Inside the Beltway: A conservative oasis continues to flourish on Capitol Hill

NEWS AND OPINION:

Amid continued political turmoil, there is an oasis of calm and confidence on Capitol Hill, this led by a group of conservatives intent on transparency and purpose problem-solving. They keep calm and carry on. A monthly event titled “Conversations with Conservatives” showcases free market and liberty-minded lawmakers who bristle with conservative credentials and doggedly parse out the important issues of the day before the press. Reps. Raul R. Labrador, Tim Huelskamp and Jim Jordan are the point men here; the group gathering on Thursday at high noon includes Reps. Justin Amash, Dave Brat, Jeff Duncan, Louie Gohmert, Marsha Blackburn, Mick Mulvaney and Scott Perry.

“When we started Conversations with Conservatives five years ago, our goal was to give the media a regular opportunity to hear directly from the House’s most conservative members,” Mr. Labrador tells Inside the Beltway. “I think it’s been a success, as we draw a good crowd of reporters who get to ask direct questions — and we give them straight answers. It helps House conservatives communicate conservative ideas about solving the many pressing problems facing our great country.”

The event is moderated by Genevieve Wood, a senior fellow at The Heritage Foundation.

FAITH NOW FUELS THE 2016 CAMPAIGN

The power of evangelical voters comes to the forefront of the presidential race when the attention of candidates, press and public shifts to South Carolina, and with it a distinct focus on faith and values. Sen. Ted Cruz and Ben Carson are particularly at home here. On Thursday, both head for the Carolina Values Summit at Winthrop University in Rock Hill. Then, for Mr. Cruz, it’s on to a rally with independent media maven Glenn Beck at the MorningStar Fellowship Church in Fort Mill.

Mr. Beck, who recently endorsed Mr. Cruz, has been campaigning for him in the Palmetto State since Sunday, cautioning voters not to be taken in by the “revolutions” of Republican front-runner Donald Trump and his Democratic archrival, Sen. Bernard Sanders. The former represents “crony capitalism,” Mr. Beck warns, the latter socialism.

“There is a path to winning. It is time to coalesce behind the Constitution, and it’s time to say, ’I pick that revolution.’ Because the other two, Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump, those two revolutions spell the end of the republic. Will you go down with your eyes shut or your eyes wide open? Or will you hang on to the only principle that will save us, and that is the Constitution?” Mr. Beck asked his TV audience on Wednesday.

Things intensify Friday with the Faith and Family Forum at Bob Jones University; both Messrs. Cruz and Carson are scheduled to speak, along with Jeb Bush — to be followed by the ninth — yes, the ninth — Republican Debate on Saturday in Greenville, South Carolina, this one hosted by CBS.

MR. OBAMA’S VERY BUSY DAY

“In the morning, the President will participate in a DSCC roundtable at a private residence. In the afternoon, the President will deliver remarks at a DNC event at a private residence. Later in the afternoon, the President will depart San Jose, California en route Los Angeles. Afterward, the President will tape an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. In the evening, the President will deliver remarks at a DNC event at a private residence. Later in the evening, the President will deliver remarks and take questions at a DNC event at a private residence.”

— From a White House dispatch issued Wednesday night; the schedule includes four Democratic fundraisers

SAW IT COMING

Following Gov. Chris Christie’s withdrawal as a Republican presidential candidate, one close observer has issued a warning of sorts.

“Christie signed his own death warrant with conservatives when he nominated liberal activist judges to the New Jersey Supreme Court,” says Carrie Severino, chief counsel to the Judicial Crisis network. “He executed his death warrant when he lied repeatedly about supporting Sonia Sotomayor’s nomination to the Supreme Court. The next president will appoint as many as three justices. This is not the year for conservative politicians to abandon their commitment to the Constitution or to nominating judges who faithfully interpret it.”

STILL VIGILANT

House Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Rep. Edward R. Royce convenes a hearing Thursday titled “Iran Nuclear Deal Oversight: Implementation and its Consequences.” Witnesses include Stephen D. Mull, lead coordinator for Iran nuclear implementation at the State Department, and John Smith, acting director for the Office of Foreign Assets Control at the Treasury Department. The event can be seen live at 10 a.m. EST at Foreignaffairs.house.gov.

“As President Obama presses forward with this deeply flawed nuclear deal with Iran, the House Foreign Affairs Committee continues to work diligently and aggressively to provide oversight for the American people,” says Mr. Royce. “This hearing will seek answers on the flow of sanctions relief, Iran’s illicit missiles program and continued support for terrorism and efforts to ensure Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon.”

STILL FOXIFIED

Fox News appears to have presidential primary coverage down to an exact science. Once again the network bested its competition Tuesday night, drawing in an average 4 million viewers during prime-time election coverage in New Hampshire on Tuesday night, this according to Nielsen Media. Rivals CNN brought in 2.5 million, MSNBC 1.7 million.

POLL DU JOUR

• 79 percent of Americans cite international terrorism as a “critical threat” to the U.S.; 86 percent of Republicans and 74 percent of Democrats agree.

• 73 percent overall say cyberterrorism is a critical threat; 77 percent of Republicans and 72 percent of Democrats agree.

• 63 percent say worldwide spread of infectious disease is a critical threat; 59 percent of Republicans and 66 percent of Democrats agree.

• 52 percent overall say large numbers of refugees fleeing to Europe and North America is a critical threat; 70 percent of Republicans and 37 percent of Democrats agree.

• 50 percent say climate change is a critical threat; 25 percent of Republicans and 75 percent of Democrats agree.

Source: A Gallup poll of 1,021 U.S. adults conducted Feb. 3-7.

Raucous rants, calm commentary to jharper@washingtontimes.com