Shadegg Gets Support

Rep. Shadegg of Arizona is one of the three contenders for Delay's old leadership role (Blunt and Boehner the other two). I'm a believer that with CNN airing "Culture of Corruption" headlines every five minutes, a smaller "contract with America" needs to come out of this leadership race. I've reviewed the three and am throwing my support behind Rep. Shadegg. He is the most distant from "super-duperlobbyist" Jack Abramoff, believes in small government and conservative values, and has the ability to put a new face on the Republican party. I also like hearing his dad ran Barry Goldwater's first Senate race and he is very against constant earmarking of bills.

I'm not the only one, however. Other conservative groups have started efforts to get Shadegg's name out there and help give the party a fresh new look, free from corruption and concerned with giving money back to the people who earned it. Here are organizations contributing to the cause:

National Review: "John Shadegg is the right man to clean house and restore the GOP majority to its core principles."
The Club For Growth: "There is no member of the House of Representatives more committed to the idea of limited government and economic freedom than John Shadegg.”
RedState: "John Shadegg understands that we need reform and a renewed commitment to our conservative principles in order to restore the confidence and support of the American public."
Human Events: "[T]here is no question [Shadegg] is the conservative candidate for the job."

I also find it amazing the new power of blogs and internet lobbying. Beltway Blogroll takes a look how campaigns have taken a new form.

Shadegg's letter to Republican colleagues describe his vision for change back to the Goldwater-Reagan view:

"We need to reform the earmark process and end secret backroom deals. We must also reform our antiquated budget process, and take a clear stand for open and honest government. No elected official, including a Member of Congress, who takes a bribe should get a taxpayer-funded pension.

"[Barry Goldwater] taught me that, 'a government that is big enough to give you all you want is big enough to take it all away.'

"I do not need a poll or questionnaire to tell me what Republicans stand for. The party of Reagan exists not to expand government, but to protect the American people from government’s excesses. Reagan once said, 'If you’re afraid of the future, then get out of the way, stand aside. The people of this country are ready to move again.' I think this Conference is ready to move again, and move toward the reforms the American people deserve."

I like what I hear. Go Shadegg!