Ripon Forum


Vol. 54, No. 6

View Print Edition

In this edition

This edition of the Ripon Forum features the results of a post-election survey of the nation’s electorate, which finds that Americans still want their leaders in Washington to work together.

A Patriotic, Pro-Worker Republican Party Is Emerging

November’s historic turnout suggests the political coalitions that constitute our two-party system are once again shifting.

The Ghosts of Budgets Past, Present & Future

Ebenezer Scrooge would have certainly asserted of Congress’ budget process: “it is dead, dead as a door-nail.” In the spirit of the season, it is worth examining why the process now lies with old Marley in the graveyard.

Why Macomb Stayed Red

Trump’s successes in Macomb during the last two cycles may signal a longer-term partisan change in the County.

Why Northampton Turned Blue

Trump’s inability to repeat in Northampton County was undoubtedly affected by intense dissatisfaction with his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

WORK TOGETHER

Voters will be heading into 2021 frustrated about the political environment and wary that either political party or its leaders has all the answers facing the country.

THE NEW GUARD

Meet 10 Members of the GOP Freedom Force Who Knocked Off Incumbent Democrats

The New Guard: Stephanie Bice (OK-5)

“Hopefully we’ll see, now that the election is over, some coming together and trying to actually govern again.”

The New Guard: Michelle Fischbach (MN-7)

“Families across western Minnesota simply want a government that protects our communities and spends taxpayer dollars responsibly.”

The New Guard: Carlos Gimenez (FL-26)

“This country needs to start to work together. We have threats from outside and inside, and for us to keep fighting makes no sense whatsoever.”

The New Guard: Yvette Herrell (NM-2)

“For far too long, we’ve seen division in Washington, and the losers are the people, because our values are not being represented.”

The New Guard: Ashley Hinson (IA-1)

“The partisan rhetoric – the infighting – is unacceptable to me and I know it’s unacceptable to the voters in Iowa’s first district.”

The New Guard: Young Kim (CA-39)

“For the longest time, the Republican Party has been the party of opportunities, and I’m an example of that.”

The New Guard: Nancy Mace (SC-1)

“It is time to stop rebuilding the world and start rebuilding America.”

The New Guard: Burgess Owens (UT-4)

“Now, more than ever, we need leaders that will stand for their principles and won’t compromise their values for political opportunities.”

The New Guard: Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27)

“I vow that I will represent the spirit that lives in this district – the ultimate melting pot.”

The New Guard: Michelle Steel (CA-48)

“This vote showed that minorities who may look or speak differently than most not only have a place in this Republican Party but can be elected to the United States Congress.”

Why We Need Federal Election Standards

Most advanced democracies, even federal ones, have a national agency that guarantees standard voting registration processes that make it straightforward to vote.

States Should Set Their Own Election Rules to Protect Liberty

Any national federal standard — whether it be voter ID, absentee ballot availability, or even voter qualifications — would be enforced with a decidedly Democratic Party bias.

Ripon Profile of Tom Emmer

Tom Emmer discusses the outcome of this past election, and how Republicans can take back the House in 2022.

The New Guard: Burgess Owens (UT-4)

“Now, more than ever, we need leaders that will stand for their principles and won’t compromise their values for political opportunities.”

Snapshot of Victory: Burgess Owens defeated first-term incumbent Democrat Rep. Ben McAdams by a vote of 47.7% to 46.7%.

Background: U.S. Representative-elect Burgess Owens spent his childhood in Tallahassee, Florida. It was during this time that barriers of segregation were being torn down and he learned anything is possible in America. Owens was one of just four African-Americans who were integrated in a historically white high school. He earned a spot on the football team and found a true passion for the sport. When it came time to go to college, he became one of three black Americans to ever receive a football scholarship to the University of Miami where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He would later be inducted into the Hall of Fame of Outstanding College Athletes of America and the University of Miami’s Hall of Fame.

His football experience did not stop after completing his college education. His impressive resume on the field led him to be the 13th player drafted in the first round by the NY Jets in 1973. Here he earned the title of Jet’s Rookie of the Year and was selected to the NFL’s All-Rookie team. Later on, Owens was traded to the Oakland Raiders, where he led the defensive squad in tackles and celebrated a victory at the 1980 Super Bowl Championship.

After leaving the NFL, Owens faced many hardships. He experienced some failed business opportunities and was forced to move his family of six into a one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn, NY. To provide for himself and his family, Owens worked as a chimney sweep during the day and a security guard at night. His hard work eventually paid off and he went on to have a successful 25-year career in the corporate arena. Owens is a founder, board member, and CEO of Second Chance 4 Youth, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping troubled and incarcerated youth. He is also a prostate cancer survivor.

Legislative Goals for Congress: From an economic standpoint, Owens has stated that a top priority of his will be to reduce business regulations, cut taxes, and reduce federal spending. Another top priority of his will be education and giving power back to states. He is also a fierce advocate for protecting the unborn. On this issue of healthcare, the Congressman-elect has suggested he wants to reform Obamacare and is committed to providing coverage for preexisting conditions. He also believes there needs to be more transparency in healthcare costs. As the pandemic continues, Owens would like to see an additional COVID-19 relief package that is more targeted to the businesses and people who need it most.

Key Quote: “I’m living the American Dream and have dedicated my life to helping others realize the same potential. Now, more than ever, we need leaders that will stand for their principles and won’t compromise their values for political opportunities. Now more than ever, we need leaders who stand up against the lawlessness that is going on across our country.” (Source: Closing remarks of Oct. 12th debate.)