FAQ
What is the RLC?
The Republican Liberty Caucus (RLC) is a grassroots, nationwide organization affiliated with the Republican Party. 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. The RLC has been active in Michigan since the mid-2000s and was officially chartered in 2006. It is organized as a 527 group, and has a PAC as well.
The RLC is not a debate or philosophy club. Although we strongly cherish ideas and principles, the RLC is more concerned with implementing our values than in debating about them. Political victory means less talk and more action.
What is the purpose of the RLC?
To campaign for the principles of limited government, individual liberty, and free markets in the Republican Party. We believe that one of the most important ways to advance these principles is to elect candidates to public office who share them. Our candidates focus on a broad range of issues, including taxation, property rights, gun rights, free speech, federalism, and the proper role of government. Please see our accomplishments for a brief overview of how we’ve been working toward these ideals.
What is the RLC platform?
The RLC is not a political party and does not have an official platform like the major political parties. It is a group that seeks to support libertarian and like-minded candidates in the Republican Party. The RLC has no plans to develop a comprehensive document taking a position on every issue. There is, however, a Statement of Principles that emphasizes limited government across the board.
Will the RLC support a Libertarian candidate?
Not in a race where there is a Republican candidate. The RLC is a Republican organization and will not support the candidate of another party against a Republican. However, many of our members have voted for Libertarian candidates, especially when the alternatives are hostile to limited government policies. But generally speaking, we think the best way to ensure that libertarian and like-minded candidates win office is to help them win Republican primaries, and then general elections.
How do you respond to the criticism that Republicans just want to grow government more slowly than the Democrats?
We rightly point out the Republicans who do not share this attitude. Then we agree with the criticism once it exempts these people, and ask for the critic’s assistance in replacing these big-government Republicans with ones who live up to the party’s—and the Republican Liberty Caucus’s—ideals.
How can I join the RLC?
To join the RLC, just make a monetary contribution: You can contribute online by credit card or electronic check through our encrypted secure membership section.
Keep in mind that you can help out our cause without joining the RLC-MI. Learn how to get involved.
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. Our “Get Involved” page is a great place to start. And you can get in touch with the RLC-MI chair here for more information about how you can help.
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 “far right” does have views in common with libertarians (e.g. school choice). We try to persuade as many Republicans as possible that we have the best ideas. We also think that libertarianism is a unifying vision; the RLC shares members with both the Christian Coalition and Log Cabin Republicans (though the RLC-MI certainly doesn’t have the same idea of good government as either of these groups).
I don’t like Republicans because _____.
We may share some of your concerns about the party. Keep in mind 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.
How do I get support from the RLCUSA - PAC?
The PAC assists pro-liberty Republicans running for office who have been officially endorsed by the RLC. Send your campaign information to our chair, who can be found on our contacts page. He will forward your information to the appropriate level. As a chartered state, the RLC-MI is 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 blogroll and list of libertarian links on the right side of our homepage.