In The News

Today's first order of business is a well-intentioned – albeit political – plug for one Congressman Brad Wenstrup.

In less than two months in Congress, the new Second District representative has already voted against at least one pork-laden measure in Congress in which lawmakers tried to pass a bill – ostensibly for Hurricane Sandy relief – that was filled with special-interest gifts at taxpayers' expense.

If Congressman Wenstrup keeps voting like that, he'll either be challenged to an arm-wrestling contest with Gov. Christie or risk a fate similar to GOP Congressmen Justin Amash, Tim Huelskamp, Walter Jones and Dave Schweikert. (Last year, their conservative votes against "party leaders" Kasich and Ryan cost them their respective committee assignments.)

Apparently, in today's Grand Old Party, conservatism is OK. Just don't get carried away with it.

Votes on principle mustn't rock the boat – or the agenda.

From all early indicators, though, Congressman Wenstrup is the real deal.

He's yet to learn the fake sincerity and convenient political-speak of his Republican predecessor in the Second District. (Wasn't she the one writing to the House Committee on Ethics about this time last year? Something about more than $400,000 from the Turkish Coalition of America that was conveniently missing from her financial disclosure forms.)

But I digress.

For the record, Brad Wenstrup was endorsed by The Highland County Press on three separate occasions last year – and he only had two political campaigns. (I can explain, but that's another column.)

We endorsed Dr. Wenstrup in part because of his private-sector business experience, his military service and his academic credentials. More importantly, we liked his sincerity in wanting to make a difference for his country.

While we understand that the majority of our senators and members of Congress leave Washington, D.C. much wealthier than the day they arrived, we hold out hope that there are a few who truly want to change the "tax-and-spend" course that our great nation has been on for far too many years.

Freshman Congressman Brad Wenstrup could prove to be one of those "difference makers."

Let's hope so.

The congressman will be in Hillsboro on Feb. 21 for this year's Lincoln Day dinner. It's a Thursday night, so I won't be there (not that that matters!). As a small business owner, work often trumps political chicken dinners. I'm sure he will understand.

But if you want to hear from a true conservative, a man of integrity, a scholar and a gentleman, contact Kay Ayres, Paulette Donley, Peggy Hite or Dick Counter and plan to attend the 2013 Lincoln Day dinner.