Let me start with a thank you to Chuck Muth for allowing an opposing viewpoint to be expressed in Nevada News & Views.
Many arguments have been made against David Flippo's run for Nevada Congressional District 2 (CD2). Here, a few of them are examined through the lens of MAGA in Nevada.
Some argue Flippo is from Las Vegas, and thus he is a “carpetbagger” to CD2. These words fall upon deaf ears.
- Firstly, many MAGA in Nevada are refugees from California (be grateful that Republicans from California are helping diminish the voting power of Democrats in Nevada). We don't care if Flippo is from Las Vegas, Jackpot, or Gabbs Nevada.
- Second, Lt. Col. Flippo has lived all over the world during his decades of service in the United States Air Force. We don't care if he has deep and long term roots in CD2, because, among other things, he was away serving his country.
- Third, many MAGA in Nevada are military veterans who have served around the world themselves, and don't care about deep roots. MAGA veterans care that Lt. Col. Flippo served.
- Finally, in some cases “establishment” and “lifelong resident” can be synonyms, and in the case of Settelmeyer this seems to be true.
For these reasons, MAGA Nevada doesn't care where Flippo lives. We do care–and know–he is 100% MAGA. President Trump knows that also–that is why he endorsed Flippo.
What MAGA in Nevada looks for is this: America first and Nevada second. This does not mean a MAGA congressman cannot also take care of Nevada. Of course they can, because the America First agenda is always Nevada first as well. MAGA in Nevada rejects any congressional candidate who is not 100% behind President Trump's agenda.
MAGA in Nevada fears Settelmeyer will betray President Trump and vote to impede the MAGA agenda. There is good reason to think so.
- First, Settelmeyer has not embraced MAGA nor declared 100% support of President Trump's agenda.
- Second, Settelmeyer went along to get along when he was a Nevada legislator, on bills such as driver's license for illegal aliens, supporting the ERA, DEI, and increased funding for Planned Parenthood. MAGA in Nevada does not want a go along to get along Congressman, one who cooperates on Democrat bills in order to garner support for his own agenda.
Attacks on Flippo's history and character have backfired. One is reminded: “Let he who has not sinned cast the first stone.”
- MAGA is led by an imperfect vessel–President Trump. Yet, look what God has done through a flawed man.
- MAGA in Nevada does not care about Flippo's history. Flippo's imperfections may explain why he is so humble. My conversations with him have shown this to be true.
This is the deciding point for MAGA in Nevada: Settelmeyer has not embraced MAGA and does not support President Trump's agenda 100%. Flippo does.
It is an uncomfortable truth that many self-described MAGA living in Nevada continue to support Settelmeyer even after President Trump endorsed Flippo. For some, the first time they are in opposition to the leader of MAGA. Let that sink in.
These Republicans can now, at best, only be called partial MAGA because they are now in bed with establishment Republicans on this issue. Not a great place to be, and it should cause pause for thought. Do you really want to oppose President Trump?
President Trump has made 118 primary endorsements, and all 118 have won their race. This predicts David Flippo will win.
President Trump endorsed Flippo late in the primary season. For those MAGA who had already endorsed Settelmeyer, the way out is simple: “Now that President Trump has endorsed David Flippo, I do as well.” Problem solved. Time to come home.
Eric Nelson, Ph.D. is an honorably discharged Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, former police officer, and PhD level criminologist. He works full time in college administration, the author of many books, and is active in Nevada Republican politics. Eric lives with his wife and many rescue animals in Lyon County. enelson@fastmail.com.
