A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE CENSURE OF THAD COCHRAN
THE UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
BY THE MARSHALL COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility and right of the Marshall County Republican Party, and of all Republicans, to speak in support of, and to act in the defense of, the long-established and fundamental principles of the Republican Party as contained in the Mississippi Republican Party Platform; and
WHEREAS, when any official elected to any position as a Republican repeatedly acts in contravention of these principles, it is the duty of all Mississippi Republicans, including this body, to protect and defend these principles by stating publicly its disapproval of that official’s sanctions, especially where the matters involved are fundamental and not open to reasonable dispute among those who are in good faith general agreement with the fundamental principles of the party platform; and
WHEREAS, when any official continues to engage repeatedly in a course of conduct that violates fundamental principles of the Mississippi Republican Platform, even after such actions have been publicly called to his attention, it is the responsibility of all Republicans, including this body, to take such remedial measures as are reasonably available to them, always placing the interests of the People and our Principles ahead of any Party or Personal interests that may appear to be in temporary conflict with those interests; and
WHEREAS, while entrusted with the office of Senator by the voters of Mississippi, Thad Cochran has committed a long series of actions that we strongly disapprove of and hold to be fundamentally inconsistent with the principles of the Mississippi Republican Party, among which are the following:
- Voted to fund Obamacare: In September of 2013, after Republican Senator Cruz’s bulwark stand against funding Obamacare, Mississippi Senator Cochran embarrassed our party and state by voting for cloture, knowing a 3/5 majority was needed to bring it to a vote. This tactic is a sleight-of-hand, handing over the ability to pass the legislation with a simple majority vote to the Democrats, while claiming opposition to the legislation by voting against it. http://bit.ly/1hcrgB7, http://bit.ly/GzvurI, http://bit.ly/160WvO7
- Voted to increase the debt limit without any restraints: In May of 2013 Senator Cochran voted in opposition to his party to allow the Treasury Department to borrow as much as it needed to pay its bills over the next four months without an accompanied proportional decrease in federal spending in order to address the ever-increasing federal debt. http://1.usa.gov/ThCMnJ
- Supported massive new internet sales tax: In May of 2013, Cochran joined Democrats in voting to pass a massive new internet sales tax with burdensome reporting requirements. Most Republican senators opposed the bill, including the Republican Governor of Mississippi. Requiring online retailers to collect sales taxes from numerous states would pose onerous burdens to small businesses and hinder economic growth which is in opposition to the Republican Party Platform of Mississippi. http://1.usa.gov/17IDMWh
- Voted to continue deficit spending that would fund Obamacare: In March of 2013, Senator Cochran voted in favor of an amended version of the bill containing the Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through the end of the fiscal year. The bill still funded Obamacare, and continued to maintain the same levels of deficit spending. http://bit.ly/125NDQu
- Supported Obama’s drone program against American citizens: In March of 2013, when Republican Senator Rand Paul bravely stood up to the White House to seek reassurances that drone strikes would not be used on American soil in contravention of the Constitution, Senator Cochran chose to not support the filibuster. http://bit.ly/16aZa6v
- Voted to fund 50.5 Billion for Super Storm Sandy: In January of 2013, Senator Cochran voted to federally fund disaster relief. This bill was unconstitutional and this funding was not for acute disaster relief, rather it acted as a stimulus. Senator Cochran voted with the Democrats in opposition to most of his own party. Further, in opposition to his own party, he rejected an amendment that would offset the costs added to the federal deficit. http://1.usa.gov/X4Ew07, http://1.usa.gov/X4Ew07
- Continue fiscally irresponsible federal spending: In September of 2012, Senator Cochran voted with the Democrats and in opposition to most of his own party to continue a mammoth resolution which provided a way for Congress to perpetuate its fiscally irresponsible, unconstitutional spending habits with a minimum of accountability to its constituents. http://1.usa.gov/SLmfT8
- Supported Federal Government ownership of 30% of the land within the United States: In June of 2012, Thad Cochran voted nay to repealing the Forest Legacy Program which uses taxpayer money to pay landowners to not develop their land. This federal program discourages economic growth. The Constitution does not grant Congress the legislative power to acquire ownership of conservation easement rights over large tracts of land within the states. http://1.usa.gov/1dXNN4T, http://1.usa.gov/LfkLn6
- Supported Energy Tax Subsidies and an elevated corporate tax rate: In March of 2012, and in opposition to a majority of his party, including Senator Wicker, Senator Cochran voted to reject an amendment that would eliminate many tax subsidies which distort the free market by picking winners and losers. In addition, he rejected an amendment that would lower the U.S. Corporate tax rate, which is currently the highest in the industrialized world and is one of the major reasons that many companies choose to locate their businesses abroad. http://1.usa.gov/x8jshD
- Supported giving taxpayer money to international organizations: In March of 2012, on the issue of providing funding for the Export-Import Bank, Senator Cochran voted to reauthorize the U.S. Export-Import Bank for two years and increase the agency’s lending cap from $100 billion to $140 billion. In opposition to the Republican Party Platform to uphold the principles of free enterprise and an economy free of government manipulation, Senator Cochran voted for the U.S. Government to back export financing, a form of corporate welfare which placed taxpayers on the hook should there be a default. http://1.usa.gov/J785g8
- Voted to keep earmarks: In Feb 2012, in opposition to his party, Senator Cochran voted with Democrats to defeat an amendment to the Stock Act that would eliminate earmarks. Further, Senator Cochran was the leading senator for earmarks in 2010. http://1.usa.gov/xPkt0s, http://fxn.ws/aBvr6Z
- Opposed principled application of free trade policies: In October of 2011, on the issue of granting the Treasury Department additional power to raise tariffs on international trade with China, Senator Cochran joined with the Democrats and voted for it. http://1.usa.gov/X4Ew07
WHEREAS, as a result of these actions, Thad Cochran has lost the confidence of this body in his ability to serve as Senator representing the People of Mississippi in a manner consistent with the platform of the Republican Party; and
WHEREAS, these actions by Thad Cochran, though they be no reflection on his personal character, are deserving of resolutions of disapproval and remedial action by the local and state organizations of the Mississippi Republican Party.
THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED:
- That this body condemns the actions taken above by Thad Cochran as fundamentally inconsistent with the Mississippi Republican Party Platform;
- That as a result of these actions taken by Thad Cochran, he has lost the confidence of this body, and hereby issues this formal rebuke of Senator Cochran for his cooperation and support of President Obama and the Democratic Party’s liberal agenda for the United States;
- That it is the right of all Mississippi Republicans to state publicly their own disapproval of these actions of Thad Cochran as in violation of fundamental principles of the Mississippi Republican Party Platform, and to state their public disapproval and in whatever manner may seem to them to be most likely to effect a remedy;
- That this body respectfully requests that the leadership of all Republican bodies in the State of Mississippi take such appropriate action as is necessary to ensure that properly qualified Republican candidates present themselves for nomination at the next election to the seat of Senator for Mississippi currently held by Thad Cochran;
- That this body directs its Secretary to relay this Resolution to all other Executive Committees for each county in the State of Mississippi, along with the request that each Executive Committee take this Resolution under consideration for adoption in substantially similar form as they themselves find appropriate;
- That this body takes this action and adopts this Resolution in full confidence in its own good faith, with no personal animosity or ill will to the supporters of Thad Cochran or to Thad Cochran himself, to whom this body extends its hand in friendship and warmly looks forward to his rejoining us as private citizen of the State of Mississippi.
Adopted this 13th day of October, 2013, at the Marshall County Republican Executive Meeting by unanimous vote.
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE CENSURE OF ROGER WICKER
THE UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
BY THE MARSHALL COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility and right of the Marshall County Republican Party, and of all Republicans, to speak in support of, and to act in the defense of, the long-established and fundamental principles of the Republican Party as contained in the Mississippi Republican Party Platform; and
WHEREAS, when any official elected to any position as a Republican repeatedly acts in contravention of these principles, it is the duty of all Mississippi Republicans, including this body, to protect and defend these principles by stating publicly its disapproval of that official’s sanctions, especially where the matters involved are fundamental and not open to reasonable dispute among those who are in good faith general agreement with the fundamental principles of the party platform; and
WHEREAS, when any official continues to engage repeatedly in a course of conduct that violates fundamental principles of the Mississippi Republican Platform, even after such actions have been publicly called to his attention, it is the responsibility of all Republicans, including this body, to take such remedial measures as are reasonably available to them, always placing the interests of the People and our Principles ahead of any Party or Personal interests that may appear to be in temporary conflict with those interests; and
WHEREAS, while entrusted with the office of Senator by the voters of Mississippi, Roger Wicker has committed a long series of actions that we strongly disapprove of and hold to be fundamentally inconsistent with the principles of the Mississippi Republican Party, among which are the following:
- Voted to Fund Obamacare: In September of 2013, after Republican Senator Cruz’s bulwark stand against funding Obamacare, Mississippi Senator Wicker embarrassed our party and state by voting for cloture, knowing that a 3/5 majority was needed to bring it to a vote. This tactic was a sleight-of-hand, handing over the ability to pass the legislation with a simple majority vote to the Democrats, while claiming opposition to the legislation by voting against it. http://bit.ly/GzvurI, http://bit.ly/160WvO7, http://bit.ly/125NDQu, http://on.thec-l.com/16U31G3
- Advocated a U.S. strike on Syria: In opposition to the American people and most of his party, Senator Wicker continuously advocated providing “assistance” to Syrian Rebels (that were siding with Al Qaeda in opposition to the Christians) and encouraged the entanglement of the U.S. in a Syrian civil war. http://1.usa.gov/12WTEU, http://bit.ly/1aFaw3H, http://bit.ly/1aO3GtA
- Advocated foreign aid to Egypt: Voted in favor of tabling a motion to prohibit the sale of F-16 aircraft, tanks and other defense to the government in Egypt in January of 2013. Rather than realizing the error of this policy, in July of 2013, Wicker sent out a press release advocating continued foreign aid to Egypt despite a military coup. This position was in line with Barack Obama and the Democratic Party, and provoked increased violence and savage crimes against Coptic Christians. By longstanding U.S. law, U.S. aid to Egypt must be suspended until a democratically elected government takes office. http://1.usa.gov/11nZI3G, http://politi.co/1bglcaF, http://1.usa.gov/15FaXwT, http://1.usa.gov/15Fb6jY
- Accepted Obamacare’s implementation: In August of 2013, Senator Wicker publicly stated opposition to his party’s tactic to defund the legislation. His approach was to repeal it down the road by Republicans winning more elections, while at the same time stating he was a “staunch opponent” to the legislation. “It is a mandatory program now. An entitlement as you were. The appropriation bill couldn’t fund or defund Obamacare because it is automatic spending.” http://bit.ly/15LHqw7, http://1.usa.gov/16tvApE
- Voted to confirm Obama’s appointment to Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection: In July of 2013, Senator Wicker voted with the Democrats to confirm Richard Cordray, a noted leftist promoter of aggressive economic regulation, as head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in opposition to the majority of Republican Senators including Senator Thad Cochran. http://1.usa.gov/11TSeM9
- Supported NSA spying on private American citizens: In July of 2013, Senator Wicker, as he has done repeatedly, embraced the NSA’s surveillance on Americans, denying their right to privacy. http://nbcnews.to/16DvuCX
- Voted to Increase the debt limit without any restraints: In May of 2013 Senator Wicker voted in opposition to his party to allow the Treasury Department to borrow as much as it needed to pay its bills over the next four months without an accompanied proportional decrease in federal spending in order to address the ever-increasing federal debt. http://1.usa.gov/ThCMnJ
- Supported massive new internet sales tax: In May of 2013, Wicker joined Democrats in voting to pass a massive new internet sales tax with burdensome reporting requirements. Most Republican senators opposed the bill, including the Republican Governor of Mississippi. Requiring online retailers to collect sales taxes from numerous states would pose onerous burdens to small businesses and hinder economic growth which is in opposition to the Republican Party Platform of Mississippi. http://1.usa.gov/17IDMWh
- Supported restrictions on the Second Amendment: In April of 2013, when he had the opportunity to join fellow Republicans in support of a filibuster against unconstitutional limitations on the right to keep and bear arms, Senator Wicker voted to invoke cloture. This tactic was a sleight-of-hand, handing over the ability to pass the legislation with a simple majority vote to the democrats, while claiming opposition to the legislation by voting against it. http://1.usa.gov/12MvcXp
- Voted to continue deficit spending that would fund Obamacare: In March of 2013, Senator Wicker voted in favor of an amended version of the bill containing the Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through the end of the fiscal year. The bill still funded Obamacare, and continued to maintain the same levels of deficit spending. http://bit.ly/125NDQu
- Supported Obama’s drone program against American citizens: In March of 2013, when Republican Senator Rand Paul bravely stood up to the White House to seek reassurances that drone strikes would not be used on American soil in contravention of the Constitution, Senator Wicker chose to not support the filibuster. http://bit.ly/16aZa6v
- Voted to fund 50.5 Billion for Super Storm Sandy: In January of 2013, Senator Wicker voted to federally fund disaster relief. This bill was unconstitutional and this funding was not for acute disaster relief, rather it acted as a stimulus. Senator Wicker voted with the Democrats in opposition to most of his own party. Further, in opposition to his own party, he rejected an amendment that would offset the costs added to the federal deficit. http://1.usa.gov/X4Ew07, http://1.usa.gov/X4Ew07
- Continue fiscally irresponsible federal spending: In September of 2012, Senator Wicker voted with the Democrats and in opposition to most of his party to continue a mammoth resolution which provided a way for Congress to perpetuate its fiscally irresponsible, unconstitutional spending habits with a minimum of accountability to its constituents. http://1.usa.gov/SLmfT8
- Supported Federal Government ownership of 30% of the land within the United States: In June of 2012, Roger Wicker voted nay to repealing the Forest Legacy Program which uses taxpayer money to pay landowners to not develop their land. This federal program discourages economic growth. The Constitution does not grant Congress the legislative power to acquire ownership of conservation easement rights over large tracts of land within the states. http://1.usa.gov/1dXNN4T, http://1.usa.gov/LfkLn6
- Supported giving taxpayer money to international organizations: In March of 2012, on the issue of providing funding for the Export-Import Bank, Senator Wicker voted to reauthorize the U.S. Export-Import Bank for two years and increase the agency’s lending cap from $100 billion to $140 billion. In opposition to the Republican Party Platform to uphold the principles of free enterprise and an economy free of government manipulation, Senator Wicker voted for the U.S. Government to back export financing, a form of corporate welfare which placed taxpayers on the hook should there be a default. http://1.usa.gov/J785g8
- Voted to keep earmarks: In February of 2012, in opposition to his party, Senator Wicker voted with Democrats to defeat an amendment to the Stock Act that would eliminate earmarks. http://1.usa.gov/xPkt0s
- Opposed principled application of free trade policies: In October of 2011, on the issue of granting the Treasury Department additional power to raise tariffs on international trade with China, Senator Wicker joined with the Democrats and voted for it. http://1.usa.gov/X4Ew07
WHEREAS, as a result of these actions, Roger Wicker has lost the confidence of this body in his ability to serve as Senator representing the People of Mississippi in a manner consistent with the platform of the Republican Party; and
WHEREAS, these actions by Roger Wicker, though they be no reflection on his personal character, are deserving of resolutions of disapproval and remedial action by the local and state organizations of the Mississippi Republican Party.
THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED:
- That this body condemns the actions taken above by Roger Wicker as fundamentally inconsistent with the Mississippi Republican Party Platform;
- That as a result of these actions, taken by Roger Wicker, he has lost the confidence of this body, who hereby issues this formal rebuke of Senator Wicker for his cooperation and support of President Obama and the Democratic Party’s liberal agenda for the United States;
- That it is the right of all Mississippi Republicans to state publicly their own disapproval of these actions of Roger Wicker as in violation of fundamental principles of the Mississippi Republican Party Platform, and to state their public disapproval and in whatever manner may seem to them to be most likely to effect a remedy;
- That this body directs its Secretary to relay this Resolution to all other Executive Committees for each county in the State of Mississippi, along with the request that each Executive Committee take this Resolution under consideration for adoption in substantially similar form as they themselves find appropriate.
Adopted this 13th day of October, 2013, at the Marshall County Republican Executive Meeting by unanimous vote.
Adherence of Candidates and Republican Legislators to Party Platform
WHEREAS the state party platform and resolutions generally reflect principles in accord with free-market economics and the United States Constitution that, if followed would result in constitutionally limited government, fiscal sanity, and greater opportunity and prosperity for Mississippians; and
WHEREAS candidates who run under the party banner or represent the Republican Party should understand that the platform and resolutions in large measure define the identity of the party; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the format of the platform and resolutions sent to each candidate should incorporate a method whereby the candidate can express agreement or disagreement with each point and resolution contained therein; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon completing and signing this platform and resolutions checklist, each candidate should return it to the State Chairman so that it may be made available as a reference to all party members upon request; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Republican Party of Marshall County Mississippi and county parties should consult and weigh this signed checklist in actively and vigorously seeking to support those candidates that will most closely uphold the party platform and resolutions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these records, signed by Republican candidates, should become a means for party membership to hold candidates more fully accountable to the state party platform and resolutions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that candidates not supporting a majority of the platform issues of the party be deemed as inappropriate candidates for the purpose of receiving support from the Republican Executive Committee of Marshall County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that candidates who have become elected officials and are failing to vote in a manner compatible with the platform items of the committee to which they signed a pledge to support be publicly censured by the Republican Executive Committee of Marshall County.
Adopted March 8th, 2013
Resolution in Opposition to Internet Taxation
WHEREAS the Republican Party Platform supports the reduction of the tax burden on our citizens; and
WHEREAS the Republican Party Platform supports a fair and equitable foundation for collecting taxes to pay only for essential government services; and
WHEREAS high and punitive tax rates diminish an individual’s or family’s ability to realize the American Dream; and
WHEREAS federal, state and internet taxation hampers job creation, incentive to work and entrepreneurship; and
WHEREAS increase in taxes leads more families and individuals to become dependent on social programs for their basic needs; and
WHEREAS taxing internet sales does not level the playing field with local brick and mortar businesses due to high shipping fees; and
WHEREAS there is nothing fair in removing the ability of small businesses to be able to compete in the marketplace against large mega corporations such as Walmart; and
WHEREAS taxation of the internet businesses interferes with the sovereignty of other states; and
WHEREAS taxation of the internet puts an unfair advantage with competition from other states who do not have an internet sales tax; and
WHEREAS federal, state and internet taxation causes higher costs of goods to its citizens.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by Marshall County Republican Party of Mississippi a demand that our entire tax code be simplified; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the republican delegates return to their party platform to reduce taxation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Marshall County Republican Party of Mississippi disagrees with new modes of taxation and collection both state and federal;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon approval of this resolution the Marshall County Republican Party shall deliver a copy of this resolution to each member of the Mississippi Legislature, Mississippi Republican Members of Congress, and to each Republican state and territorial party office.
Adopted this 9th day of February, 2013, at the Marshall County Republican Executive Meeting.
Constitutional Declaration of War
WHEREAS the People must bear the burden of fighting wars; and
WHEREAS the House of Representatives is the voice of the people; and
WHEREAS the Founders recognized these realities by granting the House of Representatives the sole power to declare war; and
WHEREAS the House is not authorized to delegate, to others, authorities granted it; and
WHEREAS if attacked, and at all other times, the executive branch must adhere to congress as soon as it can convene to vote on a declaration of war; and
WHEREAS military actions in Korea, Viet Nam and now the middle east, the House authorized the use of force by the President, in effect delegating to the executive branch the House’s authority to declare war; and
WHEREAS three generations of military personnel have served their nation without a declaration of war and without the full support of The People in those military actions;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mississippi Republican Party of Marshall County supports only going to war when a formal declaration of war is passed by the House of Representatives and repudiates “authorizations to use force” or the delegation of authorization to any other, the powers to declare war.
Adopted this 11th day of May, 2013, at the Marshall County Republican Executive Meeting.
Limited Government
WHEREAS the Republican Party of Marshall County affirms that “the proper role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by the individuals or private organizations; and
WHEREAS that the best government is one which governs least; and
WHEREAS Amendments 9 and 10 of the United States Constitution reserve to the States and the People all rights not expressly “delegated to the United States by the Constitution”, nor prohibited by it to the States; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Republican Party of Marshall County Mississippi calls for the abolishment of agencies and offices not authorized by the United States Constitution and return of these duties to the states and to the people.
Adopted this 11th day of May, 2013, at the Marshall County Republican Executive Meeting.
Resolution to Stop Federal Health Care Exchange and the Expansion of Medicare
WHEREAS the United States Congress passed the “Affordable Health Care for America Act” also commonly called Obamacare, representing a gross overreach of federal authority by mandating to citizens what they must purchase; and
WHEREAS, the Affordable Care Act, was challenged in Federal Court, and
WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court struck down a provision of Obamacare that would have forced states to expand their Medicaid programs under threat of severe financial penalties and thus allowed each state to decide if Medicaid expansion is appropriate for that state, and
WHEREAS, there is no significant financial or legal reason to force such a massive and costly expansion of the welfare state on the taxpayers of Mississippi in 2013,
WHEREAS said act has already driven up the cost of health care rather than lowering it; and
WHEREAS said act contained, hidden within it, multiple examples of non-health care-related legislation that further demonstrate egregious overreach of the federal government into areas as diverse as banking, education, and financial reporting and likewise represent undue burden on taxpayers to pay for unwarranted and undesirable expansion of government; and
WHEREAS the federal government has already had to grant exceptions to over 700 business and organizational entities, demonstrating not only the fiscal detriments to employers but also that one size will never fit all in matters of health care; and
WHEREAS the federal government doesn’t have the resources or the manpower to run health insurance exchanges in every state; and
WHEREAS, a majority of American citizens continue to oppose the implementation of Obamacare and support the repeal of this law, and
WHEREAS the said act needs the states to be complicit to in order for it to be implemented; and
WHEREAS any power not granted to the federal government by the United States Constitution is reserved to the authority of the states and its citizens; and
WHEREAS the State of Mississippi is a sovereign entity and has the right to interpose between its citizens and the federal government;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Republican Party of Marshall County Mississippi, likewise supports passage of a Healthcare Nullification Act that would prevent the State of Mississippi from having to collect on behalf of the federal government any taxes for the Affordable Health Care for America Act; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we urge the Mississippi Legislature to enact legislation prohibiting the state of Mississippi from planning, creating, or participating in a state health care exchange; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Republican Party of Marshall County Mississippi that the Mississippi Legislature likewise should support Mississippi’s Republican leaders including Governor Phil Bryant, Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves and Speaker of the House Philip Gunn in their position to continue the Mississippi Medicaid program in its current form and not expand it; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon approval of this resolution the Mississippi Republican Party shall deliver a copy of this resolution to each of the Mississippi Republican Members of Congress, and to each Republican state and territorial party office.
- Adopted this 12th day of January, 2013, at the Marshall County Republican Executive Meeting.
- Amended this 8th day of June, 2013, at the Marshall County Republican Executive Meeting.
Republican Party Marshall County, MS 