by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director, RFFM.org
Like millions of Americans, I turned to the Republican Party during the 1980's. Though I was brought up as a Democrat, it was clear that party no longer represented the values I believed in. In John F. Kennedy's inaugural speech, the 35th president of the United States said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." This was a philosophy which many adhered to at the time. But over the years, I can imagine Barack Obama saying something like it's not what you can do for your country, it's what government can do for you.
These sentiments have been reflected in policies supported by the far left which slowly, but surely, took control of the Democratic Party. Lyndon Baines Johnson's "Great Society" which created a welfare state that ultimately doomed millions of Americans to institutionalized poverty was a result of big government. This, plus the Democratic Party's support of abortion, their opposition to the right to bear arms and other policies sent millions of level-headed voters to the GOP.
Those who switched party allegiance during the 1980's were called Reagan Democrats. However, in recent years, it has become clear the Republican Party is willing to embrace a political philosophy which abandons the principles that brought the GOP to great popularity in the 1990's.
A demonstration of this misguided mindset by the GOP establishment (both nationally and in Illinois) is illustrated perfectly by the rush to support the Senate candidacy of U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (R-10th district). Kirk's voting record more closely reflects that of a liberal Democrat. If Kirk wins the GOP primary, he will further alienate his party's conservative political base. Both fiscal and social conservatives would find plenty of cause to sit on their hands in the 2010 election. Despite the ethical problems related to former Democratic Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, the Chicago political machine would almost certainly help carry the day against a candidate like Kirk who is running in the wrong party.
I have been watching the political scene for nearly 20 years and without doubt, I have never seen such a visceral reaction to a Republican candidacy--as is the case with Kirk. In fact, there are a number of web sites and blogs dedicated to exposing Mark Kirk's stand on the issues. The latest effort is a blog called "Republicans United Against Mark Kirk for U.S. Senate" [http://no2markkirk.blogspot.com/].
"I have never been involved in politics to any great extent," said the site's creator Jay Cleary. "I got the idea when I read an article posted on GOPUSA Illinois written by Dan Zanoza of RFFM.org*. I became a Republican for a reason. As I understand the GOP platform both for the state of Illinois and nationally, I don't understand why there are members of the Republican establishment who would support someone like Kirk. I don't believe in the philosophy of 'Republican, right or wrong'. I vote for individuals because of how they stand on the issues I care about."
I am very pleased one of my commentaries encouraged an American to get involved in the political process. Mr. Cleary is correct when he says Kirk does not in any way adhere to the concepts of smaller government and less taxation. This was made clear when Kirk was one of eight Republicans who voted for a "Cap and Trade" bill which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on June 26th. H.R. 2454 which was officially titled, the "American Clean Energy and Security Act" would be the greatest tax increase in American history, if passed into law. The bill is still awaiting a vote in the U.S. Senate. The legislation would also lead to a transfer of American wealth like never seen before and lead to the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs in the U.S. Kirk's vote on "Cap and Trade" is only the tip of a dirty iceberg which would cool the blood of any conservative Republican. According to "On The Issues" website, Kirk is "Rated 100% by NARAL (National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League), indicating a pro-choice voting record." http://www.ontheissues.org/IL/Mark_Kirk_Abortion.htm
If this were not enough, as far as Kirk's stand on the issues, his position on the Second Amendment should give any gun owner pause. In fact, a Google search of the words NRA ranking Mark Kirk, lead me to an article on NRA-ILA (National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action) http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Federal/Read.aspx?id=4879. Though it is obviously a typo, Mark Kirk is listed as a Democrat by the organization. Some may say this is a Freudian slip, but Kirk's voting record on the right to bear arms mirrors those of a liberal Democrat. So, the NRA-ILA cannot be blamed for the reference. Kirk was a co-sponsor of H.R. 2159 which would prohibit individuals from acquiring a firearm or federal firearm license. The bill supposedly targets terrorists, but many supporters of Second Amendment rights believe the legislation could and would be used to target the general public. Indeed, some refer to Kirk as an anti-gun extremist.
"The Republicans United Against Mark Kirk for U.S. Senate blog has three primary goals," said Cleary. "First, it is intended to expose Mark Kirk's voting record on the issues. Second, but just as important, I want to send a message to the Republican Party--both statewide and nationally--regarding the opposition to Kirk in Illinois. Finally, I want to provide a venue for Republicans to share their opinions on candidates like Mark Kirk. I have no desire to run for political office, but I do believe in representative government. The nomination of individuals, such as Kirk, takes away choice for voters."
Many believe if Kirk ran against a viable conservative in the 2010 GOP primary, he would be soundly defeated. However, conservatives fear a Republican primary vote may be divided among a number of conservative candidates which may lead to a Kirk victory.
Recently, U.S. Sen. John McCain announced he would throw his full support to Kirk, even though the 10th District Republican did virtually nothing to assist McCain's 2008 presidential bid. Many think McCain's backing is a kiss of death for any Republican candidate. But the Arizona Senator's endorsement of Kirk tells an important story about what kind of Republican Kirk is. It also makes many speculate why the GOP is so out-front in its assistance to a candidate who is clearly running on the wrong political ticket; or is it a reflection of just how far out of touch the Republican Party is with its constituency. You can't out-Democrat the Democrats, but this is a lesson hard learned.
Related articles:
* Republicans United Against Mark Kirk: Hey, How Do I Sign Up? (posted August 7, 2009)
http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2009/08/republican-united-against-mark-kirk-hey-how-do-i-sign-up-.html
Cap & Trade: Political Alchemy, Economy Buster & Disaster for Poor (posted June 24, 2009)
http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2009/06/-cap-trade-political-alchemy-economy-buster-disaster-for-poor.html
Cap and Trade Passes U.S. House: Kirk, 7 other Republicans, Vote for Greatest Tax Increase in U.S. History (posted June 27, 2009)
http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2009/06/cap-and-trade-passes-us-house-kirk-7-other-republicans-vote-for-greatest-tax-increase-in-us-history-.html
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