Spencer Bachus in Alabama’s Sixth Congressional district. The district includes the suburbs of Birmingham and Tuscaloosa and Bachus has represented it since 1993. Lambert is running against Bachus as a response to the TARP vote that Bachus supported and because of his support for the USA PATRIOT Act. Lambert has worked in the television industry for over twenty years. He is involved in local tea party groups. He and his wife Tracy have ten children.
Paul Lambert’s Ranking | Paul Lambert on the Issues | Race Information
Pia Varma, Pennsylvania
Pia Varma is running for Congress in Pennsylvania’s First District against Bob Brady, who has represented Philadelphia in Congress since 1998. Varma was born in the UK but raised in the U.S. Her grandparents were involved in the the Indian independence movement. Even as a Congressman, Brady still spends most of his time running the Philadelphia Democratic Party while mediating disputes in the city between politicians and between labor unions and management. He is one of the few county chairmen serving as a member of Congress, which gives him added access to national Democratic Party candidates and leaders. Varma is a young and energetic candidate who offers a sound alternative to Brady’s vision of more government regulation.
Pia Varma’s Ranking | Pia Varma on the Issues | Race Information
Jaynee Germond, Oregon
Jaynee Germond is a mother and political activist running against Peter DeFazio in Oregon’s Fourth Congressional District. DeFazio is wildly popular among his constituents and is probably among the most liberal members of Congress despite that his district is fairly moderate. Mrs. Germond is active in local Republican Party, working in the office weekly and actively attending local GOP events. She is active with the Umpqua Valley Republican Women, the 912Project (Cottage Grove Chapter), and has attended various Tea Parties in the area. Despite the GOP telling her not to run, she decided to provide an alternative to the moderate Republican running. Overall, Mrs. Germond is a very thoughtful and active candidate that has a great amount of energy. GOP voters in Oregon’s Fourth district should choose her, but she has an uphill battle in both the primary and general election.
Jaynee Germond’s Ranking | Jaynee Germond on the Issues | Race Information
Chick Heileson, Idaho
Chick Heileson is a father, businessman, and veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard. He currently services on the Bonneville Republican Party’s Executive Committee as a local Precinct Committeeman. He is running a primary challenge against Congressman Mike Simpson, who has served in that position since 1994. Simpson also has drawn another Republican primary opponent. Simpson is a supporter of the National Endowment of the Arts and the National Endowment of the Humanities, voting each year against Republican amendments to strip them of funding. He was also one of a handful of Republicans to vote in favor of the reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) program. This Idaho district is very conservative and would be better represented by LibertySlate’s Chick Heileson.
Chick Heileson’s Ranking | Chick Heileson on the Issues | Race Information
Joe Petronis, Texas
Joe Petronis has an MBA in Finance and Human & Operational Performance and works at Dell. He is running against Michael McCaul, who was elected in 2006 and represents a district that stretches from Austin to Houston. Petronis criticizes McCaul for voting in favor of the REAL ID Act and giving Telecom companies amnesty for illegal wiretaps. Additionally, McCaul voted to increase the national debt ceiling and numerous other deficit appropriations. Petronis would be a positive alternative to McCaul.
Joe Petronis’s Ranking | Joe Petronis on the Issues | Race Information
