Redstate

A Needed Boost For a Few Good Men

By Adam C Posted in 2006 — Comments (2) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

When Republicans and Democrats decided that pork-barreling is a substitute for governing, it is time for those committed to small government to do something about it. Conservatives have already put several new faces into safe Republican seats that will help the only faction opposing pork in Congress: The Republican Study Committee. Most recently, Tim Walberg of Michigan ousted porker Joe Schwarz in a Republican primary. Other new faces that should reach Congress with a renewed effort to defeat pork are Doug Lamborn, Adrian Smith, Bill Sali, Jim Jordan and John Campbell. They will join with Sens. Coburn and McCain and the leaders of the RSC in the House to try to stare down the bipartisan pork train.

Besides all being actual fiscal conservatives, these Congressional allies are also all Club for Growth endorsees (as was Coburn in 2004). Now that the primary season is drawing to a close, the Club For Growth has identified three general elections where they will focus their anti-pork and small government efforts: Michael Bouchard of MI, Mike McGavick of WA, and Michael Steele of MD. All three are running in states that voted for John Kerry. But all three have trailed in recent polls, but usually by 5-10 points. The incumbents in WA and MI have polled under 50% which historically is the make or break line for incumbents. And the MD race still hinges on the outcome of the Democratic primary between ex-NAACP head Mfume and yawn-inducing REP Cardin. That race finishes up in a week at which time Steele's financial advantage should help in crafting the parameters of debate.

All in all, these three candidates deserve support from those who are disappointed with the current Congress and want to support anti-pork and small government conservatives. You can donate to them through the Club for Growth, which will emphasize to future candidates that being fiscally conservative wins supporters and funding.