Michigan Right-to-Work Almost A Reality

LANSING, MI – Michigan conservatives are about to claim an unprecedented legislative victory upon final passage of right-to-work. The Great Lakes State is set to become the twenty-fourth with a workplace freedom law.

Republicans, who comfortably control both chambers, introduced and debated similar bills late last week. On Thursday House members approved the bill by a 58-52 tally; the Senate followed suit, 22-16. Democrats staged a walk-out after their futile stall tactics, i.e. a string of hopeless amendments, failed, thus allowing a corresponding 22-4 vote concerning government-sector unionization.

In anticipation of the legislature’s decision, unrest over the democratic process arose. Anti-worker choice protesters – many of whom were bused in from Wisconsin, Illinois and Ohio – rushed the Capitol building. Whistles and drums added to the noise stemming from shouting adults near the House and Senate corridors. Police officers made eight arrests.

A grassroots effort  – led by Union Conservatives, Americans for Prosperity, and the Freedom to Work taskforce – played an integral part in bringing high-profile reform to the origin of Big Labor.

The consensus opinion is that leftist coalition leaders ultimately brought this political battle upon themselves. Union bosses namely of the United Auto Workers and Michigan Education Association, scheming directly with Democrat Party officials, were responsible for placing the inaptly dubbed ‘’Protect Our Jobs’’ proposal on the November ballot. The proposition, an attempted amendment to the state constitution, sought to grant unions ruling authority over elected representatives of the people. For all intents and purposes the Big Labor power-grab would have created a fourth branch of state-level government. Michiganders soundly rejected it, 58-42 percent, and opened the door for right-to-work.

After a five-day waiting period and a conference review as required by law, the legislature will move to consider this morning. Governor Snyder, a moderate Republican who has declared support for workplace freedom, is expected to sign the measure soon.

Top 5 States Romney Must Win

Mitt Romney, having setback the president’s reelection bid with impressive debate performances, is in a position to win. As the economy creeps along at a sluggish pace, millions of Americans remain unemployed. Political indicators and prominent polling data imply that Romney-Ryan have the momentum heading into the final stretch.

But which states hold the keys to victory this fall? The top five include:

 

5. North Carolina  

 

Electoral Votes: 15

Previous Outcome: Obama +0.3%

Current Prediction: Romney +5.6%*

Status: Likely Romney

 

Although North Carolina and states of similar political taste traditionally support Republican presidential hopefuls, they went for Barack Obama. However, it seems as though the last cycle was an exception to the rule. In 2010, Republicans swept across the Tar Heel State – taking control of the legislature for the first time since the late 1800s. Team Romney really wants to secure  this original colony. Caution: This pick-up is not guaranteed.

 

4. Colorado

 

Electoral Votes: 9

Previous Outcome: Obama +9.0%

Current Prediction: Romney +0.2%*

Status: Toss-up

 

GOP candidates vying for the presidency have typically done well in the Mile High, having won eight of Colorado’s last ten contests. Bill Clinton (1992) and the incumbent (2008) both clinched this purple outlier the initial time around; the former lost it during his reelection bid. The final tally might depend upon turnout in Democratic Party stronghold: Denver,  the most populous city stationed in the Mountain West time zone. Consider also the significance of Jefferson and Arapahoe Counties, suburban areas which are viewed by trusted politicos as a bellwether for the country. Romney’s chances increase tremendously with a positive outcome here.

 

3. Virginia

 

Electoral Votes: 13

Previous Outcome: Obama +6.3%

Current Prediction: Tie*

Status: Toss-up

 

George W. Bush carried the Commonwealth twice, but it tilted toward the Democrats last time. High turnout in Arlington and Fairfax Counties and Alexandria – three affluent suburbs near Washington, D. C. – could determine the outcome. Governor Bob McDonnell (R-VA), who entered office amidst the Tea Party tidal wave, doubles as a Romney campaign surrogate. To boot, there is an incredibly competitive contest brewing for an open U. S. Senate seat between George Allen and Tim Kaine. The races atop the ballot look to remain close throughout.

 

2. Florida

 

Electoral Votes: 29

Previous Outcome: Obama +2.8%

Current Prediction: Romney +2.1%*

Status: Toss-up

 

The Sunshine State is a must-win for Mitt; a loss here would benefit Obama immensely. Of course the 2000 general election was decided by less than six-hundred Floridian votes. Republicans held their annual convention, headlined by former Governor Jeb Bush, in Tampa this summer. Fears that Paul Ryan’s selection as the vice presidential nominee would hamper the GOP are unsubstantiated. Polls show that a tight race is anticipated.

 

1. Ohio  

 

Electoral Votes: 18

Previous Outcome: Obama +4.6%

Current Prediction: Obama +2.1%*

Status: Toss-up

 

Another extremely crucial battleground, Buckeye Land can make or break either side’s November 6 celebration. Both men have visited early and often. The Obama campaign recently decided to invest extra resources in specific Midwestern locales. Evidently, Romney’s debate performances signify an edge. Of note without a majority of Ohioan voters on board, no Republican has ever been elected president.

 

Are We Better Off?

Statistics are one thing, reality another. All five of these states were won by Barrack Obama four years ago. In order to succeed, the Republican ticket must turn the tide. If Mitt Romney carries North Carolina, Colorado, Virginia, Florida, and Ohio – in addition to Indiana and reliably red territory – he will become the forty-fifth White House occupant.** On to Election Day!

 

*The “Current Prediction” is based on the latest Real Clear Politics polling average.

**Romney would defeat the president, 275 to 263, if he were to carry the aforementioned states alone.

Mitt in Michigan Today!

Presumptive GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney is touring the Great Lakes State today, Tuesday, June 19.

Three locations – Frankenmuth (morning), DeWitt (1:15 pm), and Holland (evening) – are on Team Romney’s docket. Here are the details:

Bavarian Inn Rally

713 South Main Street

Frankenmuth, MI

Doors Open: 8:30 am

Event Begins: 9:30 am

Sweetie-licious Bakery Café

108 North Bridge Street

DeWitt, MI

Event Begins: 1:15 pm

Holland State Park Rally

2215 Ottawa Beach Road

Holland, MI

Doors Open: 5:00 pm

Event Begins: 6:00 pm

Parking:  Shuttle will be located at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds

Tickets: http://romneyhollandmi.eventbrite.com/

Reports have indicated that far-left MoveOn.org will stage a protest at the Lansing area event. Those wishing to counter-protest the liberal machine by supporting Governor Romney should arrive close to noon.

Romney, who recently surpassed the requisite amount of pledged delegates to the Republican National Convention in order to become the Party’s White House nominee, leads the incumbent 46% to 45% according to the most recent Michigan polling data. Mitt spent Monday in Iowa, another Midwestern battleground state.

On Facebook, the campaign posted a note inviting Michiganders to attend the “Every Town Counts” bus tour. For further details on how to get involved, visit http://mi.tt/NGQdeN.

Contact the official Mitt for Michigan bunch via phone (313-744-3526) or any time via email, TeamMI@MittRomney.com.

Conservative Youth Invade CPAC

From February 9-11, CPAC – the oldest and largest American gathering of conservative activists – attracted the big guns and droves of energized college kids.

And the stats are on the youngsters’ side: from 2007 to 2012, there was a 233% increase in youth attendance at CPAC (The Daily Beast). Now that is saying something, with the consideration that the White House incumbent absolutely dominated the teen and twenty-something demographic not too long ago. This means, then, that there is ‘hope’ for a significant ‘change’ in the near-future voting patterns of millennials.

While there en masse, ripe and hungry students attended seminars on topics ranging from economic policies to border security, sustainable Natural Gas to the Constitution and its timeless principles. Group members met prominent leaders like businessman Herman Cain, U. S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Member of the European Parliament Daniel Hannan. They also had the opportunity to network with close to 5,000 fellow collegians from across the United States and around the world.

Of the three Republican presidential candidates whom addressed the convention – Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, and Newt Gingrich – two appeared to have a noticeable youth presence. To varying extents, the trio each had a contingency of followers throughout the weekend; however, the former Massachusetts Governor and former U. S. Senator from Pennsylvania  garnered the healthiest support amongst youngsters. Romney, for one, attracted a vocal bunch, consisting mostly of college students, whom chanted “Mitt! Mitt! Mitt!” – a seemingly organic cause – in the halls of the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. On the contrary, Santorum was featured at a Students for Life of America (SFLA) morning rally where he defended the sanctity of human life. The pair will continue their duel and opportunity to court young voters in the string of crucial primaries to follow.

This time, Libertarian-minded candidate Ron Paul, a college student favorite, opted against speaking to the 10,500-member strong committed conservative clan. Instead, the Texas Congressman campaigned in Maine where he finished second in their February 11 caucuses behind Romney.

A decent-sized crowd gathered outside the venue near the Metro transit entrance in support of more government programs. On-site reports indicate that individuals, sadly including youthful folks, were compensated $60 for their efforts. Protesters displayed mass-produced signs that read “We are the 99%” and “Occupy CPAC.”

The American Conservative Union, host of CPAC, conducted a straw poll amongst Conference attendees. Romney won the much anticipated vote with 38% of ballots cast, while Santorum finished in second, former U. S. House Speaker Gingrich third, Paul – the victor of the 2010 and 2011 surveys – a distant fourth.

The next set of presidential primaries occurs February 28 in Arizona and Michigan. Romney, who was born and raised in the Great Lakes State, won in his backyard four years prior. The margin of victory was around 8%. Although the upcoming election is expected to be closer, the Detroit native seeks to springboard into Super Tuesday with an impressive outcome.

Nicholas Kowalski writes for The College Conservative and The Other Side Blog. Follow him, @NKowalski, on Twitter for the latest scoop. If you wish to schedule an interview, visit the “About The Blogger” page.

2012 is Here: The Iowa Caucuses

Reporting live from the Hawkeye State: home of the first-in-the-nation 2012 presidential caucus election!

I am very excited to take part in the political process at this crucial early contest. It appears that front-runner Mitt Romney and libertarian Ron Paul have an advantage over their counterparts, according to updated polling data. Rick Santorum, former U. S. Senator from Pennsylvania, has benefited from a late surge thanks primarliy to Evangelical Christians – a major Iowan voting bloc.

The Des Moines Register – Iowa’s largest newspaper – recently announced their endorsement of Mitt Romney.

While this important electoral test has accurately selected the eventual GOP nominee (i. e. Bob Dole and George W. Bush), top contenders have fallen short, namely Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. Four years ago, up-and-coming candidate Mike Huckabee won the caucuses.

Have you ever wondered the difference between a caucus and a primary? The latter – Iowa’s standard since 1976 – stands out due to the requisite time commitment and forum-style nature. Precinct-level gatherings begin around 7:00 pm. A representative on behalf of each candidate is invited to address the precinct body prior to voting. Unlike at a primary, which almost always includes a one-and-done secret ballot, caucus participants may choose to support a candidate other than the one they originally backed at the start of the evening. For those whom work late, have small children, or are ill, the caucus may prove to be too much of a hassle. Unquestionably, and for multiple reasons, the hands-on approach is unique in its own right!

Just one-week later, on January 10, New Hampshire will hold the first of many primary battles. South Carolina and Florida follow soon thereafter. Michiganders will cast their ballots on February 28.

*Please check back soon for in-depth analysis and a first-hand look at the Iowa Caucuses!

CPAC 2011: “Student Activism Panel” Speech

 

At CPAC 2011, I was honored to share my experience in the conservative movement. As apart of Friday’s “Student Activism Panel,” I gave a brief speech. Below is the text of my oration. Feel free to share with fellow conservatives, and let me know your thoughts. Thank you!

 

Surprise! Conservatives actually exist at that bastion of liberalism known as Michigan State University. You may recognize the Spartan logo from atop the head of the hefty lefty film producer, Michael Moore.

I stand before you because of my passion for common sense ideals, such as free-market economics, family values, and personal sovereignty. This past fall, I waged a spirited campaign for County Commissioner against a left-wing career politician. The duel was between a blonde-haired-blue-eyed undergraduate – yours truly – and a still-living-the-dream hippie who had first been elected way back in 1976. (That’s correct; he was on the same ballot as Jimmy Carter!) Though we lost the battle at the polls, we won the war in terms of sparking campus awareness for the conservative cause. For instance, I wound up with a front-page article in the school newspaper that reached thousands of students and professors. While liberal indoctrination, questionable treatment of conservative student organizations, and limited free-speech still occur at the public university in East Lansing, the community is arising out of a utopian nostalgia which filled the seats at Spartan Stadium not too long ago.

Traditional and social media, head-turning events, in addition to personal connections and interactions, are all fine tools that can be cultivated to the fullest extent on campus. I believe the impact that an individual, or a group, can have in challenging conventional wisdom is limitless. And don’t just take my word: each activist on this stage, and in the audience and around the country, represents the will of our generation to defend constitutional principles. We have an opportunity to reverse the brain drain, to shape our future and the future of America the exceptional. The time to act is now.

As the Great Communicator, President Ronald Reagan, once proclaimed: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” So let’s inspire authentic ‘hope’ with real ‘change’ at our respective institutions of higher learning – and fast, because with each passing second the federal deficit reaches a new astronomical high.

If you share my feelings toward Michael Moore, please follow my tweets at NKowalski – that’s spelled N-K-O-W-A-L-S-K-I on Twitter. Thank you and keep up the fight for what’s right!

 

Nick Kowalski is a blogger at The Other Side and can be contacted via email (Nicholas.Kowalski@rocketmail.com) and on Twitter (@NKowalski).

Mark Kennedy Picks Pawlenty for President: An In-Depth Interview with the Former Congressman

 

Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with former Congressman and businessman Mark Kennedy (R-MN). This past summer I met Mr. Kennedy while at the Young America’s Foundation’s National Conservative Student Conference in Washington, D. C. Having moved on from an unsuccessful bid for the U. S. Senate – he was the GOP nominee in 2006 – the businessman has embarked on a new path.

In August, Mr. Kennedy discussed his conceptual design dubbed as “Purple People Power”: the professed solution to the gridlock of politics. Reining in an era of fiscal irresponsibility and paying off the national debt, which stands at about $400 per American, should be atop the federal government’s agenda, argues the financial consultant who hails from the ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes.’

The “path to Purple progress,” as described in his address, incorporates the following list of objectives:

1) Have a wide lens

– Food for thought: competition is not the other party

2) 360-degree vision

– Business, Congressional, and global insight: an array of different experiences can aid our understanding of matters

3) Avoid red vs. blue

– Political gridlock: Purple ‘pain,’ not ‘rain’ (á la the famed singer Prince)

By way of humor, Mr. Kennedy relates the binge-spending behavior of those in Washington to “free love” which “leads to unintended consequences for all involved,” i.e. “crabs.”

On a more serious note, given the fact that the Republican Party has been without a sixty-vote majority for around nine decades, Mr. Kennedy asserts that there has been “progress only once in ninety years.” With that empirical piece of historical data in mind, the businessman suggests that Republicans must “get [Democratic] conservatives on board, like Ben Nelson [of Nebraska]” in order to enact real reform such as a balanced budget amendment to the U. S. Constitution.

From 2000-2006, Mr. Kennedy held onto a Congressional seat representing Minnesota’s sixth district. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN 6), founder of the U. S. House Tea Party Caucus, is the incumbent.

Aside from his current advising ventures, during his twenty-year career in business, Mr. Kennedy helped Pillsbury acquire Haagen Dazs, worked at Accenture, and was named a “Fortune 100” senior executive.

To learn more about Mr. Kennedy and his business – Chartwell Strategic Advisors, LLC – you may explore his website, http://chartwellsa.com/.

Below is the transcript of our conversation on Congress, politics, family, business, and… Michigan football? Read on for the entire scoop! 

* Interview with Mark Kennedy *

The Other Side (TOS): Having served three terms in Congress, what did you learn from it all? Did your outlook on life, your view of government alter as a result of your time spent on Capitol Hill?

Mark Kennedy (MK): I learned that each individual can make a difference. I won my first contest by 155 votes. Less than one vote difference per precinct and I would’ve lost. I was the deciding vote in the U. S. House many times.

You certainly get a broader view. If anything Congress made me more conservative. We, my office, often times were rehabilitation for kids that were liberal. CSPAN is very liberal; you realize the [factual] association with their comments is way off. Gained a much broader sense of government while in Congress. [My view that] individual initiative as opposed to government directive didn’t change.

TOS: If you could fix one thing – and one thing only – in Washington, what would it be, even if your political career would be at risk? Do you feel that this measure could be fixed soon, why or why not?

MK: A balanced budget amendment. Could be fixed only if the youth make it an issue, and they should. We’re spending you and your kids’ money, not for your benefit but for theirs. Now in Congress they are considering a moratorium on earmarks. It’s a start; with groundswell pressure we could get change.

TOS: According to your’06 Senate campaign webpage, as a Congressman, you served as “an independent voice for Minnesotans, frequently leading bi-partisan efforts to address concerns” including “health care.” With the primarily GOP-supported concept of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) aside, which bi-partisan health care initiatives did you push for – hopefully not Pelosi’s version?

MK: The bill that I co-authored [H. R. 765 (The Fair Care for the Uninsured Act of 2005)] was for refundable tax credits that had to be insured. Had a good share of House Democrats supporting it. Each individual chooses the coverage that they get. Did not get to a floor vote. Bush had it on the agenda, but it never got that far. Brought up in each of the terms that I served.

TOS: What is your reaction to the midterm elections? You must have been excited to see the Minnesota State Legislature, particularly the Senate, flip from Democratic to GOP control for the first time ever. (A Republican tornado ravaged through my home state of Michigan too.) In your opinion, will Republicans stay true to their professed mindset of fiscal responsibility and government reform, or will a collapse ensue much like that of the ‘90s?

MK: My reaction [is that] if you get tackled in your own end zone, that’s two points for the other team. The stimulus, etc. Pelosi and the Democrats that passed it hurt themselves. If Republicans do the same thing we’ll pay a similar penalty in one of the future elections. Want to start out from your opponent’s forty yard-line, not near your own end zone. Not seesaw, but future progress is what we want.

Absolutely. There is a recount for Governor; the Democrat leads, but we did take back the House and the Senate. This will give us two, possibly three, seats at the table [in Minnesota]. Not just Minnesota, Republicans will be positioned well for redistricting [across the country].

TOS: Of the potential candidates, and at this stage, who would you support as the GOP nominee for President in 2012?

MK: I am supporting Tim Pawlenty. He has fiscal credentials, has balanced the books without raising taxes as Governor, and advocated health reform that I favor. I think Pawlenty will do well in Iowa. Romney may have an edge in New Hampshire, but Romney Care, which is much like Obama Care, makes him vulnerable.

TOS: To what extent has your family background guided your career path and all-around decision making with regard to professional endeavors?

MK: I’m a first-generation college graduate. Started working at the age of fourteen. Floored to be the first boy in my family to go to college. My family taught me that everyone has the opportunity, but you have to take that opportunity. I’m one-of-seven kids, close to each of them, helps to focus you to get a word in edge wise. Great practice for Congress.

TOS: You have been out of public service for the past four years. What have you accomplished in the private sector during that time?

MK: Spent first three years with Accenture, working with predominately retailers world-wide as I have a retail background. Now working on speaking and advising with my own business. I work with individuals to help them develop a market strategy.

TOS: Exactly what is your role at Chartwell Strategic Advisors LLC? Briefly explain your “360-degree vision” approach and how it can be applied to common situations.

MK: Teaching speaking and advising, yes.  Almost every situation you can get a better answer if you understand all sides of the issue. Without it, you fall short. Wal-Mart needed to sell live squids and turtles in Beijing to be successful. They had to adapt to the market forces. Other cases where businesses have responded in a positive way like Toyota has with the Prius. They are now allowed to drive in certain lanes in California with only one person in the car. Look at societal norms and alter decisions accordingly. Liberals have a void at the business decision level, it seems.

TOS: Displayed on your business website is a quote from the philosopher Aristotle that reads, “One must learn by doing the thing, for though you think you know it, you have no certainty until you try.” What do you interpret this oft-referenced statement as meaning, of relation to the business world? 

MK: You’ve got to get experience in business in order to appreciate it. If you want to go into politics, spend some time in business so you get an understanding of the job market before you make the decisions. Interesting to see. A guy I was speaking with for business once had never been to a Muslim country, yet he was trying to disprove of my opinions. You have to spend some time, walk in their shoes to understand where they’re coming from. You don’t have to agree, but understand in a way that is more likely for you to be received [positively].

TOS: In closing, what are your plans for the near future? Will you remain with Chartwell? Are there any lingering ambitions to seek a higher office, say, to challenge Al Franken in 2014?

MK: Who knows? Only the good Lord knows. In the meantime, I have to reopen my balance sheet, and remain open for opportunities. I believe in paying taxes and balancing budgets, but some don’t think so anymore. The number one message that students need to understand is the debt. We need sixty votes in the Senate, including conservative Democrats to get on board, in order to stop the madness. An inability to address this issue will limit your ability to address any others.

TOS: And, since I know that you are a Wolverine, I must ask: what has happened to your alma mater’s football and basketball programs recently? It appears that the roles have been reversed. The University of Michigan is now East Lansing’s “little brother”!

MK: They are pretty bad. And they have been down for a few years now. When I was at homecoming this year, I thought, ‘this team doesn’t deserve this stadium.’ [Michigan head coach Rich] Rodriguez says he needs four years to recruit? On homecoming, the kicker had two penalties. What is that? The big problem is defense – and the kicker. Inexcusable.

TOS: Do you think Stanford head coach and former U of M quarterback Jim Harbaugh will come back to Ann Arbor?

MK: We will see what the future holds.

Nick Kowalski writes for The Other Side conservative blog (https://nicholaskowalski.wordpress.com). He can be reached via Facebook (http://tiny.cc/d9sm9), Twitter (http://twitter.com/NKowalski), and email (nicholas.kowalski@rocketmail.com).

Freedom Week 2010 at MSU: Out with Communism, In with Democratic Capitalism!

The words of U. S. President Ronald Reagan: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” were indicative of the end of communism in the eastern bloc and around the world. Subsequently, on November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall fell.

In honor of Freedom Week 2010, an activism project of Young America’s Foundation, the MSU College Republicans – in partnership with the MSU Young Americans for Liberty – distributed pocket copies of the U. S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence and uplifting posters, hosted conservative speakers on the topics of Reagan and freedom, and endorsed the Veterans Day tribute put on by the university’s Army ROTC cadets. The week was acknowledged from November 8-12.

Without a doubt, the pro-freedom message was spread across the college campus in East Lansing, and many others in the U. S., throughout the week.

To learn more about Freedom Week and Young America’s Foundation, travel to the proceeding web address: http://www.yaf.org/eventdetails.aspx?id=4812.

DC Blog – Entry #6: A Morning Chat with Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN 7)

This morning the GOP Youth Convention hosted a breakfast as apart of their weekly speaker series at the NRA Building on Capitol Hill. U. S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN 7), a four-term member of Congress, addressed an audience of about thirty college-aged DC interns, discussing fiscal responsibility, health care, and “net neutrality.” I had the pleasure of asking the Congresswoman a question after her talk. Here’s the query I posed followed by Rep. Blackburn’s response:

The Other Side: In your opinion, should the Republican Party adopt Representative Paul Ryan’s “Roadmap” or one like it for the 2010 election cycle, or should the GOP just run on the platform of jobs, the economy, and anti-Obama?

Rep. Blackburn: We will have a ‘to do’ list, an action list that we will take. Ryan’s “Roadmap” is a great concept. Americans are frustrated with inaction; they want ideas. We will agressively talk about ideas in moving forward.

As you can tell, the Congresswoman embraced her fellow Representative’s vision for the future, but did not commit to a specific directive agenda for the upcoming mid-term elections. Nevertheless, my pursuit for a clear-cut answer for the future of the GOP will continue.

I bumped into Mrs. Blackburn, a nice and cordial woman, as I was exiting the venue. I first thanked her for taking my question and formally introduced myself. We chatted about the state of Michigan’s economy – in fact, the Tennessean is acutely aware of the situation, stating that she is friends with Congresswoman Candice Miller (R-MI 10) – in addition to talking about the prospect for reclaiming control of two Congressional seats: MI-7 and MI-9 (I brought this up).

Naturally, I asked Mrs. Blackburn if I could have my picture taken with her. She said that I could; we stopped into the RNC (great idea) in order to have my request fulfilled. I thanked the Congresswoman once more and we parted ways: I headed upstairs and she was likely off to a House session or the like.

For more information on the GOP Youth Convention, please visit http://www.gopyouthconvention.org/.