-By Warner Todd Huston
The Club For Growth, one of the most influential conservative groups in the country, strongly endorsed GOP Congressman Joe Walsh (currently of the Illinois 8th District) for re-election.
This is an interesting development as redistricting in Illinois has truly caused some major heartburn for Republicans in the next congressional elections in the Land of Lincoln, a state that sent five new Republicans to The Hill last year.
Mr. Walsh apparently will run in the newly reconfigured 14h CD and chances are he might be forced to compete with one of the other newly elected GOP congressmen that made their way to Washington in the tidal wave of 2010.
Of Walsh the Club For Growth says:
“In less than a year, Congressman Walsh has distinguished himself as a pro-growth leader,” said Club for Growth President Chris Chocola. “We have no doubt that Congressman Walsh will continue to be a fighter for free markets and economic growth in Congress. If the district lines in Illinois as passed by the Democrats end up being upheld, then Club for Growth PAC will enthusiastically support Congressman Walsh for re-election in the 14th Congressional District.”
In response to the endorsement, Congressman Walsh said, “I am honored to be endorsed by the Club for Growth, a group with a proven track record of promoting free market and pro-growth principles”
This endorsement just further validates that what I have done here in these 6 months has been the right thing. Fighting for small businesses, smaller government, and lower taxes are my main priorities, and I will continue to be a strong outspoken advocate for those issues
Many were wary of Mr. Walsh’s candidacy in the primary that ran up to 2010 — I being one — but I have to say that Walsh has been a pitbull for the conservative cause, he’s had great exposure on the media, and he has amassed a very solid voting record in his congressional stint thus far. I have only disagreed with a tiny number of his votes and that is gratifying, indeed.
I am happy to say that my skepticism was wrong. Walsh has been a breath of fresh air.
Now, currently the 14th District seat is held by Randy Hultgren — another worthy candidate — but Walsh has gone all out to be one of the most watched up and coming Republicans in congress. If Hultgren decides to challenge Walsh to keep his 14th CD seat, it will be an interesting battle, indeed. Should it come to it, I’d say it will certainly be hard to have to choose between the two men, but Walsh is certainly making a great case for his candidacy.
The full endorsement can be found here.