Kevin Patrick for House of Delegates

   The Founding Fathers viewed the idea of Faction as coming from the problem of having too small a Republic (the Federalist view), seeing that a small group of people can more easily take control; or that the Republic is too large and thus the men of means can control and create division because of their clout and connections (the Anti-Federalist view). 

   The formation of political parties was seen as early as the first presidency with the division between Jefferson and Hamilton.  Jefferson's Republicans squared off against Hamilton's Federalists.  This difference is seen over national banks (against or for, respectively), interpretation of the Constitution (strict or loose, respectively), and speculators (against or for, respectively); just to name a few.

   Political parties, and partisan politics have created a country divided.  Today many in government pay lip-service to "reaching across the aisle,"  but we really need Citizens who are willing to be Statesmen and act in the best interest of the States and under the philosophy of Liberty.  I wish to act in such a way. 

   I believe that acting in accordance with our Constitution (both State and federal), and acting with a Liberty-minded perspective, will give us the greatest chance to have peace, prosperity, and respect.  If we get our own house in order, we will not need the force of arms to spread our ideas.  People will look to us as they once did and a bastion of Liberty, and human rights; as a role model.  This is what the Founders wanted, and gave us the means to achieve. 

   People are going to agree and disagree, and people will form factions and coalitions.  However, we cannot let that be more important than the goals of America, and we cannot think like Republicans, Democrats, Mountain Party, Constitution Party, Libertarians, etc. before we think as West Virginians and Americans.  Instead of paying lip-service to reaching across the aisle, we should realize that the boundary is artificial.  Our Republic was founded on a few basic principles, and these should be our tools for reaching across the aisle, not tired rhetoric which most of us see through.

   The Founders knew that Faction is the enemy of Republics and Democracies.  Partisan non-sense is tearing this country apart.  We have it within our means to stop this.  Below is a video on the Philosophy of Liberty, please watch it and maybe you too will agree this is a good way to show what America was, and with out help, can be again.