John Shadegg for House Majority Leader

I would like to take this opportunity to give my endorsement to John Shadegg of Arizona for House Majority Leader.

The indictment of Tom DeLay, even though he is likely not guilty, is a blessing in disguise for the Republican caucus. For too long, congressional Republicans have not squared their actions with their rhetoric; elections to replace Tom DeLay in the party's most powerful congressional position is a chance to turn a corner.

John Shadegg, elected in the 1994 Republican Revolution, is a true believer in the ideals of American conservatism (that is, classical liberalism). In the spirit of Barry Goldwater, he bucks the party establishment when it's off-base, voting against the new Medicare prescription drug entitlement program, spurning pork for his district and arguing that the Bush tax cuts were too small. He tells it like it is (of Kerry supporters, "they have mental health problems") but is also described as good-natured and easy to get along with.

Shadegg is supported by economic conservatives, and should get the endorsement of the Republican Study Committee, the ~100-member group who won the fight to offset relief spending for Hurricane Katrina. Unconnected to the current leadership, his fresh blood is needed to move the Republican caucus in the right direction, towards more indiviudal responsibility and sustainable government spending. He has the endorsement of National Review, Human Events, the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board, and likely the Weekly Standard. House Republicans should take note.

Before Shadegg anounced his candidacy last week, The Hill reported that Tom Latham (Iowa-4) was committed to Rep. John Boehner and Jim Leach (Iowa-2) was committed to Roy Blunt. Here's hoping Iowa's Republican delegation gives a unanimous vote to reaffirm our conservative priorities: John Shadegg.