I recently was able to interview Trent Hill who was kind enough to sit through the questions I had for him regarding a number of issues. The Partisan Report appreciates his participation very much. As this site continues efforts in covering conservative candidates and races at the state and local levels, I may at times take a look at third-party candidates if viewed as constructive towards conservative core principles.

Readers may expect in the future a broader coverage of politics if I see it as a benefit and interesting news. For instance, the Constitution Party has been in the press as a possible vehicle for dissatisfied religious-conservatives wishing to leave the Republican Party. So what better way to educate readers and myself on the Constitution Party than to go straight to a source within the party.

The Partisan Report Interview with Trent Hill

Trent Hill is currently a member of the Constitution Party and national committeemen. A part from that role, he also serves as central committeemen and state contact for the Constitution Party of Louisiana. He resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and attends Louisiana State University.

Partisan Report: Trent thanks for taking the time to sit for this interview. PR is branching out aside from the national scene, to try and cover local politics and conservative candidates at the state level. So I’d like to start with the Constitution Party especially since their name has been in the press some, which we will get to a little later. But first, give my readers a brief intro about yourself and some of your recent projects involving elections, politics, etc?

I’m the state contact for the Constitution Party of Louisiana. I also serve as one of its National Committeemen and a member of the State Central Committee. I was recently involved, at the grassroots level, in the Ron Paul for President Campaign. I maintain a blog about conservative politics, especially in Louisiana.

Partisan Report: Ok, so let me go ahead and ask you this: Why the Constitution Party? Why a third-party at all?

The Constitution Party is a true bastion of Conservatism. The Republican Party, in contrast, is the party of internationalism and has sold out its conservative base time and time again. As for the question about a third party, it’s one I get often. People often claim we could simply reform the Republican Party. I’m here to say that we’ve tried that many times. Goldwater was an attempt at reforming the party, as was Buchanan in ’92, and Ron Paul this year. Ron Paul, with a massive war chest and extremely passionate grassroots, could not rally more than 10% in a primary (although he performed far better in caucuses and conventions). This was because he was facing bi-partisan opposition. The Liberty Committee, the most effective small-government group in Congress, can claim only eight members. The Republican Party has not only strayed from it’s claims of small-government, it has discarded them. One needs only to look its pre-eminent nominee in order to understand that fact.

Partisan Report: How prominent is the CP among third-parties and what sort influence does it have nationally (through its leaders or candidates etc)?

 

The Constitution Party is, arguably, the most prominent third-party. With more registered members than either the Libertarian Party or Green Party, the Constitution Party can claim a solid base. And while the Libertarian Party has had billionaires and congressmen serve as its nominees, and the Green Party has had Ralph Nader, the Constitution Party has never benefited from such big names. This may change soon. As for the party’s influence, it is massive. Certain members are involved with the Council for National Policy and the Arlington Group. Additionally, many of our more prominent members serve as conservative columnists, writers, and talk show hosts.

Partisan Report: Can you enlighten the readers, besides the name obviously, what does the CP advocate and some of its core principles?

 

The Constitution Party advocates constitutionalism. This is often confused with conservatism, which is related but not necessarily the same. We believe in following the letter of the law and putting America First. Our respect for Federalism and small-government is foremost amongst any political organization.

Partisan Report: Can you give us some of the prominent names that are associated with the CP and who are the likely presidential candidates for 08?

 

Some prominent names? Howard Phillips is a former official in the Nixon administration. Mary Starrett serves as executive director of Oregonians for Life. Chuck Baldwin is a talk show host in Florida, pastor at a large church, and writes an article which is syndicated by many conservative news-sites. Jerome Corsi is a bestselling author and WorldNetDaily columnist. Devvy Kidd is the main proprietor of NewsWithViews and a columnist elsewhere also.

 

As for Presidential candidates, there is quite an extensive list. Former Senator Bob Smith of New Hampshire is one of the more popular choices that is being speculated. I’ve spoken with Sen. Smith personally and find him to be a breath of fresh air in our otherwise poisonous political environment. Here is a man who truly puts principle over politics. Another prominent name being tossed around is Judge Roy Moore from Alabama. Judge Moore was the former Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court and is often referred to as the “10 Commandments Judge”. Former Secretary Alan Keyes has also made overtures towards the party. Bestselling author and columnist Jerome Corsi is still considered a possibility, and Rev. Chuck Baldwin is mentioned in any talk about presidential possibilities. There are three or four minor candidates, but none of them will have any effect on the actual nomination.

Partisan Report: Now on to your immediate concern, do you see any opportunity for the Constitution Party in Louisiana?

I see many opportunities, at every turn. Every day I get calls and emails from dissatisfied Republicans and conservative Democrats who need another place to call home. Several credible power-brokers have contacted us recently about financial or physical assistance. I suspect the Constitution Party of Louisiana will benefit from the 2008 Presidential election very much.

Partisan Report: Can you tell me about the Party there, what’s it strength in members and are you running any candidates this year?

In numbers, the party here in Louisiana is still quite small. It numbers less than 100 total members right now, but routinely receives 5,000+ votes in Presidential elections—so this clearly does not indicate our actual level of support. I suspect this support will grow now that we’re fielding candidates and holding events. Thus far, two candidates have filed as Constitution Party members. Randall T. Hayes is a candidate for congress in the 6^th District. Mr. Hayes is not waging an active campaign, he is merely putting his name on the ballot as an alternative to true conservatives who can’t see themselves voting for Woody Jenkins or a Democrat. Additionally, Peter Vidrine is a candidate for Congress in the 7^th District. Mr. Vidrine is in the unique position of being able to campaign full time and hopefully we will reap the benefits of this situation. As I’ve already indicated, I believe several more credible candidates will be running under our banner soon.

 

Partisan Report: Trent, allow me to be nosey if I may, Is it possible that one day we may see your name as a CP candidate?

I hope not. It is a weighty responsibility, to have to swear to uphold the Constitution. I am doing it now as a private citizen, and I hope I can continue on as a private citizen. I will, however, be working behind the scenes to help any and all candidates of the Constitution Party.

Partisan Report: Ok let’s move to another subject, I understand you wrote a book recently? Can you tell PR a little about it?

 

The book was a very short project under a strict deadline. The title was Ron Paul and the New Revolutionaries. Among the collaborators for this project were Dr. Walter Block, Lt. Colonel Karen Kwiatkowski, and Jerri Lynn Ward. Each author picked a topic and extrapolated on why they think Ron Paul is the most suitable candidate for President in 2008. It was a fun enterprise, although not a profitable one.

http://www.lulu.com/content/1574221

Partisan Report: Truly amazing and congratulations. Regardless of the mixed opinions about Ron Paul, how do you think he has impacted, or stirred the fire so to speak, for constitutionalist, libertarian, and conservatives alike? Can the CP hope to build on that and make the party a home for this new energy?

 

Ron Paul has positively effected the relationship between constitutionalists, traditional conservatives, and libertarians; for that we should be grateful. These are three closely related political branches that are always bickering and attacking each other instead of their mutual enemies. He has certainly turned on many young people to the ideas of constitutionalism and re-ignited many apathetic voters who will now vote to protect the Constitution.

Partisan Report: I would like to ask you a couple more things I find intriguing before we wrap up. There has been some vocal criticisms from very influential individuals, such as Bob Fischer, James Dobson and Matt Staver, all in which are heavy hitters in the religious-conservative circles. They have basically spoken out against the Republican Party and are planning to follow up on last year’s meeting, The Council for National Policy, to discuss further the possibilities of throwing their weight behind a third-party candidacy. The Constitution Party’s name has been mentioned as a possibility. Bluntly, Trent, I’ll ask; is this what the CP has been hoping and planning for?

 

It’s funny that you mention this actually. Rumor has it that some of the Constitution Party’s heavy hitters are having a meeting in New Orleans, which coincides with the Bob Fischer’s meeting in New Orleans. I’m not sure if the two meetings are related, but I think anyone would be a fool to simply assume that they aren’t. It would certainly benefit the Constitution Party to have big money and big names. As I’ve said, I think we’ll know more about this within the month.

Partisan Report: Unfortunately, I have to ask you about this…The CP has been dogged with criticism that the party is religiously-motivated first, and that many of the party’s members are politically theocratic. Searches on the internet from various sources share the same opinion. Is this unfair coverage? Do names as just mentioned add to the interpretations? I’d like to get your views on this.

Certainly the media and liberal blogs reinforce this opinion. Certainly the Constitution Party has its more radical elements. Like Saint Michael Jesus the Archangel, a presidential candidate for the Republicans or Fred Phelps, the owner of GodHatesFags.com, who supports Al Gore, these radical elements have no real power. Of our current office holders, we can claim one state legislator and three mayors. None of these towns or areas have complained about theocracy or any such thing. The candidate for the 6^th District here in Louisiana is a Buddhist-Atheist, and as long as he is committed to constitutionalism, he’ll receive the Constitution Party endorsement.

 

Partisan Report: Well Trent Hill, The Partisan Report thanks you for letting us take up a bit of your time. We look forward to covering the results of this year’s election in Louisiana and PR wishes all the luck to your guys. Good luck to you as well, and again, congratulations on your book.

 

Thank you. I look forward to alerting you about our successes in the near future.

Before we go, I’d like to give you the opportunity to do the talking if you wish. Is there anything you would like to say to my readers?

John Quincy Adams said “Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.” We so easily forget the transgressions of the Republican establishment. Watergate, Immigration Amnesty, the War in Iraq, the Patriot Act, REAL ID, unconstitutional departments and programs, and expanded spending, when will constitutionalism return to our government? Only We The People can return our government to its rightful limitations.