Home Blog Page 18

CISPA Returns as CISA – Take Action Today!

0

CISPA is back and this time it’s loaded with additional 4th amendment violations to make it easier to catch the next Edward Snowden. The new bill is called The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2014 (‘CISA’) and it will hit the floor of the Senate next week. The Republican Liberty Caucus is part of a bipartisan coalition of groups concerned about civil liberties and committed to preserving the constitution which are committed to stopping this legislation.

According to the ACLU:

“The bill would create a massive loophole in our existing privacy laws by allowing the government to ask companies for ‘voluntary’ cooperation in sharing information, including the content of our communications, for cybersecurity purposes. But the definition they are using for the so-called ‘cybersecurity information’ is so broad it could sweep up huge amounts of innocent Americans’ personal data.

“The Fourth Amendment protects Americans’ personal data and communications from undue government access and monitoring without suspicion of criminal activity. The point of a warrant is to guard that protection. CISA would circumvent the warrant requirement by allowing the government to approach companies directly to collect personal information, including telephonic or internet communications, based on the new broadly drawn definition of ‘cybersecurity information.’”

We know from past experience the chilling effect which these ‘voluntary’ government programs have. Companies feel threatened and become overly cooperative and your data becomes incredibly vulnerable. This allows the government to get away with gross violations of you privacy and security without any search warrant or due process of law.

The government is not protecting your interests. They should be writing laws to provide additional security for your online communications making clear that the 4th amendment applies to them, not building a loophole to stop whistleblowers.

The Obama administration if not our friend on this so we need to stop it dead in the Senate. The ACLU points out that “The Obama Administration has brought more ‘leaks’ prosecutions against government whistleblowers and members of the press than all previous administrations combined…If misused by this or future administrations, CISA could eliminate due process protections for such investigations, which already favor the prosecution.”

We urge you to write your Senators. Click on the link below to go to the online tool for that purpose. Thanks to RLC Texas for getting us the text for this article.

http://libertyactioncenter.com/campaign/53c67c35-31d8-4cd1-b5e3-206532741282

RLC Endorses George Brikho in Michigan’s 9th Congressional District

0

ROYAL OAK, MI – Today the Republican Liberty Caucus (RLC) is happy to announce the endorsement of George Brikho for Michigan’s 9th Congressional District. Brikho seeks to reign in bloated government spending, ease onerous regulations and restore essential liberty to citizens.

“George Brikho shares our core principles,” said RLC Chairman Matt Nye. “He is committed to limiting the size and scope of government. George shares our frustration with federal government run amok. He understands we must reform taxes and free markets in order to achieve prosperity for all Americans.”

In addition to economic issues, Brikho focuses heavily on civil liberty issues. He is an outspoken privacy advocate and a strong supporter of the rights of law-abiding Americans to bear arms, issues of critical importance to all voters.

“George Brikho loves Liberty, America, his family and his neighbors. That’s what motivates him to challenge political oligarch Sander Levin, the multi-decade incumbent congressman for Michigan’s Ninth District. George understands how and why the incumbent’s voting record and collaboration with the politically powerful special interests have hurt the ordinary people in Michigan,” explained RLC-MI Board member George Marburger.

The married father of three is a small business owner. For more information about the candidate visit georgebrikho.com.

RLC Endorses Rep. Kerry Bentivolio in Michigan’s 11th Congressional District

0

MILFORD, MI. -The Republican Liberty Caucus is pleased to announce the endorsement of Congressman Kerry Bentivolio for a second term in Michigan’s 11th congressional district. The Congressman also received the RLC endorsement during his successful 2012 run.

“The RLC is proud to endorse Congressman Bentivolio once again,” said RLC Chairman Matt Nye. “He is willing to challenge not only the Democrats in Congress, but the establishment Republicans who sometimes lose focus and fail us on important liberty issues.”

Bentivolio serves on the Small Business Committee as well as the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. A member of the Congressional Sportsman’s Caucus, he has worked tirelessly to preserve our rights under the 2nd Amendment.

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with Kerry Bentivolio. He is an ally of the RLC who shares our core principles. The RLC knows Congressman Bentivolio will always fight to reduce the size and scope of government. He stands up for our civil liberties,” stated Nye. “Voters know they can count on Congressman Bentivolio to obey the Constitution.”

Kerry Bentivolio has an extensive resume that includes service in the US Army during the Vietnam War and over 20 years as a member of the Michigan Army National Guard. He earned a Masters of Education from Marygrove College and taught English and history for many years on both public and private school. He and his wife, Karen, reside on a small farm in Milford.

Labrador for Majority Leader!

0

The Republican Liberty Caucus (RLC) announced a resolution of its National Board, today, urging Rep. Raul Labrador of Idaho to run for Majority Leader of the House.

“Labrador’s election as Majority Leader,” according to RLC National Chair Matt Nye, “would represent an acknowledgement by House members that Eric Cantor’s primary loss last week is a sign that new ideas are gaining influence in the Party. More and more, Republicans are asking that the Party return to its small government roots, and Labrador represents that element of the Party well.”

After Labrador’s name was mentioned as a potential candidate for Majority Leader, the RLC National Board looked at the options, reviewed Labrador’s history—which includes a 90% rating on the RLC’s most recent Liberty Index—and determined that Labrador was an exceptional candidate for the position.

RLC of Florida Challenges RPOF to come clean on campaign finance – stop “legal laundering” of campaign funds

MELBOURNE, FL – The Republican Liberty Caucus (RLC) of Florida announced today that campaign finance reform will be its top priority for the 2015 legislative session.

The “Come Clean in 2015” campaign will seek to put an end to the “legal laundering” of millions of dollars in campaign contributions through political committees controlled by legislative leaders, as well as through the Republican and Democrat parties of Florida.

“Campaign finance reforms enacted by the 2013 legislature have done little or nothing to break the control of the special interests over the legislative process in Florida, and Florida’s two major political parties continue to be willing participants in the legal laundering of millions of dollars in special interest contributions,” said Bob White, Chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Florida. “The people of Florida deserve better.”

The RLC of Florida will be holding a press conference in conjunction with this weekend’s RPOF Quarterly Meeting at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, 2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa. The purpose of the press conference will be to highlight specific examples of the continuing ethical challenges and abuses associated with Florida’s campaign finance laws, how the parties are willing participants in the process, and also a set of recommended revisions to campaign finance statutes.

The press conference will take place at the RLC of Florida literature table at 8:30 am, on Saturday, May 31st, just prior to the RPOF Quarterly General Session. The General Session is typically attended by the Governor, members of the Florida Cabinet, various Congressmen, and leaders of the Florida House and Senate.

About the Republican Liberty Caucus
For more than twenty years the Republican Liberty Caucus has been the lone, strong voice for the principles of limited government, free enterprise and individual liberty within the Republican Party. We believe that less government means more liberty and we work through local chapters and with our member activists all over the country to oppose government excess and demand accountability to the people and the Constitution. We believe in principle over party always, and unlike most Republican organizations we are not afraid to hold our own elected Republicans, and our party, accountable for their actions. Learn more at http://www.rlcfl.org.

Poliquin Endorsed in Maine’s CD 2

0

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: MATT NYE, RLC NATIONAL CHAIR
321-626-9791

The Republican Liberty Caucus has unanimously endorsed Bruce Poliquin in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District GOP primary.

“It is time that the career professional politicians more interested in being Washington insiders step aside for new voices who will represent the people who want smaller government, lower taxes and less interference from government in the conduct of their family affairs and their personal lives,” said RLC National Chair Matt Nye. “Our Board members from all parts of the nation found Bruce Poliquin to be a refreshing change from the political status quo.”

Nye said the RLC National Board conducts an exhaustive review before bestowing its endorsement and found Poliquin to be best candidate for Federal office in Maine.

“We are delighted that the RLC National Board saw the qualities in Bruce Poliquin that our state chapter members did when they overwhelmingly voted to recommend the endorsement,” said Maine RLC State Chair Vic Berardelli of Newburgh.
Berardelli said the Maine RLC supplied the National Board with documentation of Poliquin’s efforts on behalf of taxpayers which demonstrated his commitment to smaller government, reduced taxes and increased individual liberties.

“Bruce Poliquin will be a strong voice for taxpayers in Washington. He is not afraid to stand up to bureaucrats and federal agencies, as he proved when he rooted out cronyism at the Maine Housing Authority, and enacted ongoing savings without hurting the delivery of services to those in need. And as State Treasurer he tackled the state debt and introduced sound fiscal reforms, which gives him the background to offer solutions to the $17.5-trillion federal debt which saddles every infant with an I.O.U. to the federal government from the time of birth,” Berardelli said.

Nye, the National RLC Chair, explained the lengthy process to win endorsement, which starts with a recommendation vote from the candidate’s home state chapter. A national Endorsement Committee then reviews the candidate’s response to a series of questions related to the RLC Statement of Principles and investigates the candidate’s performance in prior offices and public statements. If the candidate passes that test, the RLC Board takes the final endorsement vote.

RLC Endorses Steve Lane for US House in Tennessee CD4

MURFREESBORO, TN – The Republican Liberty Caucus (RLC) is pleased to announce the endorsement of Steve Lane for United States House Tennessee’s Fourth District. Lane is a veteran of the US Air Force with a background in residential construction. He currently teaches building instruction at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville.

“Steve Lane is the clear choice for Tennessee voters to serve them in the United States House,” said RLC National Chairman Matt Nye. “Tennesseans will find comfort in his solid, no-nonsense approach to government, and his experience as a teacher makes him uniquely qualified to tackle issues of federal over reach like Common Core.”

Lane’s background in construction taught him how important it is to have a solid foundation from which to work, no matter what the project. As a teacher, Lane has taken an active role in helping his students achieve greater personal and economic potential. As a father, Lane knows the best way to strengthen our Nation is to revive founding values like hard work, personal responsibility, and fellowship.

“Lane represents the quintessential American values that make this country great,” Nye said. “We need members in Congress who will stand up to the professional politicians and against the out of control spending, and as a citizen legislator that has never held office before, Lane possesses the qualities necessary to do just that.”

Steve is a dad to six children and lives with his wife, Kaloni, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

You can learn more about Lane’s campaign at the following:
Website: www.stevelaneforcongress.com
Facebook: facebook.com/stevelaneforcongress
Twitter: @LaneForTN

Contact: Matthew Kypta, Campaign Manager
Phone: 615-768-9727
Email: lanefortn@gmail.com

RLC Endorsee Walter Jones Wins Another Term in US House in North Carolina CD3

“The Republican Liberty Caucus is delighted to have been a part of the re-election of a strong spokesman for liberty, Representative Walter Jones,” said RLC National Chair Matt Nye. “The RLC Board carefully researches all candidates and concluded that Jones is the best person to continue to serve the 3rd Congressional District in the interests of lower taxes, smaller government and increased individual liberty.”

“Jones truly represents the will of the average person in eastern North Carolina,” said Nye. “He has proudly served in the Congressional Liberty Caucus alongside such stalwarts of liberty like other RLC-endorsed members such as Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan, Rep. Scott Garrett of New Jersey, Rep. Jim Duncan of Tennessee and Rep. Roscoe Bartlett of Maryland.”

RLC Endorses Walter Jones for US House in North Carolina CD 3

0

FARMVILLE, NC – Congressman Walter Jones of North Carolina has been endorsed by the Republican Liberty Caucus. Founded in 1991, the RLC is the oldest continuously-operating grassroots organization within the Liberty Republican movement.

“Rep. Jones has been a champion of freedom and North Carolina values,” said David Williams, Chairman of the North Carolina RLC. “We are confident that Walter will continue to defend our rights to life, liberty and property in the US House.”

A member of the Committee on Armed Services and the Liberty Caucus, Jones voted against the Patriot Act and NDAA. Jones favors auditing the Fed and has always advocated for our veterans.

“Congressman Jones is well deserving of the RLC endorsement. He has proven himself to be a defender of liberty as well as a fiscal conservative, said RLC Chairman Matt Nye. “The nation needs more lawmakers who take the oath to support and defend the Constitution as seriously as Walter Jones; he puts America and its people first, as all those who serve in Congress should.”

Jones has represented the citizens of North Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District since 1995. He and his wife, Joe Anne, have one daughter, Ashley. He drives home to Farmville, NC every weekend.

RLC Endorses Stace Nelson for U.S. Senate in South Dakota

0

FULTON, SD – A spirit of change and reform is sweeping the country. Incumbents are being voted out and principled reformers are heading to Washington with a dedication to liberty, Constitutionally limited government and free markets.

The Republican Liberty Caucus believes Stace Nelson will be an important part of this movement for change, and we have given him our endorsement in the Republican Primary for the U.S. Senate in South Dakota.

“Stace Nelson’s dedication to Constitutionally limited government and political reform were made very clear in his time in the state legislature, where he demanded real answers from Washington and fought for the rights of the people of South Dakota.” said RLC Chairman Matt Nye. “He truly believes in returning power to the people and the states, restoring free markets and protecting individual liberty.”

Nelson has been described as the one true conservative in this primary race, but there is much more to recommend him than that. He has a lifetime of public service behind him and a dedication to principles which South Dakotans value. He told us clearly the kind of Senator he wants to be when he said, “Mike Lee, Justin Amash, Ted Cruz, Rand Paul – this is what our country needs. Outspoken, honest people trying to take on the out-of-control federal government and rein it in.”

Nelson lives in Fulton, SD with his wife Aiza and their six children. We strongly urge Republican voters in South Dakota to join us in supporting Stace Nelson for Senate. We cannot afford to let this seat be returned to the Democrats or fall into the hands of a Republican of lesser principles who will be no better than another Democrat. Electing Stace Nelson is a crucial step in restoring the original vision of the Republican Party and restoring our Republic.