“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Thomas Jefferson
Declaration of Independence

Inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s words in the Declaration of Independence there is no better description of the core principles that drive the Republican Party of Dane County.  Policies, culture, and times may shift, but these principles remain our foundation.

LIFE

First and foremost we have the right to life.  This is true for the strong and the weak, the rich and the poor, the born or unborn.  We have one life to live and it is precious.

We have the right to protect our lives and the lives of our families.  As law-abiding citizens this includes the right to keep and bear arms.

Finally, we also recognize the sacrifice of those who have given their lives, and of their lives, in duty to our nation.  We hold those who have served our nation in the highest regard because of their sacrifice.     

LIBERTY

Liberty is embodied in our freedom of speech, our right to assemble and to protest, and our freedom of religion.   It is also the right to the fruits of our labor including private property.  It is protection from unnecessary government intrusion, regulation, and taxation in our lives.

All these rights are under constant assault today and they need to be fought for and protected.  This is our legacy for future generations.  Will our liberties be constrained, preserved, or expanded by the decisions we make today?

OPPORTUNITY

Thomas Jefferson said we had the right to pursue happiness.  We see this as opportunity.  Our nation was founded on the basis that we all have the same opportunity to pursue our dreams and to fly as high as our individual talents and effort allows.  We also stand on the shoulders of the generations before us and want to ensure the generations after us have those same opportunities. 

We recognize that all men and women are created equal.  We encourage every individual to seize and to take full advantage of all the possibilities in life that our great nation offers them.