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FAQ
Friday, 13 June 2008 19:35 | 
Written by Steven J Burden | 
The Republican Liberty Caucus (RLC) is a grassroots, nationwide organization affiliated with the Republican Party (GOP). The goal of the RLC is to elect liberty-minded, limited-government individuals to office. The RLC was originally formed in 1990 in North Carolina, and now has members in every state.
Does the RLC have National Conventions?
Why don't you just join the Libertarian Party?
Will the RLC support an LP candidate?
Are any elected officials members of the RLC?
Where is the RLC located and who are the officers?
I'm a student, how can I get involved?
Is there an RLC chapter in my state?
What is the RLC's position on abortion?
I don't have a lot of money, how can I help?
How can you be aligned with the "far right"?
You @$@% Republicans are crazy?
What is the RLC's position on drugs?
Are any other groups affiliated with the RLC?
How do I get support from the RLCUSA - PAC?
Is there another Republican group called the RLC?
Are there other websites about liberty that you would recommend?
What is the RLC?
The Republican Liberty Caucus (RLC) is a grassroots, nationwide organization affiliated with the Republican Party (GOP). The goal of the RLC is to elect pro-liberty individuals to office. The RLC was founded in 1990, and now has members in every state.
RLC office:
Republican Liberty Caucus
44 Summerfield Street
Thousand Oaks, California 91360
What does the RLC do?
The Caucus is a political action organization dedicated to promoting the ideals of individual rights, limited government and free enterprise within the Republican Party of the United States of America by:
- Promoting these ideals among Party officials and its various organizations;
- Identifying and supporting candidates sympathetic with these ideals;
- Developing Caucus membership among Party registrants, officials, and officeholders.
We are expanding our nationwide base of pro-liberty Republicans, establishing official charters or coordinators in almost every state. We provide our members with information about campaigns, issues and events of interest. Members are active in various campaigns and seek to push our candidates and issues to the forefront. Our members also attend GOP conventions and gatherings, identify like-minded individuals in the GOP, and cultivate relationships with them. We also maintain relationships with various single-issue groups, e.g. gun owners, in order to combine forces when necessary on an issue of mutual interest.
We maintain a website in order to provide information to RLC members and attract new ones. The world wide web has proven to be a great outreach tool, and the RLC has experienced tremendous growth over the past several years.
What is the RLC's Platform?
The RLC doesn't have an official platform like the major parties, because it is an independent political membership organization that is not officially affiliated with the Republican National Committee. Our members support like-minded candidates in GOP primaries and general elections. A platform is not an accurate reflection of the views of all of its members; it is a compromise between the people who are interested enough in political theory to argue about it. In the GOP and Democratic Party, candidates consistently run on issues at odds with the official party line. The RLC has officially adopted a Statement of Principles and Positions. Various issue Resolutions have been adopted by the National Board and Convention Delegates. In summary, the RLC supports:
- Lower and fewer taxes
- The right to privacy
- The right to keep and bear arms
- Balanced budgets through spending cuts
- Educational choice
- Freedom of speech
- Protection of property rights
- Market-based health care
- Alternatives to the drug war
- All-volunteer armed forces
- Sound monetary policies
- Deregulation
- Phase-out of foreign aid
- Ending federal welfare
- Private options to Social Security
- Free trade Privatization of government functions
How can I join the RLC?
To join the RLC, just make a monetary contribution:
- Contribute online by credit card or electronic check through our encrypted secure membership section.
- Print out the Donation Form and mail.
Does the RLC have National Conventions?
The RLC has a convention every two years, usually prior to the federal election. Speakers include members of Congress and state legislators, leaders of public policy organizations, and political consultants geared to help the RLC achieve electoral success. At the business meeting, RLC officers for the following two years are elected. It also provides an opportunity for RLC members to meet their comrades from around the country, compare notes on political and policy issues, and socialize with new and old friends.
Prior Conventions:
1994 - Gatlinburg, Tennessee
1996 - Alexandria, Virginia
1998 - Las Vegas, Nevada
2000 - Atlanta, Georgia
2002 - San Antonio, Texas
2004 - Fresno, California
2006 - Orlando, Florida (with Audio)
2008 - Detroit, Michigan (Upcoming on 12-14 Sep. Click here for more info.)
Why don't you just join the Libertarian Party?
Many in our group have been LP officers and members, some still are. Past RLC Chairmen, Professor Cliff Thies was the Treasurer of the national LP and William Westmiller was LP National Secretary and California LP Chairman.
Congressman Ron Paul, an early Honorary RLC Chairman, was the LP presidential candidate in 1988. Our Past Treasurer, Mike Holmes, was a founding member of the LP. Another Honorary Chairman, the late Roger MacBride, cast the only electoral vote the LP ever received and was the LP candidate for President.
Everyone in the RLC joined for their own reasons, but it can be presumed that they all would agree that in many races the GOP is the best way to go in order to actually get a libertarian elected. It can also be said that the LP runs educational campaigns, where the goal is not actually electing someone, but educating the public about the libertarian philosophy. We are interested in getting someone who holds the libertarian philosophy elected.
Will the RLC support an LP candidate?
The RLC does not support LP candidates in a race where there is a GOP candidate. This does not mean that individual RLC members are party line voters. Our internal surveys show that RLC members often vote for LP candidates, including in presidential elections. A person's individual choice with regards to voting is not a litmus test for participation in the RLC. In several instances, the RLC has endorsed LP and independent candidates, as well as candidates in non-partisan races.
Are any elected officials members of the RLC?
Members of the Republican Liberty Caucus Board of Advisors - US Congress:
- John Culberson (TX)
- J.D. Hayworth (AZ)
- Sam Johnson (TX)
- Ron Paul (TX)
- John Shadegg (AZ)
- Nick Smith (MI)
- Todd Tiahrt (KS)
All are members or former members of the House of Representatives. There are numerous others who are state representatives and senators, as well as economists, journalists and other libertarian VIPs, including Mark Skousen, Robert Poole, Martin Anderson, State Sens. Dave Jaye - MI, Bob Hedlund - MA, Brad Gorham - RI, John McClaughry-VT, Duncan Scott - NM, State Reps. Suzanna Gratia-Hupp - TX, Penn Pfiffner - CO, Vic Kohring - AK, Tom Feeney, FL, and Brian Thomas - WA.
Where is the RLC located and who are the officers?
For our mailing address, current officers, and other contract info, go to the National Committee section.
I'm a student, how can I get involved?
E-mail us at \n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Our focus is on establishing a network of students active in College Republicans and other groups. Like the RLC this is a way for like minded people to find each other and work together.
Is there an RLC chapter in my state?
The are almost 20 officially chartered state organizations and RLC Coordinators in almost every state. Find your contact in the state section of this site.
If you would like to help Charter a state organization, you'll need a copy of the State Charter Application
What is the RLC's position on abortion?
We oppose Federal funding of abortion under any circumstances. Our official position is Neutral. This is the one issue where we are split. We have both pro-lifers to pro-choicers, and in between. As far as libertarian groups go, you'll find that we are probably the most tolerant of the pro-life viewpoint. Our immediate past chairman, Cong. Ron Paul (R-TX, 14th Dist.) is very pro-life. Many other members are pro-choice. It is not a litmus test, and it is not an issue that is often debated internally. However, the California RLC website www.ca.rlc.org, has sponsored a debate on the issue between two prominent members.
I don't have a lot of money, how can I help?
Money is the lifeblood of politics, but volunteers provide the sweat. There's a great deal you can do. Get in touch with your State Chair or Contact using the state section of this site and ask them how you can help.
If you know something about a piece of legislation that no one seems to be talking about, e-mail anyone listed on this FAQ. Rep. Ron Paul tells the story of how one vote ended up in Congress being 432-3. He knew on principle the bill was bad, and talked the two people sitting next to him into voting against it. You could be telling an even better story.
If enough people take action like this, you can tell how YOU helped stop a bad bill from becoming law. You just need to get involved with a group that takes its politics seriously.
How can you be aligned with the "far right"?
Consistent with the RLC's goals, we try to build bridges to as many groups as possible. Sometimes we are successful, sometimes not. However, in many areas, the religious right do have some views in common with libertarians, e.g. school choice. We try to persuade as many Republicans as possible that we have the best ideas. The fact that libertarianism is a unifying vision is proven by the fact that the RLC shares members with both the Christian Coalition and Log Cabin Republicans.
You @$@% Republicans are crazy!
We may share some of your concerns about the party. It must be pointed out that we are not the Republican National Committee, who can be reached at www.rnc.org. If you have a complaint for Republicans in general, it will be better directed there.
What is the RLC's position on drugs?
Officially we support "alternatives to the war on drugs." Specifically we have supported medical marijuana and opposed mandatory minimum sentences. Viewpoints of various people are, obviously, various. Many support complete decriminalization, others are skeptical of that. The group would probably agree with the statement that the war on drugs is a failure.
Are any other groups affiliated with the RLC?
We have an affiliated Political Action Committee (PAC), the Republican Liberty Caucus PAC USA. The PAC assists pro-liberty Republicans running for office. If you would like to directly support these pro-liberty Republicans, please visit the PAC website.
How do I get support from the RLCUSA - PAC?
The PAC assists pro-liberty Republicans running for office who have been official endorsed by the RLC. Send your campaign information to the RLC's office or email your information to \n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
We will forward your information to the appropriate RLC level. Chartered states are solely responsible for state and local offices. Candidates for federal office have to be confirmed by the RLC National Board of Directors.
Is there another Republican group called the RLC?
There is another Republican group that goes by the initials RLC, the Republican Leadership Council. Our two groups are not affiliated.
Are there other websites about liberty that you would recommend?
The RLC is one part of the general liberty movement. We do not necessarily endorse the positions of any other organization, but offer a libertarian links page for some prominent sites.
© 1998-2008 Republican Liberty Caucus
