David Brat pens new book, titled ‘American Underdog: Proof that Principles Matter’

Rep. David Brat hopes to remind Americans that he has a doctorate in economics and a master’s degree in divinity, plus a strong conviction that history and classic philosophy still shape the nation and its politics. His new book “American Underdog: Proof that Principles Matter” revisits the big ideas with a keen and practical eye.

The Virginia Republican — who ran an odds-defying $200,000 campaign that defeated then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in 2014 — reveals much in the book about the implications of his success.

It will be published Tuesday by CenterStreet, the conservative imprint of the Hachette Book Group, which focuses primarily on leadership, politics and current events. The shop has also published the work of Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint, Fox News anchor Bret Baier and talk radio host Michael Savage, among others.

“To change the status quo, we must tap into moral and economic lessons as old as our civilization,” said Mr. Brat, citing the philosophical roots of Western civilization itself, along with the ideas of classical Greece, the Judeo-Christian tradition, the rule of law and free-market economics.

The lawmaker said these heavy-duty fields helped him win the election two years ago. But he also claims they are vital “to restore American greatness” and shore up fiscal liberty, the conservative agenda and efforts to tame both post-9/11 terrorism and the immigration crisis.

In the meantime, Mr. Brat — who also chaired the economics and business department at Randolph-Macon College — applauds Britain’s recent vote to leave the European Union.

“Lovers of liberty everywhere should cheer the Brexit vote. The British chose clearly and decisively to take their power back from elites in Europe and to throw off the shackles of punishing rules and regulations handed down by disconnected and unaccountable officials,” said Mr. Brat, classifying the vote as a wake-up call for U.S. officials as well.

“Our federal government has constantly trampled on the rights of citizens. From the inability of small businesses to take out loans thanks to Dodd-Frank regulations, the IRS targeting of conservatives, President Obama’s unconstitutional amnesty, stifling regulations handed down by the EPA — Americans are fed up,” he added.

Mr. Brat’s re-election campaign is now underway; find the details at DaveBrat.com.