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.)

What to Make of Cheney's Endorsement of Rubio

In what should be a kiss of death, former Vice-President Dick Cheney has officially endorsed Marco Rubio over Charlie Christ in the Florida senate race.

Politico reports:

Former Vice President Dick Cheney threw his support to Marco Rubio in the Florida GOP Senate primary Thursday, warning that "Charlie Crist cannot even be trusted to remain a Republican."

The Cheney endorsement represents the most significant national "get" to date for Rubio, and comes as Crist weighs bolting the Republican Party to run as an independent.

In a statement issued by Rubio's campaign, the former vice president urged Crist to stay in the primary or drop out of the race altogether. "The only winners from an independent bid by Crist would be Barack Obama and Harry Reid," Cheney said.

Crist's plunging poll numbers and open consideration of an independent run have prompted a stampede of previously neutral GOP figures to get behind Rubio. In less than a week, the former state House speaker has won support from 2008 presidential candidate Mitt Romney, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor and now Cheney.

Rubio is the golden boy for conservatives, Tea Party members, and those disgusted with business as usual in the Sunshine State. Moreover, he has racked up massive support from traditional conservatives like South Carolina's Jim DeMint and has taken his long shot senate bid to a blistering lead.

Not on the surface unlike Rand Paul's fairing in Kentucky, Rubio still has much to prove as to whether he can match the level of consistent conservatism held by Paul. But that does not mean that Rubio isn't a conservative at all; I merely have my doubts. Truly, he may do well, or he may become a tool of the establishment and betray traditional conservatives views of spending, the role of government, foreign policy, etc.Those fears aside, Rubio has taken on the establishment in the form of Crist and now has them knocking at his door for support. 

I don't believe that Cheney's endorsement should look poorly upon Mr. Rubio. He cannot help it if an evil, neocon sees victory and desires to be on the winning bandwagon. Moreover, for some ignorant people, Cheney is still a positive figure who's support is a welcomed move. Of course, these people truly care little for the Constitution, conservatism, liberty, or the like--whether they realize it or not. For, one look at Cheney's record shows him to be one of the greatest opponents to liberty and the Constitution to ever hold the office of vice-president.

The real thing to be taken away form the ordeal is the irony in Cheney endorsement. He is obviously not committed to conservatism; he did endorse Clintonian Trey Grayson in KY. Therefore, in endorsing Rubio over Crist, Cheney is basically saying, "Don't vote for the guy like me!"

Crist is a big government type like Cheney. He has continuall betrayed principle and until a couple of weeks ago he was the establishment's man. Rubio on the other hand is the antithesis of Cheney. He seems to be committed to principle. Likewise, he is a Tea Party favorite and took on the party establishment with his choice to run.

If Cheney's endorsement means that he sees himself in Rubio, we should all be concerned. However, if he is telling us to shy from Crist/Cheney types, for once we should take his advice.

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