In his farewell speech to the nation over 200 years ago, George Washington warned us about the power and dangers of the two-party system: "The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty." ~ George Washington No candidate in the country has had a more difficult struggle against the two-party organization of politics than Trevor Drown, independent candidate for U.S. Senate in Arkansas. He has been "uninvited" to debates (even debates hosted by government workers), ignored by the press and treated wrongly in the polls. Knowing all of the above, I was still astounded after the Gun Owners of America and the National Rifle Association candidate grades were released last week and I realized Trevor Drown was not listed on either of the organizations' grading systems. I have talked to Mr. Drown several times and am aware of his strong constitutional views on issues. I contacted Trevor and asked him why the NRA and the GOA had not graded him on his 2nd Amendment stance. He told me neither organization had contacted him about the questionnaires and that he had "never received the surveys". He went on to say, "…it is bad enough having to get beat up for running out of the two-party system. We respond to everything, even if it is a letter that says we have or have not filled out your survey, but we are not seeking any group's endorsement or support. Notice, you will not find one endorsement on our site and we have them, unsolicited. We just don't want to have to use that process and go into office letting someone take credit or feel they own us. It is the same with any pledge. A pledge is a gimmick that puts a group over the Constitution." ~ Trevor Drown I also contacted the GOA and the NRA about the perceived slight. The GOA responded to me immediately; Mr. Robert Duggar of that organization told me they sent the survey out on August 6 to the Drown campaign office address in Russellville (delivery method is unknown). Where the GOA survey actually ended up is not certain. The NRA has not answered my requests, yet, but I expect an answer soon from their Arkansas representative. How important are these grades and endorsements in Arkansas? An NRA endorsement is huge in this state, and John Boozman's public support from them will translate into thousands of votes. The GOA is a much smaller organization, but a good grade from them is also a large voter attraction. One problem with the surveys and questionnaires sent out by the GOA and NRA is the questions and answers are not made public, so gun owning voters are unable to see what the candidates are actually being asked and what the answers contain. Arkansas Carry, a firearms rights group, has sent questionnaires to all five candidates in the U.S. Senate race and will make those answers public on their website as they receive responses. Will Trevor Drown and the "other candidates" receive fair treatment from the mainstream press before the elections? Probably not, because the two-party system is firmly entrenched in this state. Mr. Drown is giving it his best shot, however.

1. Do do you support a national sales tax? Drown: Not at the present time, there is not enough information or control mechanisms in place. We have more important things to address. Now is not the time to look at new ways to do things, when we can fix many of the problems we have with common sense legislation. 2. Do you support Congressman Paul Ryan's budget that would privatize Social Security and Medicare, yes or no? Drown: No 3. Do you support tax breaks for companies that send U.S. jobs overseas? Drown: No 4. Do you support tax credits for Arkansas small businesses who hire unemployed workers? Drown: Yes 5. How would you have voted on TARP and accountability reforms? Drown: No on TARP. It depends on which accountability reforms. There have been many. We do need accountability reform, but I believe they should be regulatory bills which stand on their own, not attached to other bills as amendments. 6. Would you ever vote to raise the debt ceiling? Drown: No 7. Do you think it is the role of Arkansas's congressional delegation to request special projects for Arkansas's communities and universities from previously appropriated funds? Drown: No, I disagree with this whole concept for any member of Congress doing this across the country. It is part of the reason our country is in such a financial mess. 8. Do you believe women whose lives are at risk or who are victims of rape or incest should have the option to terminate their pregnancies? Drown: Yes 9. Do you consider yourself a Tea Party candidate? Drown: It is not up to me to make that claim or dispute it. The definition of a Tea Party candidate has yet to be determined. If by that descriptor one means a small limited federal government, lower taxes, balanced budget and a strong belief in State Rights and the Constitution, which are my beliefs, then I can understand why people identify me as a tea-party candidate. If by that description you mean a member of or an off-shoot of the Republican Party or someone who believes we need to fix the GOP from within, the answer is no. I have no intention of supporting or pushing the agenda of any political party.