The Modern Whig Party: A Party for the Rest of Us
 SUPPORT JEFF VANKE'S RUN FOR CONGRESS
WHO ARE MODERN WHIGS?

Established in 1833, the Whigs are one of America's oldest mainstream political parties. We were the original party of Abraham Lincoln and four other U.S. Presidents.

Revived by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, this grassroots movement has quickly attracted thousands of new members. We represent moderate voters from all walks of life who cherry-pick between traditional Republican and Democratic ideals in what has been called the Modern Whig Philosophy. This Washington DC-based national movement values common sense, rational solutions ahead of ideology and partisan bickering.

This includes general principles of fiscal responsibility, strong national defense and educational/scientific advancement.

In March 2010, TIME Magazine rated the Modern Whig Party as one of the "top 10 most popular political movements worldwide."

TAKING ACTION

Mainstream advocacy

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY — The Modern Whig philosophy is to empower the states with the resources to handle their unique affairs.

ENERGY INDEPENDENCE — Reduce dependence on foreign oil by developing practical sources of alternative energy. This will have the simultaneous effect of changing the national security dynamic.

EDUCATION/SCIENTIFIC ADVANCEMENT — Increased public and private emphasis on fields such as space, oceanic, medical and nanotechnology. Also, providing common-sense solutions to enhance our educational system from pre-school to university-level studies.

STATES RESPONSIBILITY — Each state can generally determine its course of action based on local values and unique needs.

SOCIAL PROGRESSION — Government should refrain from legislating morality.

VETERANS AFFAIRS — Vigilant advocacy relating to the medical, financial, and overall well-being of our military families and veterans.

Write your Congressperson! 

MODERN WHIGS IN THE NEWS

AUG 2010

The Wall Street Journal recently featured this party, its two public officials and its Congressional candidate on the front page.

MAR 2010

TIME Magazine rates the Modern Whig Party as one of the "top 10 most popular political movements worldwide." TIME also declares that "They're back!"

JAN 2010

Examiner.com

"Bring back the Whigs!!"

DEC 2009

Eastern Echo (MI)

"Modern Whig Party moderates' new ally."

OCT 2009

The Trentonian

"The reason for ending the political bickering is so we can have fiscal responsibility.”

OCT 2009

The Star-Ledger

The Modern Whig Party, a group created last year by returning U.S. war veterans..."

OCT 2009

KVI 570 AM (Seattle)

The Modern Whig Party was featured in a drive-time broadcast for the Fox News radio affiliate in Seattle.

SEP 2009

Marietta Daily Journal

Modern Whig Party Recruiting in Cobb (County, Georgia): "We will get a great response, I have no doubt about it. The question is one of innovation. (The) Whig Leadership group will develop, post, improve and eventually endorse solutions and plans for the fixing of the defined problem. When everything is said and done, we will have the best solution to a problem, not an ideological stance. We are, internally to the party, replicating a working republic, which is what the Founders had intended all along."

SEP 2009

Westfair (NY) Business Publications

From the editorial staff: “This movement values common sense, rational solutions ahead of ideology and partisan bickering. Hmm, isn’t that what the Democratic and Republican parties used to espouse?"

AUG 2009

WHBC News Talk 1480 AM

The Modern Whig Party was featured on a popular Canton, OH radio show hosted by Ron Ponder.

AUG 2009

Press-Enterprise (Riverside, CA)

"The party's platform includes practicing fiscal responsibility, developing practical sources of alternative energy, increasing public and private support for education and scientific research and advocating for veterans."

AUG 2009

Mountain View Telegraph (NM)

"...one of the country's up-and-coming political parties, the Modern Whig Party."

AUG 2009

Phoenix New Times

"The Modern Whig Party's basically a hybrid of traditional GOP and Democratic Party values, and hopes to draw voters who jump back and forth between the two major parties -- especially on issues like fiscal responsibility, strong national defense, and social progression."

AUG 2009

Eyewitness News 4

The Modern Whig Party was featured on New Mexico's local NBC affiliate.

JUL 2009

Albuquerque Journal

"New Mexico's newest political party just goes to show that you can't keep a good name down. Expect the Whig Party in New Mexico to take on political corruption, argue for a balanced budget..."

JUL 2009
VoterRadio.com

Les Merritt from the Foundation of Ethics and Public Service featured the Modern Whig Party in a segment on the "rebirth of the Whigs."

JUN 2009
Fox News Radio

The Modern Whig Party  was discussed on the "Tom Sullivan Show."

MAY 2009
Arizona Daily Star

"The Modern Whig Party is coming to Tucson... The party is progressive on social issues and conservative on government spending and efficiency."

MAY 2009
WTFK 107.1 FM & WJNC 1240 AM

The Modern Whig Party  was featured on "Viewpoints" with Lockwood Phillips.

MAY 2009
KRXA 540 AM

The Modern Whig Party was featured on "A Different Perspective" with Jack Hart.

MAY 2009
Times-Standard

"Make no mistake. These aren't a bunch of dreamers. They started helping veterans and their families and continued to do so, and now their message is going mainstream. They're busy crafting a political movement they say is “... realistic, rational and places common-sense ahead of ideology.”

Imagine that? Sounds like a party for the people. It also sounds like a party that could attract disillusioned moderate Republicans. After all, the Whig Party is where the Republican Party originated. I'll bet some right-leaning Democrats will (or already have) found this middle-of-the-road party attractive as well."

MAY 2009
Oregon Commentator

"They're back! The Whigs, that is."

APR 2009
The News & Observer

"Whigs Rise Again:  Tired of Democrats and Republicans? Do Rush Limbaugh, Keith Olbermann, Ann Coulter and Rachel Maddow leave you cold? Well, it may be time to bring back the Whigs."

MAR 2009
The Examiner: Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan resurrect Whig Party

"Without being antagonistic, they are focused and our (Democratic and Republican parties) better pay attention."

MAR 2009
The Huffington Post

"Usually, when a party becomes so impotent, its leaders so misguided, that it can't even provide a coherent alternative to the status quo, that's when there's a chance for a new party to make its move. Jefferson got it done. So did Lincoln. Now it's your turn.The rise of the Whigs starts with you. Make it happen."

FEB 2009
The Richmond Daily News

"If Abraham Lincoln were alive today, he might find some familiar welcome company in Missouri. The Modern Whig Party has made a revival, and... party members are trying to make some noise politically just as Lincoln did in his career.

FEB 2009
KRMS News-Talk 1150 & 97.5 FM

The Modern Whig Party was featured on "Morning Magazine with Michael McSorley."

FEB 2009
St. Joseph (MO) News-Press

"But the modern incarnation of the (Whig Party) plans to hang around, urging rationality in place of ideology and labeling itself 'a party for the rest of us.'"

JAN 2009
Huntsville Voice

"...the Modern Whig Party is already recognized as the fastest-growing mainstream political  movement in the country."

NOV 2008
Miami New Times

"So maybe instead of trying to re-engineer the inner-workings of the Republican party, voters should leave it in mass. May we suggest the Modern Whig PartyUnlike most third parties, this one actually has a platform that many Americans can agree with... As a friend of mine said, 'It's like their platform is talking to me like it's my pal.'

OCT 2008
Illinois Radio Network

"The original party of Abraham Lincoln is making a comeback, in the form of the Modern Whigs."

SEP 2008
The Examiner

"In the United States, (the Modern Whig Party Florida Chapter) has made a sort of comeback among voters searching for alternatives."

SEP 2008
The Other Paper (Columbus, OH)

"...the party initially was reorganized as a military advocacy organization, but grew into a 10,000-strong grassroots party—of which more than half are affiliated with the military—with a general platform of fiscal responsibility, strong national defense and bold social progression."

AUG 2008
Independent Political Report

"...America's freshest and perhaps most innovative political party."

JUN 2008
Military Times: Modern Whig Party has appeal to some troops; no candidates yet, but with moderate stance, it's starting to catch on

"The Modern Whig Party, which claims that 'about a third' of its... members are active or reserve service members, takes a consciously middle-of-the-road and independent stance."

JUN 2008
The Oregonian

"The Modern Whigs, not to be confused with a couple of fringe parties that also use 'Whig' in their names, is focused on a lot of military issues. Sometimes it breaks Republican and sometimes it breaks Democrat."


UPDATES

AUG 31, 2010

The Modern Whig Party is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Medaugh as the Director of Operations of the Modern Whig Party.

Listen to the Modern Whig Party Radio at www.blogtalkradio.com/modernwhigpartyradio.

AUG 26, 2010

The word is getting out about the Modern Whig Party and its mainstream, non-fringe and viable candidate. Media outlets ranging from local television to the front page of the Wall Street Journal are catching on that there now is a national political movement that values moderate common sense, rational solutions ahead of partisan bickering and stark ideology. Even Comedy Central's Indecision 2010 is lauding the benefits, and difficulties, in building a non-fringe, "normal" political movement that speaks "rationally about hot-button issues."

One catalyst to all this national attention is the fact that Jeff Vanke is gaining ground in what is now tantamount to a two-person Congressional race. The former university professor is currently polling in double digits, and with no Democratic opposition, Vanke is generating national support among moderates as the only independent with a viable shot at winning. He is essentially in a head-to-head race against a vulnerable Republican incumbent.

For all those clamoring for a mainstream, non-fringe, and qualified independent to have a legitimate shot at unseating an incumbent, this is the only race of its kind. Jeff Vanke is already flipping voters his way through an effective ground game. But he does need funds. If every supporter of this movement donates even $5-$10, Jeff Vanke will be able to make good use and potentially pull this thing off. But first, please consider his qualifications at www.jeffvanke.com. Many members and non-members have been motivated enough to make their first campaign donations ever. They realize that this race isn't just about Virginia, but due to the special conditions of this race, it has the potential to affect the way candidates operate nationwide.

AUG 23, 2010


In perhaps the only Congressional race of its kind, a moderate independent is gaining national attention in a campaign that is now tantamount to a two-person race. Although the local Virginia media has been paying attention to Modern Whig Party member Jeff Vanke, national news outlets are now catching on to the unique situation arising in his district. The Wall Street Journal is the latest to describe Vanke's campaign, as well as efforts by the national Modern Whig Party to establish a mainstream, non-fringe moderate movement that values common sense, rational solutions ahead of partisan bickering and stark ideology. The Wall Street Journal recently featured this party, its two public officials and its Congressional candidate on the front page.

Vanke is currently polling in double digits in Virginia's 6th District. With no Democratic opposition, Vanke is generating national support among moderates as the only independent with a viable chance at victory this November. For all those Americans clamoring for a viable, mainstream independent with a legitimate shot at winning, now is your chance. For more information on efforts to elect this Modern Whig Party member, please email andrewevans@modernwhig.org

AUG 12, 2010

The Modern Whig Party is pleased to announce the appointment of Naoufal Houjami as the new chairman of the Texas chapter of the Modern Whig Party. The Texas chapter of the Modern Whig Party (www.texaswhig.org) is one of the largest chapters of the growing Modern Whig Party.

Houjami is currently the owner of an established small business based in Houston. Houjami has international experience and background. Houjami's education includes a Masters degree in Corporate Strategy, Bachelors in Finance and Engineering from Poly Finance Institute. Houjami is fluent in French and Arabic. Houjami is married and is the father of one child.

Speaking on his appointment and goals for Texas, Mr. Houjami had this to say; "In Texas we are determined to bring positive change to the lives of our fellow Texans and reinforce the foundations of freedom, democracy, and responsibility. It might take time but at the end we will get there because balance always takes place and the power is from the people to the people."

Naoufal Houjami can be reached at naoufalhoujami@modernwhig.org

AUG 10, 2010

The Modern Whig Party announces that one of its members is engaged in a truly unique Congressional campaign. In perhaps the only race of its kind, Jeff Vanke is competing in what is tantamount to a two-person race against a vulnerable Republican. There is no Democrat in the race while Vanke, a moderate, is currently polling in double digits.

Although this campaign is taking place in Virginia, the scenario applies to all those Americans nationwide who have clamored for a moderate, non-fringe alternative with a realistic chance at winning. Jeff Vanke embodies the mainstream ideals of the Modern Whig Party, and certainly is an advocate for common sense, rational solutions ahead of stark ideology and partisan bickering. In the days and weeks ahead, we will unveil two programs designed to assist in this nationwide endeavor. For immediate information, please email Andrew Evans.

JULY 23, 2010

The Executive Committee of the Modern Whig Party acting in accordance with the MWP bylaws appointed Andrew Evans interim National Chairman of the Modern Whig Party. Andrew has nearly 5 years of experience in working in national and state leadership capacity in the American Centrist Party, which united with the MWP in June. Andrew will serve in this capacity until June 30, 2011 at which time a national convention will elect a new chair and new leaders.

When asked about his plans for working with the Modern Whig Party Mr. Evans was enthusiastic and resolute; " I know that the strength of America is her people and so does the Modern Whig Party. We will work to empower the American citizen to realize their power and responsibility in our democracy and to act upon it. I am excited to have this opportunity to help the Modern Whig Party and America. Our goal is to be an organization that focuses on the American citizen and puts forth pragmatic common sense solutions that give the American citizen the power and tools to take the lead in making America a nation of the people and a true world class example of good governance."

JULY 3, 2010

On this July 4th weekend, the Modern Whig Party pauses to recognize the sacrifices that our military members and their families endure on a daily basis. As a political movement revived by post 9/11 veterans, we certainly recognize the value of the freedoms that we hold. At the same time, we also acknowledge that it is through these freedoms that we have the ability to work to make our country even better. The Modern Whig Party remains committed to pursuing a mainstream, non-fringe, and viable political movement that upholds the ideals of common sense, rational solutions ahead of partisan bickering and stark ideology.

JUN 22, 2010

We are pleased to announce that one of the largest moderate political movements in the nation has unanimously voted to merge with the Modern Whig Party. This means that we are being joined by a list of about 16,000 Americans who had initially signed on in support of the American Centrist Party. This merger is a natural fit as we both have been working toward a viable, mainstream and non-fringe political movement that values common sense, rational solutions ahead of partisan bickering and ideology.

On a practical level, we are receiving an infusion of a new core of moderate leaders throughout the nation. While the Modern Whig Party was revived by post-9/11 veterans, the effects of this merger further demonstrates the diverse makeup of this political movement. Work is now underway in other areas to expand our reach and maximize our potential while maintaining a foot in reality in terms of the continuing difficult task ahead. More information to come.

JUN 12, 2010

The Modern Whig Party National Executive Committee is proud to recognize Philippine Independence Day. This event is significantly linked to US history and is being celebrated today by many Filipino American communities across the United States. Many of the members of the Filipino American community are part of the American Military family and we join them in celebrating this important day.

The Modern Whig Party is proud to acknowledge that two of its State Chairs are Filipino Americans, Andy Trinidad of California and John Chappelle of North Carolina. The Modern Whigs are the only political party that has sought empowerment for Filipino Americans by specifically giving them a voice in shaping the direction of this diverse political movement.

MAY 28, 2010

The Modern Whig Party pauses this Memorial Day weekend to recognize the sacrifice of our nation's fallen, as well as the prime place in American society that our veterans and active/reserve service members hold.

The Modern Whig movement was revived by veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Those veterans quickly built a growing national movement that was recognized as a viable and mainstream political phenomenon. Its moderate stance and common sense, rational approach quickly inspired a diverse array of Americans of all political stripes.

Since 2010 began, the party began building its infrastructure in order to scratch its way back into the mainstream conscience. However, countless members have clamored in recent months for the current wave of Modern Whig leaders to be more action oriented and "lead from the front." Not surprisingly, these demands came largely from veterans -- many of whom participated in the numerous 2008/2009 Whig gatherings that quietly took place overseas in places such as Iraq.

These concerns have been heard loud and clear. Various active duty, reserve component personnel, and veterans are joining with non-military individuals to once again grab the reins of this historic movement.

The country needs a non-fringe movement that values common sense, rationality as opposed to partisan bickering and ideology. The Modern Whig Party will continue to build and inspire.

APR 16, 2010

The Modern Whig Party of Virginia reports that its recruitment drive continues to spark statewide interaction among advocates of common sense, rationality. The Virginia Whig organization is registered as an official political entity.

APR 07, 2010

California Whig Party Chairman Robert Shelley held his first online statewide meeting. He introduced four new County Representatives to the California State Leadership, as well as the Western Regional Vice Chairperson. These new County representatives are from the following Counties: San Diego, Sutter, San Francisco and Fresno. The state leadership also announced that they are spearheading the creation of a new portal system for County representatives to share information and to strengthen the California leadership. An interactive portal for the California membership also is in the works.

MAR 29, 2010

TIME Magazine rates the Modern Whig Party as one of the "top 10 most popular political movements worldwide."

MAR 7, 2010

The Executive Committee is pleased to confirm the appointment of Robert Shelley as State Chairman for California. Andy Trinidad has decided to spearhead the movement of the Modern Whigs in the Los Angeles County area. Robert Shelley is a retired Navyman, who has extensive experience in the aerospace industry. Robert has successfully organized the Modern Whig Party movement in the Riverside County area and is responsible for increasing the number of registered Whig voters in California.

MAR 5, 2010

Virginia: The Modern Whig Party of Virginia reports that it is now registered as a Political Action Committee. This status, among other items, allows the Virginia Whigs to accept donations as it continues to grow and develop.

The recent Virginia report can be viewed in full here that describes a number of benchmarks that the Virginia Whigs have met.

Western Region: The Western Region of the national Modern Whig Party continues to grow and develop. This includes attracting new members and leaders, as well as arranging meetings. For example, the Riverside County (California) Modern Whig Party recently held its regularly scheduled meeting.

Georgia & North Carolina: The revived Whig Party also is seeing noticeable growth in the Southeast. For example, the Georgia Whig Party is spearheading the cutting edge "Methodology over Ideology" element. This effort is being put to practice through several meetings throughout the state with members, prospective members, media, political activists, business leaders and others.

In North Carolina, recently approved chairperson John Chappelle has announced plans to develop a push into the state. The first Web site of the North Carolina Whigs can be viewed at www.ncmodernwhig.org.

Nationally: The preceding updates are just a sample of the national efforts and activity that are being conducted by moderate, common-sense advocates that value rational solutions ahead of ideology and partisan bickering. These are people who, among other items, support general principles of fiscal responsibility, strong national defense, and scientific/educational advancement while also not focusing solely on strict social issues.

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