Matt Collins
02-05-2009, 11:43 PM
Republican Liberty Caucus Newsletter
February 2009
==========================================
The Republican Liberty Caucus is on the move in 2009. Thank you to our hundreds of activists and volunteers around the country working for real change.
The RLC's 2009 Convention will be taking place from Friday, March 27 to Sunday, March 29, 2009 in sunny Jacksonville, Florida. Please read on to learn more about the Convention and register today!
Convention Registration: http://www.rlc.org/rlc-resources-links/reading-lounge/convention09/
New RLC charter meetings will soon be held in Alabama, Maryland, and Tennessee. If you are in these states, please join thousands of activists to help make the RLC stronger. Contact RLCStateChapters@aol.com for meeting details or to volunteer.
This newsletter outlines the latest news from the RLC and explains ways that you can help us expand our influence.
Without our fabulous volunteers and hard-working activists, nothing the RLC has accomplished would have been possible. Please join us (www.rlc.org/pay/ (http://www.rlc.org/pay/)) today.
=
Attend the RLC National Convention!
--------
Friday, March 27 - Sunday, March 29, 2009
Embassy Suites Hotel, Jacksonville, Florida
The RLC National Convention will be held in conjunction with the Republican Liberty Caucus of Florida Convention.
You are cordially invited to attend the RLC National Convention from March 27-29, 2009 at the Embassy Suites in Jacksonville, Florida.
Convention 2009 will mark the RLC's eighth biennial Convention. We have invited prominent liberty stars to participate in panels, debates, and seminars. The featured speaker is Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio, a front-tier contender for the U.S. Senate seat of the retiring Mel Martinez (R-FL).
The Convention agenda is currently being finalized. The Convention will cost $100 to attend all meetings, speakers, the reception (Fri. night), and banquet dinner (Sat. night). For those who only wish to attend the banquet dinner, the cost will be $65. Only RLC members will be allowed to vote on Convention business and officer elections.
Convention details and registration information is available at our website. Be sure to book a hotel room in addition to registering for the Convention.
--------
California RLC to Host Outreach Booth at 2009 State GOP Convention
--------
The newly activated Republican Liberty Caucus of California will be hosting an outreach booth at the California GOP Convention in Sacramento from Feb. 20-22. The RLC in California recently launched a new website and has been working to strengthen its chapter affiliates.
RLCCA-shirtVeteran RLC activist Laura Crockett has been working to implement her T-shirt designs on to T-shirts that RLC members will wear at the Convention. RLC Treasurer David Johnson has ordered thousands of RLC flyers for distribution.
To volunteer with the California RLC or to become involved in your local California affiliate, contact RLC California Chair Matthew Heath (mailto: deaconheath@comcast.net.
--------
Spring or Summer RLC State Conventions
--------
RLC state chapter affiliates recently held meetings in Arizona, California, Florida, North Carolina, and Texas. State chapters holding Spring or Summer Conventions include affiliates in Maine, Michigan, and Nebraska. To volunteer in any of these states, please contact your state affiliate leader (www.rlc.org (http://www.rlc.org)).
--------
RLC Seeks Volunteers for NTU Conference
--------
Additionally, the annual National Taxpayers Union Conference is taking place from June 11-13, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Washington, DC (northern Virginia). The RLC had a table at the conference in 2007 and had excellent results: an unusually high proportion of the attendees ranked in the libertarian quadrant. To volunteer to staff our booth, contact veteran RLC activist Jeff Palmer (mailto: jap1@peoplepc.com).
--------
Now is the time to become active in your state RLC!
--------
There's never been a better time!
The RLC has active chapters across the country, with grassroots citizens just like you -- folks who are not only fed up but who are prepared to engage in real grassroots politics in favor of change.
To become involved, contact RLCStateChapters@aol.com or get in touch with your state contact (www.rlc.org (http://www.rlc.org)).
--------
Texas RLC Year in Review; Volunteers Needed in '09
--------
Report on 2008: In 2008, the Texas RLC focused on partisan efforts in the smallest GOP primaries, with even more focus on small non-partisan races like city councils, utility districts, and school boards. These non-partisan races are perfect for gaining experience in local campaigning with small budgets and low vote counts, and our winning candidates can be tested in "farm team" offices before making decisions on whom to promote into partisan primaries.
The first Texas RLC success using this model was Jerri Lynn Ward of western Travis County, who won her precinct chair race and then won election to her Travis Water Control Improvement District #17 Board in May of 2008, beating two incumbents by one vote! Ms. Ward also serves on the Travis County RLC Executive Committee.
The 2008 Texas GOP Convention was the best ever for the Texas RLC membership, no doubt because of the high profile Presidential race that included Congressman Ron Paul.
The Texas RLC has established a new office HQ in Austin. The office was leased in summer 2007 by Don Zimmerman, Texas RLC Executive Director, to support grassroots activists working on Ron Paul's presidential campaign and subsequently served as RLC MugDon's campaign headquarters through the November 2008 election.
Lisa Mallory, Texas RLC Treasurer,and other Austin-area grassroots activists have joined together to keep the office open through the November 2010 elections and are making space available to the Texas RLC to provide a base of operations to conduct outreach and training for liberty-minded grassroots activists across the State.
New in 2009: The Texas RLC is looking for volunteers:
- The Texas RLC is looking for local leaders and teams to be built in an effort to promote its Principles of Limited Government, Individual Liberty and Free Markets (PLGILFM) initiative throughout Texas. Contact don@donzimmerman.org to volunteer or for details.
- The RLC wants to track its local Texas candidates. Please send names of liberty-oriented candidates and campaign efforts. Send all reports, stories, or articles to newsletter@RLCtexas.org.
Call for Members: The Texas RLC is asking all of its members to take a moment to renew their dues and continue to support our efforts to promote liberty-minded candidates and causes throughout 2009.
To renew your membership or subscribe, please send your donation by Paypal to hq1@rlctexas.org or by mail to: RLC-TX PAC, 13219 Research Blvd., Suite I, Austin, TX 78750. Contributions are not tax deductible. Join online (see http://www.rlctexas.org/membership/index.htm) (http://www.rlctexas.org/membership/index.htm%29).
--------
RLC Liberty Index Ranking of Congress Released
--------
For the past seventeen years, Dr. Clifford Thies has compiled the Index of Congressional Votes for the Republican Liberty Caucus, based on 80 roll call ballots in both the House and Senate. In each Chamber, twenty votes on economic issues and twenty votes on personal liberty are selected to rank members on a LiberGraph, indicating their support for limited government.
Recently, the 2007 index scores were released. According to Dr. Thies, "Reversing a three year trend, the Republicans suddenly look better than their Democratic colleagues in the House of Representatives. While in 2006, the House Republicans scored 25 points worse than their counterparts in the personal liberties component of the index, this past year, the House Republicans scored 23 points better."
How did your Representative score? For full results from the RLC Liberty Index, click here (http://www.rlc.org/2009/01/18/liberty-index-update/).
--------
People with Principles on the Move: Newly Elected Texas House Speaker
--------
According to RLC Vice Chairman Dave Nalle, a Texas resident, "What appears to be happening in Texas is a substantial political shift away from the religious right and towards increased influence within the Republican Party for social moderates and libertarian-leaning Republicans."
The first really big sign of this change comes in the results of the just-concluded election of a new Speaker of the House to replace the iron-fisted Tom Craddick. Passing over more than a dozen other candidates, House Republicans selected relative newcomer Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) as their final choice for Speaker, and on Tuesday he officially won the office with unanimous support from both parties in the legislature.
Straus recently told The Texas Monthly that he has "some pretty strong libertarian leanings, and sometimes that causes a conflict." But he's not apologizing. An investigation of his political record to date confirms our hopes: he combines social tolerance with a firm defense of civil liberties and a commitment to reducing the size of state government.
Joe Straus: keep your eye on him.
end
February 2009
==========================================
The Republican Liberty Caucus is on the move in 2009. Thank you to our hundreds of activists and volunteers around the country working for real change.
The RLC's 2009 Convention will be taking place from Friday, March 27 to Sunday, March 29, 2009 in sunny Jacksonville, Florida. Please read on to learn more about the Convention and register today!
Convention Registration: http://www.rlc.org/rlc-resources-links/reading-lounge/convention09/
New RLC charter meetings will soon be held in Alabama, Maryland, and Tennessee. If you are in these states, please join thousands of activists to help make the RLC stronger. Contact RLCStateChapters@aol.com for meeting details or to volunteer.
This newsletter outlines the latest news from the RLC and explains ways that you can help us expand our influence.
Without our fabulous volunteers and hard-working activists, nothing the RLC has accomplished would have been possible. Please join us (www.rlc.org/pay/ (http://www.rlc.org/pay/)) today.
=
Attend the RLC National Convention!
--------
Friday, March 27 - Sunday, March 29, 2009
Embassy Suites Hotel, Jacksonville, Florida
The RLC National Convention will be held in conjunction with the Republican Liberty Caucus of Florida Convention.
You are cordially invited to attend the RLC National Convention from March 27-29, 2009 at the Embassy Suites in Jacksonville, Florida.
Convention 2009 will mark the RLC's eighth biennial Convention. We have invited prominent liberty stars to participate in panels, debates, and seminars. The featured speaker is Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio, a front-tier contender for the U.S. Senate seat of the retiring Mel Martinez (R-FL).
The Convention agenda is currently being finalized. The Convention will cost $100 to attend all meetings, speakers, the reception (Fri. night), and banquet dinner (Sat. night). For those who only wish to attend the banquet dinner, the cost will be $65. Only RLC members will be allowed to vote on Convention business and officer elections.
Convention details and registration information is available at our website. Be sure to book a hotel room in addition to registering for the Convention.
--------
California RLC to Host Outreach Booth at 2009 State GOP Convention
--------
The newly activated Republican Liberty Caucus of California will be hosting an outreach booth at the California GOP Convention in Sacramento from Feb. 20-22. The RLC in California recently launched a new website and has been working to strengthen its chapter affiliates.
RLCCA-shirtVeteran RLC activist Laura Crockett has been working to implement her T-shirt designs on to T-shirts that RLC members will wear at the Convention. RLC Treasurer David Johnson has ordered thousands of RLC flyers for distribution.
To volunteer with the California RLC or to become involved in your local California affiliate, contact RLC California Chair Matthew Heath (mailto: deaconheath@comcast.net.
--------
Spring or Summer RLC State Conventions
--------
RLC state chapter affiliates recently held meetings in Arizona, California, Florida, North Carolina, and Texas. State chapters holding Spring or Summer Conventions include affiliates in Maine, Michigan, and Nebraska. To volunteer in any of these states, please contact your state affiliate leader (www.rlc.org (http://www.rlc.org)).
--------
RLC Seeks Volunteers for NTU Conference
--------
Additionally, the annual National Taxpayers Union Conference is taking place from June 11-13, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Washington, DC (northern Virginia). The RLC had a table at the conference in 2007 and had excellent results: an unusually high proportion of the attendees ranked in the libertarian quadrant. To volunteer to staff our booth, contact veteran RLC activist Jeff Palmer (mailto: jap1@peoplepc.com).
--------
Now is the time to become active in your state RLC!
--------
There's never been a better time!
The RLC has active chapters across the country, with grassroots citizens just like you -- folks who are not only fed up but who are prepared to engage in real grassroots politics in favor of change.
To become involved, contact RLCStateChapters@aol.com or get in touch with your state contact (www.rlc.org (http://www.rlc.org)).
--------
Texas RLC Year in Review; Volunteers Needed in '09
--------
Report on 2008: In 2008, the Texas RLC focused on partisan efforts in the smallest GOP primaries, with even more focus on small non-partisan races like city councils, utility districts, and school boards. These non-partisan races are perfect for gaining experience in local campaigning with small budgets and low vote counts, and our winning candidates can be tested in "farm team" offices before making decisions on whom to promote into partisan primaries.
The first Texas RLC success using this model was Jerri Lynn Ward of western Travis County, who won her precinct chair race and then won election to her Travis Water Control Improvement District #17 Board in May of 2008, beating two incumbents by one vote! Ms. Ward also serves on the Travis County RLC Executive Committee.
The 2008 Texas GOP Convention was the best ever for the Texas RLC membership, no doubt because of the high profile Presidential race that included Congressman Ron Paul.
The Texas RLC has established a new office HQ in Austin. The office was leased in summer 2007 by Don Zimmerman, Texas RLC Executive Director, to support grassroots activists working on Ron Paul's presidential campaign and subsequently served as RLC MugDon's campaign headquarters through the November 2008 election.
Lisa Mallory, Texas RLC Treasurer,and other Austin-area grassroots activists have joined together to keep the office open through the November 2010 elections and are making space available to the Texas RLC to provide a base of operations to conduct outreach and training for liberty-minded grassroots activists across the State.
New in 2009: The Texas RLC is looking for volunteers:
- The Texas RLC is looking for local leaders and teams to be built in an effort to promote its Principles of Limited Government, Individual Liberty and Free Markets (PLGILFM) initiative throughout Texas. Contact don@donzimmerman.org to volunteer or for details.
- The RLC wants to track its local Texas candidates. Please send names of liberty-oriented candidates and campaign efforts. Send all reports, stories, or articles to newsletter@RLCtexas.org.
Call for Members: The Texas RLC is asking all of its members to take a moment to renew their dues and continue to support our efforts to promote liberty-minded candidates and causes throughout 2009.
To renew your membership or subscribe, please send your donation by Paypal to hq1@rlctexas.org or by mail to: RLC-TX PAC, 13219 Research Blvd., Suite I, Austin, TX 78750. Contributions are not tax deductible. Join online (see http://www.rlctexas.org/membership/index.htm) (http://www.rlctexas.org/membership/index.htm%29).
--------
RLC Liberty Index Ranking of Congress Released
--------
For the past seventeen years, Dr. Clifford Thies has compiled the Index of Congressional Votes for the Republican Liberty Caucus, based on 80 roll call ballots in both the House and Senate. In each Chamber, twenty votes on economic issues and twenty votes on personal liberty are selected to rank members on a LiberGraph, indicating their support for limited government.
Recently, the 2007 index scores were released. According to Dr. Thies, "Reversing a three year trend, the Republicans suddenly look better than their Democratic colleagues in the House of Representatives. While in 2006, the House Republicans scored 25 points worse than their counterparts in the personal liberties component of the index, this past year, the House Republicans scored 23 points better."
How did your Representative score? For full results from the RLC Liberty Index, click here (http://www.rlc.org/2009/01/18/liberty-index-update/).
--------
People with Principles on the Move: Newly Elected Texas House Speaker
--------
According to RLC Vice Chairman Dave Nalle, a Texas resident, "What appears to be happening in Texas is a substantial political shift away from the religious right and towards increased influence within the Republican Party for social moderates and libertarian-leaning Republicans."
The first really big sign of this change comes in the results of the just-concluded election of a new Speaker of the House to replace the iron-fisted Tom Craddick. Passing over more than a dozen other candidates, House Republicans selected relative newcomer Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) as their final choice for Speaker, and on Tuesday he officially won the office with unanimous support from both parties in the legislature.
Straus recently told The Texas Monthly that he has "some pretty strong libertarian leanings, and sometimes that causes a conflict." But he's not apologizing. An investigation of his political record to date confirms our hopes: he combines social tolerance with a firm defense of civil liberties and a commitment to reducing the size of state government.
Joe Straus: keep your eye on him.
end