I want to thank everyone who supported my short-lived campaign for the U.S. Congress!

Now, more than ever, we need to recruit and promote true conservatives for office. I pledge to do just that. I also want to thank those who have been at the forefront in my absence. Thank you all for what you have been doing and continue to do for our cause.

I am back in full force as we continue to work to SAVE THE GOP!

A few days ago, Alex informed me that the team here would allow me to join them.  I just jumped right in, but perhaps I should follow Michael K’s lead and tell you a bit about myself.

I’ve been involved in politics since 1996 when I volunteered for the Dole campaign.   My work on campaigns has been in a volunteer capacity, but I also spent some time in college - Catholic University - working at Americans for Tax Reform.  After graduation, I did political outreach for Priests for Life from 2003-2005.  I’m currently in the US for a short period between a year-plus trip in Latin America and a teaching stint in Korea.  I also have my own blog.

Politically, I’m a Ron Paul conservative.  As a general rule, I want the government, at least the federal government, doing as little as possible.   As my work at PFL suggests, though, I don’t think that a libertarian philosophy in any way conflicts with a pro-life position.  Though I supported the invasion of Iraq, I would agree with Paul that Congress should have declared war rather than simply authorize the use of force, a difference that resulted in far too much hair-splitting.

I’m a die hard Notre Dame fan and look forward to the Irish improving upon our 27-5-1 record against the Yellow Jackets on September 1.  For the record, Georgia Tech’s average margin of victory in those five games was 8 points.  Notre Dame’s average margin of victory was 20.  Just sayin’…

Save the GOP has decided to add new bloggers, and I am the first to come aboard. My name is Michael Korns. I was the University of Pittsburgh College Republican President, and while in college I ran a conservative magazine called the Pitt Patriot. I also ran for Westmoreland County Commissioner in 2003. After that race, I went to law school, and I currently work for a law firm in DC. I’ve also worked in one way or another on every major Republican campaign in Western Pennsylvania from 2000-2003.

I believe that the Republican party is in deep trouble right now, and I’m excited to be part of a group that is dedicated to turning around my party. I may take a slightly broader or more philosophical view about what I post than some other bloggers here, although I believe that we will largely agree on most things. I believe that what is needed is a wholesale re-shaping of the conservative coalition, and an entirely new way thinking about what conservatism is going to mean in a 21st century that is very different than the 20th. I will try to comment on area’s where my legal training can add a useful perspective to the discussion. I will also continue posting on my personal blog, The Pittsburgh Patriot. Thanks.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to join an excellent group of conservatives!

My name is William Mulgrew. I was born in Philadelphia in 1984 and never really left the area — I grew up in Millbourne Borough right outside Philly, attended high school with Carmine Iccarino, and became an Eagle Scout. I’m currently a third year history, political science, and English student at Drexel University. At Drexel, I am Chairman of the College Republicans and Editorial Editor for The Triangle, the student newspaper, where I am known as “The Archconservative” formerly known as the “Foot-soldier of the Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy.”

I attended the 2005 College Republican National Convention where Michael Davidson lost by a handful of votes. I served as the State Field Director for the Pennsylvania Federation of College Republicans under Chairman Nick Miccarelli. I managed the very first PA CR field program, where I targeted CR expansion in other schools and conducted a six week field expedition, recruiting students in over 40 different schools and starting new CR chapters.

Last May, I was elected the youngest Republican Ward Leader for the 24th Ward of Philadelphia at 22 years old. I urge fellow conservatives to take control of the Party directly by becoming committeemen where they live. Committeemen in many different counties (except Philadelphia) usually have the power to recruit and endorse candidates for public office, which carries a lot of weight in shaping the direction of the Republican Party.

I am a fundamentalist Christian, a social conservative, an economic libertarian, a constitutional originalist, and a foreign policy democratic realist.

I urge others to remember the words of F. Holderlin, “What has always made the state a hell on earth has been precisely that man has tried to make it his heaven.”

It is a great honor to join the impressive list of contributors here at Save the GOP. I am Michael J Canup but you can call me Mikey.

I am a native Atlantan (one of the few) where I work in technology for a prominent private school. I am in the heart of liberal academia. I have lived here my whole life save 4 wonderful years at Hampden-Sydney College in beautiful middle Virginia. HSC is a very unique college, being one of two all-male colleges left in this country. HSC is the rare conservative campus where traditions are valued and have been preserved for more than 200 years.

Politics are in my roots. My family never shied away from political discussions, they were encouraged. I thank my parents for that. For it is through them that I am a conservative and a Republican.

In college I worked on the Oliver North failed senatorial campaign. It was here that I was introduced to the works of Ayn Rand, more her novels than her essays on objectivism.
Rand championed the individual as the savior of society. This is where I leave Ayn Rand’s philosophy because she left no room for religion and our savior Jesus Christ.

I was the typical non-practicing Christian until recently. I believed in God and Jesus but I never made the commitment to let go and let Jesus into my heart and guide me. I have my beautiful wife and the Holy Spirit to thank for that.

Recently I worked the polls in the last 2 presidential elections. Since taking power in 1994 the GOP has stumbled and not lived up to the promise. Particularly in the Senate where the Democrats run circles around us. The GOP wins when it espouses conservative ideals. We have an opportunity now, to finish the conservative re-alignment in this country. It why we are all here.

You may also find my musings over at www.ofthemind.com.

My name is Sam Berninger. I am 31 years old and reside in Rock Hill, South Carolina. I am a project analyst for US Bancorp. I have been very active in politics for several years, starting out as a Democrat when I was younger and naive and eventually becoming a Republican in 2003. I suppose I am more libertarian minded than some of my colleagues on certain issues, but overall I believe that America unlocks its greatest potential when the government is limited and out of our lives. A limited central government, lower taxes, and a strong defense are the cornerstones the give us the opportunity for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and we can never allow our party to abandon these fundamental beliefs.

Joe G. Biles is Precinct 5 Chairman for the Lubbock County Republican Party and a former legislative aide to State Representative Carl Isett, sponsor of the Texas Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) and President of the Texas Conservative Coalition. Joe currently does political polling for Texas Tech University’s Earl Survey Research Laboratory.* He also serves as Northwest Texas Area Director for the Texas Federation of College Republicans (TFCR). Joe previously served two terms as President of the College Republicans of Tech and one term as Vice Chairman of Development and Operations for the TFCR.

Other Political Experience

• Intern with U.S. Congressman Larry Combest (2003)
• Intern with U.S. Congressman Randy Neugebauer (2003)
• Texas Youth Co-Chair for Bush-Cheney ‘04 (2003-2004)
• County Coordinator for Texas Supreme Court Justice Steven Wayne Smith (2003-2004)
• Recipient of the “Ronald Reagan Future Leaders Scholarship” from the Phillips Foundation (2004-2005)

Joe graduated cum laude from Texas Tech University in 2005 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a minor in Political Science. He is the author of In History’s Shadow: Lee Harvey Oswald, Kerry Thornley & the Garrison Investigation.

*Joe’s views do not represent those of Texas Tech University or the ESRL.

Langley Perry was born in Tampa, Florida in 1986. Due to his father’s job he lived all around the county during his illustrious childhood. Only a few months after being born, Langley’s family moved to Minneapolis for two years, followed by Dallas, Texas for a year and a half, followed by Tampa (again) for five years, followed by Minneapolis (yet again) for two more years, until finally settling down in Atlanta amidst the 1996 Olympics. Langley’s family has lived in Sandy Springs, Georgia ever since, and one of Langley’s first voting experiences was voting in the recent referendum to incorporate Sandy Springs as a city to keep more local tax dollars in the region.

Langley is currently in his second year attending the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and trying to get out alive. He is a brother of Chi Psi Fraternity, along with Michael Shutze, and is also involved in several other campus organizations.

Though an engineering major, Langley also has a passion for politics and current affairs. He applies his political knowledge (what little there may be) and opinions through journalism, which he developed a talent for while writing for the North Springs Oracle; as Editor in Chief he lead the high school paper to win many statewide awards. Due to this journalism background, he isn’t a typical number-crunching engineering student and in the political arena, has a particular interest in journalism and bias in the media.

Though a young college student with idealistic ideas and a keen interest in beer, not to mention very little direct political experience, Langley has a firm belief in the Constitutional ideals of our Republic as intended by our Founding Fathers. His favorite historical figures are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Robert E. Lee. His favorite beer is Corona, and he enjoys long walks on the beach.

 UPDATE: [Feb. 4, 2008] I’m now in my 4th year at Georgia Tech, and am getting my degree in Economics and International Affairs.  Go Jackets.

“Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less.” – Robert E. Lee

Nathan Humphrey graduated from Bryan College in 2003 with a degree in Political Communications and is currently finishing his graduate degree in Public Administration from Kennesaw State University in Georgia. Nathan is particularly passionate about preserving the ideals of Federalism and Republicanism (representative government). He is a strong supporter and proponet of tax reform using the Fairtax, as well as reforming Social Security. His heroes are Adam Smith, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Edmund Burke, Ronald Reagan, Russell Kirk, Neil Postman and Herman Cain.

Past Political Experience
• Intern with Georgia State Rep. James Mills (Spring, 1999)
• One of the founding members of the Political Society at Bryan College (2002)
• Recipient of the “Merits Achievement Award in Political Science” from
Department of Political Science at Bryan College (2003)
• Field Director/Political Aid for Herman Cain for US Senate (2004)
• Political Director for Robinson for Congress (2004)

Currently
• Teaching American Government and Economics, and American History at Heritage Academy High School, Gainesville, Georgia.
• Working on MPA at Kennesaw State University.

Michael William Shutze Jr.

Michael was born in Highland Park, IL not far from where his close friend Alex grew up. Michael and Alex didn’t meet however until many years later when they both attended Georgia Tech as freshmen in 2001. Originally a business major, he realized that he liked business but not learning about it after actually attending numerous business classes.

After switching to the Sam Nunn College of International Affairs, Michael attempted to learn Chinese. He failed miserably and decided that China would be better place to learn the language, free from the distractions of a college campus.

Michael left Georgia Tech in 2004 to pursue business opportunities in China where he has lived now for one year. He works for an agricultural consulting firm in Beijing. Without a college degree he makes far too little money, but the disparity of the purchasing power of the Yuan enables Michael to live very comfortably.

Michael has made previous stops in Stone Lake, WI where he lived for 5 years, Burlington, NC where he lived a further two years, Sydney, Australia for another two years and finally Buckhead, GA where he was honored to graduate from Morgan County High School after fours years.

Michael’s previous political accomplishments pale in comparison to the other contributors to this site, but his understanding of foreign policy and geo-politics will hopefully bring a unique perspective to this needed blog.

Michael splits his time now between deciphering the complex agricultural economy of a rapidly changing China, chasing gorgeous women, being rejected by gorgeous women, and drinking beer to salve the emotional wounds. He considers himself first a patriot and secondly a member of the GOP. His model American would be General George S. Patton Jr. a man who loved his country above all else.

He urges everyone to remember the words of Andrew Jackson:

“One man with courage constitutes a majority.”

Mark will be a senior at The George Washington University majoring in Political Science. He has been involved in politics since a very early age, and has a particular passion for campaign strategy and management. Fiscal issues are his bread and butter and he is dedicated to ridding the GOP of the pesky liberal Republicans, affectionately known as RINOs.

Campaign / Political Positions Held

• Chairman - Students For Toomey - Fall 2003-Spring 2004
• Deputy Political Director - Cain for Senate - Summer 2004
• Deputy Campaign Manager - Robinson for Congress - Summer 2004
• Intern - Americans for Prosperity - Fall 2004

Current Involvement

• Executive Vice Chairman - Young Conservatives of Pennsylvania
• Campaign Contractor - Americans for Prosperity - Spring/Summer 2005