Paleos, Libertarians and Rand Paul by the Southern Avenger

Rand Paul Revolution by the Southern Avenger

A Victory for Rand Paul and the Tea Party

The power of the Tea Party Movement manifested itself mightily in yesterday's GOP primary in Kentucky. In what seemed an impossibility just a few short months ago, Rand Paul--a Bowling Green doctor and Tea Party favorite--defeated the establishment-backed Trey Grayson with a margin slightly higher than 2:1.

Lacking the powerful donors and the backing of the establishment machine, Paul's support came primarily from Tea Party patriots, conservative/libertarian groups, and other grassroots activists across the Bluegrass State. Defying the likes of Mitch McConnell and a whole host of neoconservatives, Rand Paul's primary victory proved that the grassroots can still provide electoral victory, and it will be that same grassroots support that will provide general election victory for Paul and other liberty lovers come November.

Looking to the results in Kentucky, we can draw a few conclusions.

1. The establishment should not overlook the possible success of  those they currently do not see as threats. Those minor threats could morph into major contenders who boast major victories.

2. These positive results can and should be replicated in races across the nations. If it can happen for Paul in Kentucky, it can happen for other candidates around the country. (I believe it will happen for Ron Ramsey in Tennessee, personally.)

3. The Tea Party can and will make a difference at the end of the day. The media and others can mock all they want, but they cannot argue with these (and similar) results.

Despite these truths the Tea Party movement should remain vigilant and guard against co-optation. If they are not careful to maintain philosophical consistency and purity, they may be the establishment who is punished years from now.

Lessons from the Dobson Endorsement Scandal

 My latest post at the Humble Libertarian.

Earlier this week THL reported that Focus on the Family founder Dr. James Dobson has officially taken his support away from Trey Grayson and endorsed Rand Paul in the Kentucky Senate race. The implications of this act are vast and reveal a great deal about Dobson, Paul, and the GOP establishment.

After listening to Dr. Dobson's change-of-heart explanation it is evident that he was lied to by Republican Party leadership. In a shameless act of political desperation, leadership within the GOP flat out lied to secure the Dobson endorsement for Grayson. In short, Dobson was falsely told that Rand Paul is, among other things, not pro-life. This led to an understandable opposition to Rand's campaign by the famed social-conservative. But this past week things changed.

Thankfully, after hearing Rand speak on the pro-life issue, an OB/GYN friend of Dobson alerted him to the truth. After looking further into the issue, Dobson uncovered the GOP deception and found Rand to be "my kind of man." He then dropped his support for Grayson, exposed the GOP establishment's lies, and endorsed Rand.

So what lessons can we take away from this? (Continue reading here.)

Rand Paul Calls Greyson on Lies

I have seen firsthand the lies perpetrated by the Trey Grayson campaign in Kentucky. Rand is getting sick of it, and the people of Kentucky deserve better. Spread this ad around, especially to Kentucky voters, to set the record straight.



Hat Tip: The Humble Libertarian

Dangerous Rand Paul by the Southern Avenger

For readers of this blog, it is no secret that I wholeheartedly support Rand Paul for Senate. This is not only because he is the best candidate in the race; he is the only conservative running. But I also am excited about what he means to the liberty movement as a true constitutional conservative. Once again Jack Hunter hits the nail on the head in his latest piece on Paul.

Where I've Been...

I have been in Louisville, KY all week advancing liberty with Young Americans for Liberty. I will return Sunday and be back to regular blogging. It has been an exciting time in Kentucky as I have met with liberty lovers from across our nation. Yesterday, I was able to meet Rand Paul and was blown away by his mix of principle and political skill. Volunteering for Dr. Paul's campaign has been a true honor and privilege.