What is a “Liberty” Republican? Spoiler Alert: It’s a Republican
By Kentucky State Representative Savannah Maddox
A multitude of media outlets have reached out to me inquiring about this newly-assigned classification of a “certain type” of Republican, wondering what sets them apart from current elected officials, defeated incumbents, or other candidates. I appreciate the fact that journalists are being diligent in parsing the movement that is afoot.
So-called “liberty” Republicans are constitutional conservatives who adhere strictly to the tenets of the Republican Party platform, and who actively seek to dismantle the woke, liberal influences that have begun to infiltrate our party from within.
I have observed some moderate-leaning members of the Republican Party cry foul at the pejorative use of the term RINO (Republican in Name Only), and yet I marvel at how quickly it has become acceptable among the political class to marginalize ideological purists within the party as “libertarians” or “extremists”… or some other type of “those people” label.
It is clear to me based on the results of the primary election that conservative voters across the Commonwealth support republican candidates who will stand firm on principle, will not yield to special interest groups and bureaucrats, and will uphold the oaths they swore (or will swear) to the U.S. and Kentucky Constitution. Voters delivered a resounding message that they want authentic republicans who will fight against a larger-than-life government, will adhere to the constitution without compromise, and will resist out of control spending and new taxation.
I am privileged to serve with a diverse array of republicans in the supermajority, and no two members see eye-to-eye on every issue. No two members vote the same way, and we all represent constituencies that have different needs and perspectives. However, there are key components of conservatism that must NEVER be compromised- not for the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, not for any signature industry or professional organization, and not for any special interest group.
The last two years have been very challenging for Kentuckians and the policymakers they have entrusted to serve. The Beshear administration has been a disaster, and widespread government overreach has ignited a fire within conservatives that I have not seen in my lifetime. It is clear to me that eyes have been opened, and that republicans are demanding that the role of government be re-defined to reflect the vision that our Founders intended: The protection of life, liberty, and property.
Moving forward, this is what I perceive that Kentuckians demand:
Fighting for individual liberty and freedom
Expansion of 2nd Amendment Rights
Abolishing abortion
Tax reform that lowers production taxes and coincides with a reduction in spending
Medical Freedom
Parents’ Rights
Education Choice
Reviving our economy by getting able-bodied Kentuckians back to work
Secure elections
No mandates or new regulations
No new or increased taxes
No nanny-state, larger than life government
No protectionism or picking “winners and losers” among industries using the force of government
No sweetheart deals made with taxpayer dollars or subsidies
No political indoctrination in public schools
(As published by Rep. Savannah Maddox on her public Facebook page)