Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., speaks with reporters following a GOP strategy session at the Capitol in Washington, Dec. 11, 2012. From left to right are Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., McConnell, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo. Credit: AP
Conservative leaders are urging Republicans in Congress not to compromise their conservative values when negotiating with President Barack Obama.
Signed by more than 100 conservatives, an open letter to GOP lawmakers circulated on Wednesday warns that the Republican Party is "entering into a period of testing." While the letter never specifically mentions ongoing "fiscal cliff" negotiations, which includes raising taxes, the letter tells Republicans that have "a mandate to fight for conservative principles" because they held onto the House of Representatives in November.
From Yahoo! News:
Among the signers are Al Cardenas, chairman of the American Conservative Union; Ginni Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas; Foster Friess, a Wyoming businessman who helped bankroll a super PAC supporting Rick Santorum's presidential bid; and longtime conservative activists Richard Viguerie and Phyllis Schlafly.Saying that Democrats want to "fundamentally change" America," the letter appeals to Republicans to stand "united" and not vote with their Democratic colleagues on legislation that "violates the principles you publicly committed to support."
And to any Republicans who want to compromise with Obama, the letter threatens possible primary challenges for those individuals.
"Let us also remind you that a great many potent conservative organizations and millions of conservative and liberty-loving voters do not believe in the divine right of incumbents to be re-nominated. Conservatives know how to recruit and support candidates," the letter states.
Instead of compromising, conservatives should stay strong and eventually the country will grow tired of the "left's failed agenda," the letter adds.
"If Republicans provide a consistent, conservative alternative, the time will come, probably sooner than later, when most Americans will become fed up with the left's failed agenda and be ready for a change to 'throw the bums out' and restore limited, Constitutional government."
What do you think Republicans in Congress should do, stand strong or compromise?
Featured image via Getty
