The Road to Recovery

This past weekend the Charleston area became a focal point in the political universe. Hundreds of conservative activists descended upon the city for the annual RedState Gathering.

I was fortunate to be one of the attendees for an event that is sure to send shockwaves through the political establishment.  The festivities began with a rousing welcome from Representative Tim Scott and Senator Jim DeMint. Both figures have been at the forefront of the battle for limited government and conservative fiscal policy.

I also had the opportunity to meet an upstart conservative Senate candidate from Texas, Ted Cruz. Ted served as Solicitor General of Texas, and has argued and won numerous cases before the US Supreme Court. He has fought to defend state sovereignty and defeat the increasing erosion of our personal freedoms.

Ted also has a unique perspective on the unique promise that America offers. He is the son of a Cuban immigrant that became an entrepreneur in his new homeland, America. Ted understands the bounty that America offers when her citizens are freed from the chains of government interference.

He has also been endorsed by Sens. Jim DeMint (R-SC), Rand Paul (R-KY), Mike Lee (R-UT, and Pat Toomey (R-PA).

The afternoon speaker was the one many were eager to hear, Governor Rick Perry (R-TX). Rumors had swirled all week that Gov. Perry would announce his candidacy for President, and he did not disappoint.

The man from Paint Creek took the stage accompanied by thunderous applause. Perry proceeded to give an uplifting speech in which he laid out the framework of his plan to get America working again.

Governor Perry doesn’t merely speak of job creation; he backs it up with a record of accomplishments. Texas has led the nation in job creation under his leadership, a key difference with the current occupant of the White House. While President Obama claims he has a laser-like focus on job creation, the results suggest he has been wielding a death ray.

Governor Perry cited the need for a leaner government and a more respected role for America in the world. The positive message resonated with the crowd, and when he formally announced his candidacy, the crowd erupted into chants of “Perry, Perry, Perry.”

I have no doubts that the RedState Gathering will go down as a turning point in America’s Road to Recovery. I am proud to have been present at the emergence of two great conservative leaders. The campaign has just begun, but if RedState is any indication, the 2012 campaign is gonna be one helluva ride.