Friday, November 04, 2011

2012 Endorsement: I'm With Newt

In 2008, I endorsed former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. The next day, he went on to win the Hawkeye Cauci. I have been asked over the last several months when I would be making my 2012 endorsement, well that time has come.

I have spent the last several months studying up on the candidates, researching their positions and watching their debate performances. Time and again, I come to the same conclusion: Newt Gingrich is the right person to lead America through these trying economic times.

I vividly recall the elections of 1994 as a High School Sophomore. As I would recall in my senior year, the Republican Revolution was the most memorable news event of my high school years, though most in my class chose the OJ verdict. But, the Republican Revolution would not have been possible without Newt Gingrich. His Contract with America was a triumph on the battlefield of ideas. I often wonder what condition America’s fiscal house would currently be in if all the items had become law, such as the balanced budget amendment, or had not been struck down by the courts (the line item veto). Under his leadership, Congress passed comprehensive welfare reform and helped orchestrate the first balanced budget in decades.

While his past legislative record is stellar, this election is about the future, not the past. Speaker Gingrich has provided an impressive agenda to move our nation forward. The 21st Century Contract with America provides not only a vision, but a realistic timeframe to implement that vision. While many candidates choose to focus on executive orders in the first 100 days, Mr Gingrich provides an outline for an entire two term presidency. His plan demonstrates a knowledge of the process that seems to be lacking from other candidates.

Mr. Gingrich is also the only candidate to clearly state that Republicans ought not fight amongst ourselves, but be united in our effort to make President Obama a one term president. This is why, in the spirit of his campaign, I say I am with Newt not for Newt and while I prefer his vision as the nominee, I will join him in supporting whomever emerges as the GOP nominee. And I agree, any GOP nominee will do a better job than our current President.

Though, I must urge my readers to support Speaker Gingrich and his bold vision for America.