Kahuna....Your harsh criticism of Congressman Nugent appears to be very contradictory according to your own words. You say he couldn't vote his own mind because he would need to comply with "ideologically" driven leaders. Yet, the GOP leadership trichotomy you define in your post often holds conflicting views. That in itself suggests a caucus that encourages independent thinking and decision making.

What specific legislation has he "not voted his own mind on"? For your convenience, I have listed below a link that will take you to at least 29 pieces of legislation he acted on early in his term. I'm finding more without much effort that would bely your criticism.

"Congressman Nugent, in just two months as a member of Congress has co-sponsored 29 pieces of legislation". Wikipedia. He certainly had no trouble going "on the record" with his positions. They're listed in the link I provided if you want to nitpick.

For you to single out the Congressman and rant "he can only vote as he is directed by his ideologically-driven leaders." without mentioning Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, they're Democrats if I recall, is a case of selective partisan criticism. I'm sure you will gratuitously offer up a Democrat you've criticized as a token of your non-partisanship.

You also failed to mention that Russell has run before as a Democrat, rather unsuccessfully. Maybe its just me, but it is suspicious that this long time Democrat suddenly saw the light and is now running as an Independent in a very Conservative Republican District.

Always a pleasure to cross sabers with a thoughtful provocateur. Have a good evening.