I chose Brian as our new Political A Lister for two reasons:

1) His role and commentary in the new feature film “Don’t Tread on Me.” This is first class conservative street cred. Period.

2) His work on HJR 88 regarding State Sovereignty. People are waking up to the merit of this bill that went all the way through the Senate Committee. We saw too little of this bill because of extraordinary focus on the Healthcare portion of the Sovereignty issue. This was largely a reaction to Obamacare so while understandable, it is a lesson to act rationally and not react to what is happening in the political realm. Ultimately, this resulted in a statutory change, rather than Nieves’ CONSTITUTIONAL change that would have had teeth, and frankly, chutzpah. Brian has promised this will be his first bill out of the gate if he is elected Senator this November, and that he would make the internal sacrifices necessary to “pass it clean.” That costs political capital that Brian has repeatedly demonstrated he has the character to expend when it comes to doing what’s right.

This is why Brian would be such a great addition to the State Senate–He had solid vision that was broad and rational at a time when the electorate was reacting to Obamacare. This is precisely the level headed leader we need at this time, and it is why he is my A Lister this week! Congratulations, Brian!

Bio
Brian Nieves was elected to his first term in the Missouri House of Representatives in November 2002 and sworn into Missouri’s 92nd General Assembly in January 2003. Soon thereafter, Nieves was elevated to a leadership position as a member of the majority whip team.

With less than two months under his belt, Brian accomplished something perhaps no other freshman legislator had and was appointed to serve as Chief Deputy Majority Whip. With this position he was also invited to have a seat at the Speaker’s leadership table. Recognizing his hard work and dedication, Brian’s colleagues have re-elected him each year to serve as their Majority Whip. He has now served almost eight years in that capacity and has the longest tenure of any current member of House Leadership.

As a senior member of House Leadership, Representative Nieves is an ex-officio member of all House committees and routinely serves as Presiding Officer of the House during debate. Brian also holds a full-time seat on the House Immigration Reform Committee and Fiscal Oversight and Review. Representative Nieves feels that after the protection of innocent life, few things are of more importance to us than the preservation of our language, borders and culture. Brian knows asserting our State sovereignty is a key element in restoring our liberties and pushing back an out of control Federal Government.

Prior to serving in the Missouri Legislature, Representative Nieves served approximately ten years on active duty in the U.S. Navy as a Corpsman; with the majority of his time spent alongside U.S. Marines. During his naval service, Brian received many Leadership Awards as well as several medals and commendations.

While on active duty Brian started a small business – Nieves Enterprises International. Upon his return to Franklin County, Brian was able to expand the company into many states, even conducting business regularly in the country of Colombia. The discipline he obtained while serving in the military, combined with the entrepreneurial spirit he grew up with, proved to be instrumental as his company’s sales hit $1,000,000 before he reached the age of 30.

Brian currently owns and operates a leadership consulting company concentrating on teaching character based, principle centered leadership and a sales & marketing company. In recent years, Representative Nieves has also enjoyed substitute teaching in Washington, Missouri, where he was regularly requested by students and faculty alike.

The center of Brian’s life is and has always been his family. He and his wife Julie have been blessed with three children – Alexandra (18), Moriah (13) and Victor (10). Brian and Julie have been married 22 years and enjoy raising their children in Washington, Missouri

This humble man, despite his affinity for the bullhorn, is not one to talk about himself or his accomplishments. He is an amazingly understated patriot who stands ready to tout the accomplishments of others in the conservative crowd. That is what makes it even more gratifying to know that Right Wing News has named him the #2 blogger in the Country, surpassing greats like Michelle Malkin, Red State, and more.

Jim has worked hard to change politics and he deserves this recognition. That is why he is our Political A Lister this week! Congratulations, Jim!

When other political entities like San Francisco, LA, and even Gov. Schwartznaegger called for boycotts of Arizona, Broome went on Fox News and fought back, calling for retaliatory boycotts against those boycotting Arizona.

Such leadership by someone under direct fire, is something lacking in our body politic today.

As the founder of the BUYcott, I commend his idea of “boycotting the boycotters.” I am excited to work with him to fight for the sovereignty and economic vitality of Arizona, and the US.

Barry Broome
PRESIDENT AND CEO
GREATER PHOENIX ECONOMIC COUNCIL

Broome is at the helm of one of the country’s longest-standing regional public-private partnerships for economic development. His contemporary approach to community-building and passion for public service drive his commitment to transforming Greater Phoenix into a region of excellence.

With 20 years’ experience as an economic development practitioner, Broome has garnered notable accomplishments.

In leading GPEC, he is credited with engineering economic development programs that have redefined public policy and improved Arizona’s competitiveness.

Broome orchestrated the passage of a $350 million tax credit to stimulate renewable energy investment in Arizona—one of the largest incentive offerings in the country.

He designed the Arizona Global Network, a lead-generation model driving foreign direct investment to the state. And he commissioned a fact-based analysis that led to the enactment of 80% sales factor, which enables Arizona to compete for multi-state corporations.

Prior to joining GPEC, Broome founded Southwest Michigan First (SMF), mobilizing large company expansions, relocations and venture capital funds. He’s been honored as Michigan’s Economic Developer of the Year, and SMF was named one of the Top 20 Economic Development Organizations by Site Selection magazine. He built the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center, launching 14 life science start-ups and 23 new ventures. His work with Western Michigan University resulted in a $100 million technology divestment from Pharmacia Corporation.

As Director of Economic Development for the City of Toledo, Broome was part of Project Jeep Team—the largest city-level industrial expansion project in the U.S., which led to $1.2 billion in capital investment and more than 5,000 jobs.

Broome is an invited guest lecturer at higher education institutions such as University of Notre Dame, Northwestern University, Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College, relaying his expertise on innovation, economic development and leadership. He was the commencement speaker at Arizona State University’s College of Public Programs 2009 graduation.

Broome sits on several boards and commissions, including the City of Phoenix Commission on the Economy, Arizona State University (ASU) Economic Council, ASU Technopolis Advisory Board, Metro Phoenix Partnership for Arts and Culture, Arizona Association for Economic Development, Arizona Economic Resources Organization and Salt River Devco. He chaired the economic development subcommittee for the City of Phoenix 2006 bond program.

Late last year, Army Sergeant Robert Canine (KUH-NINE) was injured in Baghdad when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb. He lost both his legs.
When the Mexico, Missouri, native came home after serving so bravely, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer of Missouri’s 9th District quietly showed up at Walter Reed to offer his encouragement to the wounded hero.

Sources tell us that there weren’t any press releases put out to announce the visit not was there a gaggle of staff in Sergeant Canine’s hospital room. It was just one proud American honoring one of our wounded warriors. Luetkemeyer never mentioned the visit during a recent event in Columbia where he spoke at an event in which Canine was benefitting from the Homes for our Troops non-profit that has started building him a home at no cost thanks to charitable donations. Sources also tell us that this isn’t just a one-time deal for Luetkemeyer. We hear that without fanfare, Luetkemeyer makes a habit of meeting regularly with our World War II heroes as part of the Honor Flight program, which allows the shrinking number of World War II veterans to visit their memorial in Washington D.C. We hear that Luetkemeyer has attended nearly every Honor Flight of veterans from his Central Missouri Congressional District.

BLAINE BIO

Blaine Luetkemeyer represents the 25 counties of the 9th District. He’s a native of St. Elizabeth where his family has lived for four generations. Along with this strong agriculture background, Luetkemeyer was also a small businessman, having been in the banking and insurance business.
From 1999 to 2005, Luetkemeyer was a Missouri State Representative. After leaving office, Luetkemeyer was appointed by Governor Blunt to serve as the Director of the Missouri Division of Tourism.
As a member of Congress, Luetkemeyer serves on the House Small Business Committee and is the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Entrepreneurship and Trade.
Luetkemeyer also is a member of the House Agriculture Committee, where he serves on two subcommittees. Luetkemeyer also sits on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, where he serves on two subcommittees. Luetkemeyer and his wife Jackie have three grown children and one granddaughter.

We are all proud of Lieutenant Governor Kinder for standing strong against this massive power grab (Obama Care). This gives the Federal Government control of more than 20 percent of our economy, and will destroy the medical free market entirely, forcing all Americans into a program that will cost dramatically more, and limit their choices. Never, ever, has anything this bad been forced down the throat of “We the People” who repeatedly told them NO! More than 70 percent of Americans are opposed, and yet, they operated tyrannically and passed it.

There are many “solutions” floating around, but the one proposed by our Lieutenant Governor is our best shot at realistically stopping this legislation, and we commend him for taking the lead when apparently no other Statewide official will. We should all rally around this initiative and do all we can to be sure we are heard on this issue. As I wrote in my post on the Health Care Bill, killing it means everything.

Peter Kinder was elected Missouri’s 46th Lieutenant Governor on November 2, 2004. On November 4, 2008, he was re-elected to a second term carrying 102 of Missouri’s 114 counties. He is the second Republican elected to this office since 1928. As Lieutenant Governor, Peter Kinder serves as the official Senior Advocate for Missouri and is the Chairman of the largest sporting event ever brought to the state, the Tour of Missouri professional cycling race.

“I am honored to be on this week’s A-list. Missourians deserve to have their voices heard, that is what they elected me to do. This week’s vote on health care is just one more example of Washington Democrats ignoring the people who elected them to Congress. Missourians should rest assured: their voices are being heard. I plan on working with officials in 14 others states to fight the federal takeover of our healthcare system. Our message to Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid is loud and clear; our fight has just begun.” – Peter Kinder

“This morning, President Obama signed into law a federal healthcare mandate that was thrust upon us despite overwhelming opposition from Americans. Over the past few weeks, Missourians have made their voices loud and clear. But, with complete disregard for their constituents, Democrats in congress forced President Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid’s legislation into law.

“This healthcare directive will pose a huge financial burden for our state. Tennessee’s Governor, a democrat, even called this bill “the mother of all unfunded mandates.” The true cost to Missouri taxpayers remains to be seen.

“On December 9, 2009, I wrote a letter urging Senator Claire McCaskill to oppose this government intervention in the private healthcare sector. On December 30, 2009, I asked Governor Nixon to join us in opposition to this healthcare bill. Once again, on January 20, 2010 during my State of the State response, I once again asked the governor to speak out against this infringement on the rights of Missourians. And on January 6, 2010, I asked Attorney General Koster to conduct a thorough legal review of this legislation to determine what provisions might violate the Constitution of the United State or the State of Missouri.

“Each one of those letters went unanswered.

“Today, Missourians should know that their voices have been heard.

“Today, I am here to announce that by my standing as a constitutional officer of the State of Missouri and by my statutory authority as Missouri’s Official Senior Advocate, I intend to join with officials of 13 other states to challenge the legality of this federal healthcare bill and any unconstitutional provision in which may be contained.

“Our fight is two part: to protect the sovereignty of our states, and freedoms of our citizens. This law represents an unprecedented encroachment on the sovereignty of our state in the form of millions of dollars in unfunded mandates. Second, this bill infringes of the rights of private citizens. At no other time in the history of our nation has a mandate forced citizens to purchase a product or face penalties, even imprisonment, for not doing so.

“At a time when our state is dealing with vast budget deficits, we cannot afford to have the federal government throw this huge financial burden in our lap.

“Right now, Republicans and Democrats in the Missouri House and Senate are also working on a bipartisan measure to pass the Health Care Freedom Act, a joint resolution to be voted on by the people of Missouri to protect their ability to make their own health care decisions.

“Although many of their elected officials remain silent, Missourians should rest assured: their voices have been heard and our fight is just beginning.

“Thank you.”

Elise Kostial, Co-founder of Concerned Young Women of America

Now that she is a veteran activist, she spends her days on Capitol Hill in Jefferson City and Washington, DC taking care of all the patriot causes! Her particular passions now are defeating Obamacare, fighting for Sovereignty, and ensuring Liberty.

She is C0-founder and creator of Concerned YOUNG Women for America, and she is on the Board of Directors for Tea Party Youth. She is an inspiration to young people of all persuasions for her activism, her patriotism, and her productive involvement in Government.

While some politicians attempt to grandstand on issues “The People” have had to bring to their attention, Councilman Quinn is one who leads admirably, never seeking credit or public acclaim. He fights spending, advocates for efficiency in government, and has a regional vision that has served St. Louis County well. He is the “Dean” of the Council, and it is our pleasure to place him on our A list this week! Congratulations, Greg!

Brett is the first Republican to grace our Political A List, so congratulations, Brett!

And what a Republican he is! He Increased membership from 192 registered members in 2007 with 5-10 active in meetings to over 2,500 registered members with 40+ active in meetings currently. As Chairman, he increased membership by 25% just over the summer by physically recruiting during Freshmen Orientation as well as using social networking sites to actively seek out potential members.

He has attended numerous Tea Parties all over the State, and directed the one on April 15 at our State Capitol!

Mr. Dinkins is the State Coordinator and Missouri Delegate to the National Leaders’ Council for the Freemont Civics Foundation, a non-partisan national organization focused on providing absentee voters with up to date political information from their registered district.

In his work with Sons of Liberty, he developed a college targeted activist organization aimed at exposing political discrimination issues, constitutional violation issues, indoctrination issues, and the misuse of student fees for a political agenda.

From Brett:
“I am both honored and humbled at the nomination of Political A Lister of the week.  Campus, community, and state activism is not just a right to me, it is a duty.  I operate under the notion that civic engagement is key in the growth and development of future leaders, and now more than ever youth hold a vital role in this engagement.  I have made it my personal mission to maintain an active presence wherever I am, to serve as visual to young citizens across the state of the difference Missouri youth can make.  Now more than ever youth are rising to a call for action and actively seeking ways to get involved.  I am privileged to have had the opportunity to step up into a leadership role, organizing one of the fastest growing movements in the nation.”