By Rep. David Schweikert
The Washington Times
In Washington, principle is a frequent casualty of the unrelenting pursuit of power.
In order to climb the ranks, to get appointed to the plush committees, to advance a bill or to just get a seat at the table, you have to be a loyal foot soldier.
For conservative Republicans, this means a choice: stifle our beliefs in support of allegedly more palatable positions, or stick to our guns. We are courted, coaxed, pressured and when all else fails, we are threatened.
Inside the Beltway, they call this “being a team player.”
Now, don’t get me wrong, I am a proud Republican, and I want to support my party. I am a firm believer in the Republican principles of smaller government, low taxes and economic freedom. I have spent my time in government service fighting for these principles.
I ran and was elected to Congress on a platform of shrinking the size and cost of a federal government that has ballooned out of control. I promised my constituents that I would fight for them — for their hard-earned tax dollars, their small businesses, their jobs and their families.
I respect my leadership and colleagues, but when the required position deviates from the promise I made to my constituents, I will pick my constituents every time.
For me, that promise trumps politics.
