Over 130 House Republicans sign letter asking conservative stalwart Shadegg not to retire
Hear our call - Don't Give Up the Fight
By The Directors Posted in Congress | Conservatives | John Shadegg | Republicans — Comments (19) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
Earlier this week, we reacted to the announcement that John Shadegg was resigning from Congress with surprise and dismay. We have in the past endorsed Shadegg for the position of majority leader, and we consider him a leading voice for conservatism on Capitol Hill and in America.
Tonight, we were not surprised to learn that our high opinion of John Shadegg is shared by many on the Hill. According to multiple news reports, over half of the Republicans in the House signed the following letter in just the first two hours of its distribution, urging Shadegg to reconsider. We at Redstate wholeheartedly concur with those who circulated the letter - Reps. Pence, Hensarling, and Hoekstra - and with the other 130+ House GOPers' call for Mr. Shadegg to run for reelection and to remain in office. These are critical times for our nation, and Washington needs leaders of his caliber.
The text of the letter is below the fold. We encourage our readers to add their comments in support of John Shadegg, urging him to stay the course.
Read on.
February 15, 2008
The Honorable John B. Shadegg
306 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515Dear John,
As your colleagues, your fellow conservatives, and your friends, we sincerely ask that you reconsider your decision to retire from Congress.
As chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a Member of House leadership, and a leader in the Conservative Movement, you are helping Republicans return to core principles. Your intellectual consistency in defense of the Constitution and passionate articulation of conservative principles is in need now more than ever. We fear that without you and the long-term perspective you bring to every debate, our battles will be difficult to win. This is especially true in the area of health care where you are one of the leading experts.
John, you continue to inspire, embolden, and lead. The Republican Conference needs you here, the Conservative Movement needs you here, and the country needs you here.
Please reconsider.
Humbly,
The Undersigned
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Over 130 House Republicans sign letter asking conservative stalwart Shadegg not to retire 19 Comments (0 topical, 19 editorial, 0 hidden) Post a comment »
Everyone with a Valentine (including me) has been out and about tonight.
I also have a Valentine, but when all of your cash is tied up in your business you tend not to celebrate these minor holidays. [Yes, my wife agrees it is minor. I won't get in trouble for saying that.]
Fighting for conservatism one day at a time.
McCain is going to win in November. Shadegg will make a great replacement.
/glass half full guy
"Livin' the dream. I'm going to Disney World." Super Bowl XLII MVP, Elisha Nelson Manning
Please stay in DC, Rep. Shadegg.
The only folks who we actually want in Congress are those who don't want to be there. I know it's a personal sacrifice, but you're doing great work for your country, and we all hope you'll continue.
"Livin' the dream. I'm going to Disney World." Super Bowl XLII MVP, Elisha Nelson Manning
And while it's certainly possible Shadegg will get it, it's equally possible someone else could get tapped to finish out McCain's term (which I believe ends in 2010). So it's hard to say, though obviously we could absolutely use the man in the Senate.
From reading the article that they linked to, I don't think that he was considering taking McCain's seat even if it was offered.
Fighting for conservatism one day at a time.
Going on that?
He'd be great in the Senate working with Demint, Coburn and such.
"Livin' the dream. I'm going to Disney World." Super Bowl XLII MVP, Elisha Nelson Manning
...is one of the shining stars of the House. We need more men of principle, courage and conviction just like him. Men who will fight the good fight for the noble values of personal and economic freedom.
I realize it probably isn't very rewarding watching the Queen of the House waste everyone's valuable time by renaming post offices and redecorating the cafeteria. But Nancy won't be holding the gavel forever. Please stick it out, Congressman Shadegg. We need you now more than ever.
--
"We want great men who, when fortune frowns, will not be discouraged." - Colonel Henry Knox
If he would become Minority Leader (or Majority Leader if we have a great year) in 2008 he could be a fantastic Presidential candidate in 2012 or 2016. Sometimes people just decide that they want to relax, but man, we could really use him. There aren't enough true conservative elected leaders out there.
his reasons for retiring. I know that the strain & stress of public life can take a toll on the person & the ones he/she loves.
I would like to see him stay in the house if he so feels led.
Rep. Shadegg has been a faithful servant and I'm glad that he stayed in Congress for as long as he did, especially considering some of the dimwits with whom he has had the misfortune of working. If his heart's no longer in his current position, though, he would probably do more for the movement by assuming a different role therein. If ever he desires to return to electoral politics, I'll be one of the first to welcome him back, and that includes if he decides to seek John McCain's Senate seat in a special election this November. I wish he wanted to remain in the House, but if he doesn't, then he needs to move on.
No man is indispensable, as great as Shadegg is.
We need conservatism in Congress, now more than ever!
Is there a link anywhere to the names of the House members who signed? I want to see if my Representative was among them.
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GOP for President, 2008
I think I will write him a letter.
...a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right...
---Thomas Paine---
He, being a terrific guy, has a great wife and family. He is filled with integrity and one of the VERY FEW elected officials that gives me pride and confidence in our representative government. The other is Jon Kyl. Luckily, both from Arizona.
I've always hoped that we would some day have Senator Shadegg representing Arizona. He needs to be a top leader on our party; hopefully, for a long time.
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Vista really sucks!
Wow, when will the supposed "family values" gang keep their pants on? No way he can stay given the news coming out tonight.
h ttp://downwithtyranny.blogspot.com/2008/02/rumors-swirl-about-two-republican.html
Ridiculous!
Hookers, bathroom stalls, pages, loofahs.....
Can our party get it together for this election or not? The defections are coming faster than we can count.
Didn't even have to look. Can't remember if this is Ipoo Boy or one of the others.
The Fuzzy Puppy of the VRWC. I've been usurped!
Something to get the message to Shaddeg that he is still needed.
Fighting for conservatism one day at a time.