Free Republic

The editorial page of The Washington Times has reviewed the interest-group and ideological ratings and rankings of the three Republican House members -- John Boehner of Ohio (first elected in 1990), John Shadegg of Arizona (1994) and Roy Blunt of Missouri (1996) -- seeking the post of House majority leader, which Tom DeLay permanently vacated recently. >snip Mr. Shadegg, who has compiled five 100% ratings in 10 years from the American Conservative Union (ACU), has a lifetime ACU rating of 97.6. With four 100% ratings over 14 years, Mr. Boehner's lifetime ACU rating is 93.4. Mr. Blunt, who has received...

Conservative icon Richard Viguerie has come out with all guns blazing against Washington Republicans, saying they've abandoned their conservative principles and risk defeat in the 2006 elections. In an open letter addressed to "Conservative Leaders," Viguerie writes: "It has become increasingly clear that Republicans in Washington care little or nothing about grassroots conservatives and the values they hold dear. "After we spent decades defeating the Rockefeller wing of the Party, it seems we have a new enemy - the Washington wing of the GOP. They're not just wasting money; they're actually massively growing government in direct contravention of everything Republicans...

GOP Chair Says Iraq Vote Important By WILL LESTER The Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) - The chairman of the Republican National Committee said Monday the positions that members of Congress take on the use of military force against Iraq will be important to voters in November's elections. ``It is one of those issues ... that will be important to every voter,'' Marc Racicot said in an interview. ``I don't know how pivotal it is in every single election. There are multiple issues.'' Those issues include national security, education and the economy, Racicot said. Many other issues are related to the...