Angle possesses conservative cred

Nevada Republicans say they want a revolution. A conservative revolution.

To hear them as they tear into Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, the Silver State will be the site of a conservative resurgence that not only will sweep true-believing Republicans into office in 2010 but will also improve the breed by weeding out those squishy middle-grounders called RINOs. (Republicans In Name Only.)

They're signing anti-tax pledges and strapping on their libertarian political six-shooters, firing at big-government Democrats and treating chamber of commerce Republicans like members of the Neville Chamberlain Fan Club. The RINOs will be an endangered species if they have their way.

Surely that belief in revolution gives Gov. Jim Gibbons, who polls about as well as a war criminal and has a slate of primary challengers, hope for a triumphant comeback and a second term. As flawed as his tenure has been, Gibbons wisely has a tight grip on his conservative philosophy.

Good heavens, even formerly moderate Republican Dr. Joe Heck is talking like a hit man for some conservative mafia family.

After speaking in measured tones as a state legislator, the congressional candidate now barks like a born-again zealot.

My question isn't whether this strategy is based in sound reasoning. Unless it's being done to energize a downcast base, I think drawing a hard line and subjecting pretty good candidates to loyalty oaths and ridicule has the potential to backfire on Election Day.

There's a way Republicans can prove they really want a conservative revolution. They can support U.S. Senate candidate and certified conservative true-believer Sharron Angle.

Backing Angle in her long-shot candidacy to unseat Reid would not only shock the nation -- and send a few Nevada political pundits into cardiac arrest -- but also provide undeniable proof the state's voters demand dramatic change. (Yes, "change" will be a buzzword in the 2010 race, too.)

One conversation with Angle, the four-term state assemblywoman who has served on education, election, ethics, health and judiciary committees, is enough to convince you she's the real deal and isn't just parroting the latest from the right-wing radio dial. After listening to her discuss her conservative ideals, I was tempted to ask her whether her maiden name was Goldwater or Reagan.

Angle is a tireless campaigner who works both ends of the state on a shoestring budget. She's a fearless critic of those who fail to view the world through the conservative lens.

She's not shy about jabbing at her two best-known opponents, Danny Tarkanian and Sue Lowden.

"Danny has no record and no wins," Angle says. "She has never had to vote or experience the minority position. You need to have a strong, persuasive voice in order to do that."

Angle is unafraid to take a stand on embattled and embarrassing Sen. John Ensign despite his status as a member of the Republican power elite.

While other Republicans ducked questions about Ensign, or astonishingly supported him despite his ham-handed payoff and cover-up attempts in a sex scandal, Angle nails the wounded politician between the eyes.

"If your wife can't trust you, how can I trust you?" she asks.

How refreshing -- an office-seeker who actually calls it as she sees it.

Angle is believable when she says, "Never compromise, conciliate, or build consensus on your principles."

Some will question her electability as a Northern Nevadan, but I thought Campaign 2010 was about philosophy, not imagery.

Save the whining phone calls. Other candidates are good enough, smart enough, and doggone it, people like them. This isn't an endorsement of Angle's candidacy; this is a questioning of an election strategy.

As long as Angle is in the race, she'll be the most conservative candidate in the running. Serious conservatives will seriously consider her.

Nevada Republicans say they want a conservative revolution. In the coming months, we'll see how much.

John L. Smith's column appears Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. E-mail him at Smith@reviewjournal.com or call (702) 383-0295. He also blogs at lvrj.com/blogs/smith.