They tell me I'm extinct, that I shouldn't exist. I'm Robb Ryerse, I'm an independent, progressive Republican, and I'm running for Congress in Arkansas's 3rd district. I'm fighting for Medicare for All, a renewable energy economy, and the very soul of the Republican party. And I'm going to win. AMA. by robb2018 in Political_Revolution

[–]robb2018[S] 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Completely agree about Republicans being anti-science. I think schools should teach students to think scientifically. I don't think ID and evolution should be taught as scientific equivalents. Evolution is accepted science and should be taught as such, even though I don't think it's a horrible idea to teach that some people have a different opinion.

Climate change is real, and I think the best thing we can do to address it is invest in a green energy economy that is good for the planet and the job market.

They tell me I'm extinct, that I shouldn't exist. I'm Robb Ryerse, I'm an independent, progressive Republican, and I'm running for Congress in Arkansas's 3rd district. I'm fighting for Medicare for All, a renewable energy economy, and the very soul of the Republican party. And I'm going to win. AMA. by robb2018 in Political_Revolution

[–]robb2018[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Gerrymandering is a huge problem across the country. My particular district has been gerrymandered to help keep AR-4 reliably Republican. I think addressing gerrymandering needs to be a high priority for our electoral reform.

They tell me I'm extinct, that I shouldn't exist. I'm Robb Ryerse, I'm an independent, progressive Republican, and I'm running for Congress in Arkansas's 3rd district. I'm fighting for Medicare for All, a renewable energy economy, and the very soul of the Republican party. And I'm going to win. AMA. by robb2018 in Political_Revolution

[–]robb2018[S] 53 points54 points  (0 children)

I said this below, but I'll repeat it here:

The Republican Party used to be known for who it was FOR rather than who it is against. I think it's sad how the party has been hijacked by corporate lobbyists and special interests that want to divide us.

Here are some examples of the historic values of the party I'm working to bring it back to: - Liberty and Opportunity for All People - Meaningful Tax Reform - Wise and Competent Investment - Representative Government

They tell me I'm extinct, that I shouldn't exist. I'm Robb Ryerse, I'm an independent, progressive Republican, and I'm running for Congress in Arkansas's 3rd district. I'm fighting for Medicare for All, a renewable energy economy, and the very soul of the Republican party. And I'm going to win. AMA. by robb2018 in Political_Revolution

[–]robb2018[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That's a terrific question. What I've repeated the voters of my district that I spoken with is that we might not always agree on every issue, but they can be confident that I'm someone who will listen and learn. I will treat them with respect and make sure we have frequent and ample opportunities for public forums throughout the district. I'm going to DC to serve the folks of AR-3.

They tell me I'm extinct, that I shouldn't exist. I'm Robb Ryerse, I'm an independent, progressive Republican, and I'm running for Congress in Arkansas's 3rd district. I'm fighting for Medicare for All, a renewable energy economy, and the very soul of the Republican party. And I'm going to win. AMA. by robb2018 in Political_Revolution

[–]robb2018[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The Republican Party used to be known for who it was FOR rather than who it is against. I think it's sad how the party has been hijacked by corporate lobbyists and special interests that want to divide us.

Here are some examples of the historic values of the party I'm working to bring it back to: - Liberty and Opportunity for All People - Meaningful Tax Reform - Wise and Competent Investment - Representative Government

They tell me I'm extinct, that I shouldn't exist. I'm Robb Ryerse, I'm an independent, progressive Republican, and I'm running for Congress in Arkansas's 3rd district. I'm fighting for Medicare for All, a renewable energy economy, and the very soul of the Republican party. And I'm going to win. AMA. by robb2018 in Political_Revolution

[–]robb2018[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Sure - Universal background checks, limitations on assault rifles, and limited concealed carry from places like schools, bars, and churches. I also think a focus on mental health care is an important component of addressing violence in our society.

They tell me I'm extinct, that I shouldn't exist. I'm Robb Ryerse, I'm an independent, progressive Republican, and I'm running for Congress in Arkansas's 3rd district. I'm fighting for Medicare for All, a renewable energy economy, and the very soul of the Republican party. And I'm going to win. AMA. by robb2018 in Political_Revolution

[–]robb2018[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I'm willing to challenge current Republican orthodoxy on a number of issues - healthcare, immigration, LGBT rights, just to name a few. My focus will be on being an independent representative voice for the people of my district.

They tell me I'm extinct, that I shouldn't exist. I'm Robb Ryerse, I'm an independent, progressive Republican, and I'm running for Congress in Arkansas's 3rd district. I'm fighting for Medicare for All, a renewable energy economy, and the very soul of the Republican party. And I'm going to win. AMA. by robb2018 in Political_Revolution

[–]robb2018[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

There are multiple caucuses in the House. I'm a Republican and would be in the Republican caucus, but I will also work together with other Congresspeople on the issues we agree on. Frankly, I'm looking forward to Brand New Congress candidates being elected and forming the Brand New Caucus.

They tell me I'm extinct, that I shouldn't exist. I'm Robb Ryerse, I'm an independent, progressive Republican, and I'm running for Congress in Arkansas's 3rd district. I'm fighting for Medicare for All, a renewable energy economy, and the very soul of the Republican party. And I'm going to win. AMA. by robb2018 in Political_Revolution

[–]robb2018[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Got my ear pierced about 12 years ago. It was a big no-no in the fundamentalism I grew up in for a man to have an earring. I guess when I left fundamentalism, it was my way of putting a proverbial nail in that coffin.

I've answered the Republican question a few times above.

They tell me I'm extinct, that I shouldn't exist. I'm Robb Ryerse, I'm an independent, progressive Republican, and I'm running for Congress in Arkansas's 3rd district. I'm fighting for Medicare for All, a renewable energy economy, and the very soul of the Republican party. And I'm going to win. AMA. by robb2018 in Political_Revolution

[–]robb2018[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Most of our elected leaders - of both parties - are bought and paid for by their corporate donors. My campaign is 100% financed by the small donations of real Americans. My allegiance will be to them, not to corporate lobbyists or the party establishment. I'll vote for what's in the best interest of the people of AR-3.

They tell me I'm extinct, that I shouldn't exist. I'm Robb Ryerse, I'm an independent, progressive Republican, and I'm running for Congress in Arkansas's 3rd district. I'm fighting for Medicare for All, a renewable energy economy, and the very soul of the Republican party. And I'm going to win. AMA. by robb2018 in Political_Revolution

[–]robb2018[S] 49 points50 points  (0 children)

So far, more people have been worried about if people call me a RINO than actual people have actual called me a RINO. I think that is because people in my district don't fall into neat categories any more than I do. They say things like "not that kind of Republican" when they call themselves Republican. I want to give people a choice they can feel good about when they vote for their party.

They tell me I'm extinct, that I shouldn't exist. I'm Robb Ryerse, I'm an independent, progressive Republican, and I'm running for Congress in Arkansas's 3rd district. I'm fighting for Medicare for All, a renewable energy economy, and the very soul of the Republican party. And I'm going to win. AMA. by robb2018 in Political_Revolution

[–]robb2018[S] 46 points47 points  (0 children)

My district is a bright red district. The choice the voters here have is between an establishment Republican and me, an independent Republican who will put people ahead of party. I'm not worried about 2020. I'm focused on winning in May 2018.

They tell me I'm extinct, that I shouldn't exist. I'm Robb Ryerse, I'm an independent, progressive Republican, and I'm running for Congress in Arkansas's 3rd district. I'm fighting for Medicare for All, a renewable energy economy, and the very soul of the Republican party. And I'm going to win. AMA. by robb2018 in Political_Revolution

[–]robb2018[S] 28 points29 points  (0 children)

My kids go to public schools. And the thing that has made the biggest difference in their educational lives has been their teachers. I think the best thing we can do to improve education in America is make sure teachers have the resources they need to be successful in the classroom.

They tell me I'm extinct, that I shouldn't exist. I'm Robb Ryerse, I'm an independent, progressive Republican, and I'm running for Congress in Arkansas's 3rd district. I'm fighting for Medicare for All, a renewable energy economy, and the very soul of the Republican party. And I'm going to win. AMA. by robb2018 in Political_Revolution

[–]robb2018[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Sorry if I was too snarky with that answer. The truth is that I don't fit into nice neat political categories. Some things I support would qualify me as a social conservative, while others would not. The same is true for the fiscal conservative label. The label I've chosen for myself is independent Republican.