SCHWEIKERT: Losing committee seat for bucking leadership

Washington Times ^ | 10 December 2012 | Rep. David Schweikert

[Lorianne]

In Washington, principle is a frequent casualty of the unrelenting pursuit of power.

In order to climb the ranks, to get appointed to the plush committees, to advance a bill or to just get a seat at the table, you have to be a loyal foot soldier.

For conservative Republicans, this means a choice: stifle our beliefs in support of allegedly more palatable positions, or stick to our guns. We are courted, coaxed, pressured and when all else fails, we are threatened.

Inside the Beltway, they call this “being a team player.”

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am a proud Republican, and I want to support my party. I am a firm believer in the Republican principles of smaller government, low taxes and economic freedom. I have spent my time in government service fighting for these principles.

I ran and was elected to Congress on a platform of shrinking the size and cost of a federal government that has ballooned out of control. I promised my constituents that I would fight for them — for their hard-earned tax dollars, their small businesses, their jobs and their families.

I respect my leadership and colleagues, but when the required position deviates from the promise I made to my constituents, I will pick my constituents every time.

For me, that promise trumps politics.

[samadams2000]

Vote against the sellout-become a hero.

[Pikachu_Dad]

Thank you for standing by your principles.

Had we done better in the election, then this event would not have happened.

[tennmountainman]

Vote against Bonehead, Cantor and McCarthy, and start the snowball
that will take down these hack leaders.

[SaraJohnson]

The Rinos can make their deals and maybe their deals will vote on it.

[mosesdapoet]

Schweikert is the (blank term ) from the (blank) district of (blank) state.

[Timber Rattler]

I am a firm believer in the Republican principles of smaller government, low taxes and economic freedom.

Those principles are no longer part of the Republican Party. Time to get off that sinking ship.

[Tupelo]

Principals.
Ranks right up with honor. Two things sorely missing in Washington District of Corruption.

I sure wish I had a Representative as principled as Rep. David Schweikert.
But wait! My new Representative is as principled as Rep. Schweikert, The problem is she is a Democrat.
In the immortal word of Lurch, “Aghhhh!”

[COBOL2Java]

"I didn’t come to Washington to fight against my Republican colleagues, or even against my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. I came to Washington to fight for the values that make our country unique — for the economic freedom that gives life to the American Dream. I came to fight for the people back home who still can’t find a job, for the families who worry about their children and grandchildren’s futures."
- Rep. David Schweikert

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“We don’t need a lot of Jim DeMint disciples. As soon as they get here, we need to co-opt them.”
- Former Republican Senator Trent Lott

[Lorianne]

Should have happened in 2010

If we just had voted out the bailouters we’d be rid of 90% of these people.

The Tea Party revolution was a start ... but only a start.
They got sidelined into too many other (non fiscal) issues.

If it is not carried through it won’t mean anything in the end.