R.I.P. G.O.P. Independence

David Broder's column from yesterday's WaPo caught my eye. In it, he wrote about the late Congressman Stanley Tupper from Maine. A Republican that practiced independence from his own party, Tupper included the following passage in a 1964 campaign brochure:

Stan believes a congressman should think issues through clearly on their individual merits without being concerned about labels; have imagination and the ability to suggest positive ideas; be sympathetic to the desires and aspirations of his constituents when not in conflict with the security and well-being of the nation; have personal courage to vote as he thinks wisest in face of political pressure and criticism; keep his constituents informed of his views -- it is just as important that people have opportunity to disagree as to agree with their representative; and, finally, that he should place a higher priority on conscience than on reelection.

I agree with Mr. Broder: this is a "credo" to emulate.

- posted by C @ 5:16:00 PM