Congratulations to our own new Congressman-Elect Jon Runyan for being chosen as a rising "young gun" in the Republican Party.
As picked by National Review, here are 12 new members of the House -- bright GOP stars to watch as we move into a new era of Republican triumph:
Diane Black (TN-06) is a former emergency-room nurse, an experience that gives her extra credibility when she discusses how to address America’s health-care issues.
Francisco Conseco (TX-23) is one of several Hispanic Republicans elected this year, along with Florida senator-elect Marco Rubio, New Mexico governor-elect Susana Martinez, and four other GOP congressional winners.
Sean Duffy (WI-7), a five-time world-champion log climber and former star of MTV’s The Real World — said most people told him he was crazy for attempting to challenge 21-term incumbent Rep. Dave Obey in a district that voted 56 percent for Obama in 2008.
Cory Gardner (CO-04) has already proved he will stand up against tax hikes: In 2009, his service as a state senator won him recognition from the Colorado Union of Taxpayers, which declared him a “Taxpayer Guardian.”
Chris Gibson (NY-20) is a decorated 24-year Army officer — four Bronze Stars, two Legions of Merit, and a Purple Heart — who served four combat tours in Iraq and holds a Ph.D. in government from Cornell.
Joe Heck (NV-03) is a prime example of the new breed of “citizen legislators.” While he’s held political office before — he spent four years in the Nevada state senate — he’s also worked in the private sector as an emergency-room nurse.
Jaime Herrera (WA-3) celebrated her 32nd birthday just one day after winning a seat that Democrats had held for more than a decade. She will also be the first Latina to represent Washington State. m doctor and owner of a small medical business.
Adam Kinzinger (IL-11) has a résumé most people can only dream of having by the time they’re 32 years old. Kinzinger won his first elected office at age 20 when he defeated a three-term Democratic incumbent for a seat on the McClean County Board.
Kristi Noem (SD-AL) has already proven herself to be a formidable fundraiser, drawing $1.1 million in donations in the third quarter, almost twice as much as her Democratic opponent, Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin.
Jon Runyan (NJ-03) cites New Jersey governor Chris Christie as his political role model. A former Pro Bowl offensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles, Runyan is not wanting for toughness, an attribute that will come in handy on Capitol Hill.
Tim Scott (SC-1),like his fellow South Carolinian Jim DeMint, won on a staunchly conservative platform: Vehemently opposed to earmarks and Obamacare, Scott proudly touts his Tea Party values.
Allen West (FL-22), easily one of the most prominent figures in the Tea Party movement, is already well known to most conservatives. His fiery speeches, viewed by millions on YouTube, have garnered a national following for the retired Army officer who famously declared, “If it’s about the lives of my men and their safety, I’d go through hell with a gasoline can.”
4 comments:
One small correction - Dave Obey didn't run for re-election. Duffy beat Julie Lassa. Obey might have lost anyway, but he did not run for re-election.
Thanks, Josh for bringing us up to date.
Very proud of Bobby Schilling in Ill. 17th who defeated Phil "we don't care what the Constitution says" Hare. Bobby is a former student and athlete of mine. He won a strong blue collar district in western Illinois. He's a non-politician who owns his own pizzeria.
Small world, MJ! Great to hear from you.
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