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 Georgia since the early 1990s and was officially chartered in 2002.
What is the purpose of the RLC?
The RLC works to advance the principles of limited government, individual liberty, and free markets within the Republican Party. We believe that the most effective means of advancing 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.
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. Many of our members have voted for Libertarian candidates and, in 1994, when no Republican qualified for Commissioner of Agriculture here in Georgia, the RLC supported the Libertarian candidate.
What is the RLC position on abortion?
The RLC does not take a position on abortion in its Statement of Principles except to oppose government funding of abortion under any circumstances. Beyond opposition to government funding, individual RLC members have varying views on the issue of abortion, but of all libertarian groups, the RLC is the most welcoming of those who are pro-life. Almost all of the elected officials associated with the RLC-GA are pro-life. To better understand the pro-life position from a libertarian perspective, visit Libertarians for Life.
What is RLC position on illegal immigration?
The RLC Statement of Principles provides that “the most vital function of government is to protect and defend its citizens from threats posed by foreign governments and opportunistic groups.” At a minimum, carrying out this vital function requires a secure border. In the words of our honorary state chairman, Senator David Shafer, “From the ancient Romans to the American Indians, history shows us time and again that nations which cannot secure their borders cease to be nations.”
The RLC National Executive Committee has adopted an immigration position paper that is supportive of lawful immigration and guest work. The paper calls for reforming visa requirements to include the posting of a bond to cover the cost of housing or deporting the worker who commits a crime. The paper also calls for securing the border and enforcing immigration laws but opposes turning private employers into policemen.
Are any elected officials members of the RLC?
Eight members of Congress are members of the RLC’s National Advisory Board, including Congressman Ron Paul of Texas. Here in Georgia, Congressman Jack Kingston is a signer of the Liberty Compact and a member of the Congressional Liberty Committee founded by Congressman Paul. Also here in Georgia, State Senator David Shafer is our honorary state chairman. Fifteen members of the State Senate belong to the Senate Liberty Caucus founded by Senator Shafer over three dozen state legislators are signers of the Liberty Compact.
How do you respond to the criticism that Republicans just want to grow government more slowly than the Democrats?
Sometimes we are frustrated with our fellow Republicans, but we believe that the best way to advance the principles of limited government, free markets and individual liberty is within the Republican Party.