From the Editor: Late last week, Libertarian Republican had the opportunity to interview John Randall, eCampaign Director for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).

We present the interview here:

1. What do you all see as some of the key issues that Republican candidates need to emphasize for 2010?

“This cycle, the American people have really made the issue they’re concerned about clear. Jobs and healthcare, as well as the endless spending we’ve seen coming out of Washington, are the topics that are really driving concerned citizens at this point in the cycle and Republican candidates have been responding to their worries.”

2. What do you all see as some of the key races on a national scale for both the House? Alan West in Florida? Andy Harris in Maryland CD 1? Others? Maybe a few seats under the radar that we have a better-than-expected shot of picking up?

“Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of this cycle so far has been the rise of the citizen candidate. All across the country we’ve seen regular people – doctors, farmers, construction workers, members of the Armed Forces for example – announce bids for Congress, which highlights just how far out of touch Democrats have pushed their radical agenda. A lot of these career politicians haven’t had a challenge like in several cycles, and they’re going to give Democrats a run for their money.

In terms of House races that we’re working on, there are a number of notable match ups on the horizon. We got several solid rematches from the 2008 cycle, which include Andy Harris against Frank Kratovil in MD-01, Steve Stivers against Mary Jo Kilroy in OH-15, and Lou Barletta against Paul Kanjorski in PA-11.

Although there’s a primary with several candidates currently going on in CA-11, Rep. McNerney is going to have a tough election. We’re also seeing strong challengers emerge against Carol Shea-Porter in NH-01, Glenn Nye in VA-02, Loretta Sanchez in CA-47, AND Betsy Markey in CO-04.”

One race to definitely keep an eye on is a Special Election in HI-01, where Rep. Abercrombie just announced he in planning to resign to focus on his race for governor. The Republican in the race – Charles Djou – has proven himself a strong candidate and advanced to ‘On the Radar’ status in the NRCC’s Young Guns program. With the projected date of this election being sometime in March, the outcome of this race could serve as a barometer for November elections.”

3. How will the NRCC go about fielding candidates better suited to winning crucial seats throughout the Northeast, the Northwest, California, and other areas where Republicans don't typically do as well?

“Local constituents are best suited to select someone as a candidate who will represent their concerns in Congress. In that light, the NRCC launched its Young Guns program – which is every candidate is welcome to enroll in regardless of whether a primary is taking place. Those enrolled will work with the NRCC to complete various series of benchmarks regarding fundraising, communications, campaign structure, etc., in order to ensure that whomever comes out of the primary is in the best possible position to win on election day.”

4. There's both encouragement and fearfulness by some in the Republican leadership of the Tea Party movement. How do you see that shaping up?

“Those involved with the Tea Party movement are concerned citizens who are worried about what’s going on in Washington like the rest of us and have shown that they are ready to participate in the 2010 elections. We hope to work with them towards our goal of defeating Democrat candidates and retiring Nancy Pelosi. Morton Blackwell, approaching from the Conservative angle, authored an interesting piece in RedState this morning where he highlighted that Republicans across the board need to come together to win in 2010. Republicans across the spectrum agree on considerably more issues than disagree, and this is a time for us all to be united rather than divided.”

5. What is the GOP leaderships message to the Libertarians?

“We are the National Republican Congressional Committee – our two objectives are to retire Democrats and to support Republicans. We’re happy to work with anyone who shares those goals.”

6. Does the Republican leadership plan to perhaps meet Libertarians half-way on some of the hot button social issues?

“By the nature of our committee, we do not weigh in on policy issues but rather focus solely on ensuring Republicans are elected to Congress. We’ll use our limited resources to the best of our ability to help elect whomever emerges as the locally chosen Republican candidate.”

7. How can Libertarian Republicans best help the NRCC to win in 2010?

“As with all groups and political parties, the most invaluable resources that can be provided is information, time and money. At the NRCC, we recognize the importance of open and active lines of communication and always make ourselves available.”

Note - Joe Sciarrino, New Media Director for the NRCC participated in this interview.

Candidates in Photos: Lou Barletta is the former Mayor of Hazleton, Pennsylvania who garnered national publicity in 2007 for cracking down on illegal immigration after a horrific murder by an illegal in his town. Charles Djou running for the Abercrombie seat in Hawaii, is a Honolulu City Councilman and current Army Reserve Officer. Dr. Andy Harris barely lost his race in 2008 by less than 2% on Maryland's Eastern Shore.