THE ROCK RIVER PATRIOTS CANDIDATE FORUM IN JEFFERSON – TWO MEMBERS’ VIEWPOINTS
by Suzy Hemenway
February 16, 2010

Bill and I had the opportunity to attend a candidate forum January 8th in Jefferson hosted by the Rock River Patriots. This group had invited the candidates running for Russ Feingold’s US Senate seat. Rob Taylor of the Constitution Party and Dave Westlake of the Republican Party attended the forum.

Each candidate was allowed an opening statement with a five minute time limit to tell about themselves and state their reasons why they were seeking the senate seat.

The moderator then asked them his questions. The candidates had no idea as to what questions would be asked of them. Each had 3-5 minutes to give their answers.

The questions asked had to do with the Federal Reserve, the United Nations, taxes, the 2nd Amendment, state’s rights (the 10th Amendment), immigration, abortion, homosexuality, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan and health care, amongst other issues.

Mr. Taylor’s answers were in accordance with the Constitution and you knew his answers were genuine. He felt strongly that our government has lost its constitutional moorings and if elected, Rob Taylor said he would work to rectify this situation.

Mr. Westlake’s answers were focused on the “will of the people”. He said he would do what “the people wanted”. But what if the will of the people isn’t in line with what the Constitution says? We have a constitution; it’s the law of our land. We don’t have mob rule. While I found Mr. Westlake to be a likable person, he did not come across as knowing and understanding the Constitution. His focus should be on the Constitution and what it allows.

It is our opinion that the people in attendance would vote for the “3rd” party candidate Rob Taylor because he is constitutionally grounded.

-- Suzy Hemenway is a member of the State Committee serving as a party district representative for Congressional District 5. Suzy’s husband, Bill, is the party’s Treasurer.


Last night in the very frigid weather at the Jefferson Public Forum for candidates Rob Taylor, our candidate for US Senate did well versus his Republican opponent, Dave Westlake. Both candidates are new to the state wide race.

Although both candidates are conservatives, Rob Taylor came off as better even though this was not a debate officially. Rob stuck to his guns on Constitutional answers and quoted chapter and verse as needed. However this audience was very constitutionally-minded so no smoke and mirror answers would have worked. Both caught some "friendly fire" from the audience, which is good. The moderator had tough topics prepared and the event was well timed and moved along, no bunny trails.

Be assured that Rob Taylor made new friends from the Rock River Patriots group who hosted the event. About forty-plus attended due to bad weather down here and the usual--apathy. But all in all Rob did well and was respected by the very constitutional-minded audience. I saw five CPoW board members there. Good turnout in terrible weather. Thanks Rob for driving 4.5 hours to attend. God will bless your moxie.

-- Bob Bellard is a member of the State Committee serving as a party district representative for Congressional District 2.