We 82nd Airborne paratroopers have a motto: “All the Way!” Coming into the February 2 Primary Election, Illinois conservatives have every reason for confidence that core Republican values will be reflected in our party’s nominations next Tuesday. We are secure in knowing that voters – through nationwide grassroots tea parties and recent high-profile elections – are resoundingly demanding the steadfast over the status quo, principled over the pay-to-play, and yes, ideology over expediency. Out on the street, the hue and cry is for an immediate end to the beyond-reckless overborrowing and overspending; it’s conservative “All the Way!”

Yet, everyone with a pulse places bets daily against our Land of Lincoln becoming a stronghold of liberty any time soon. Our state leaders are a national laughingstock, and we Republicans, an impotent backstop, at best, against persistent liberal creep. The Chicago Way is seen as Illinois’ one and only way. So, will we prove them wrong?

Will Illinois’ Primary results reflect the unquestionable public sentiment for bold and restorative fiscal reforms – deep, across-the-board tax and spending cuts; basic accountability; and real-life balanced budgets? Will we be able to secure a victory for Constitutional conviction and resist the pull to moderate at the 11^th hour? Will we regain our self-assurance and shift Springfield and Washington, D.C., for the better?

I maintain that we will. We will if we select those candidates with a verifiable record – garnered in the public or private sector – of relentless conservative leadership. We will if we require deep platforms and relevant legislative proposals. We will if we choose candidates who pledge to release us from the shackles of persistent government intervention. For it is only if we opt for the limited government bulwark in every race and in every district, from town council to governor, that we will make a dent in upending our cities, state and country from their economic distress and return to prosperity.

Native son Ronald Reagan had it more than right: “We've gone astray from first principles. We've lost sight of the rule that individual freedom and ingenuity are at the very core of everything that we've accomplished. Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.”

It is time – past time – for our state to pull its weight, and the lever, for liberty. Stand and deliver, Illinois!