Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, wants Rep. Sean Duffy to pledge Freedom Caucus. The founder of the conservative caucus recently invited the popular Wisconsin Republican to join the group, laying out its membership, methods, and mission.
“Our mission statement is really simple,” Jordan explained during a recent episode of Duffy’s podcast, “the Plaidcast”, “We feel like there are millions of people around the country who feel like this town has forgotten them. Our job is to remember them and fight for them.”
More often than not, that means holding the line against increasing spending and growing government. Parliamentary saboteurs on occasion, the Freedom Caucus has blown up bills, like the first attempt at Obamacare repeal, in order to clear the way for more conservative legislation. Other times, the group has marched lockstep with leadership, like their recent unanimous support for the House tax reform package.
“We have two unwritten rules,” Jordan told Duffy. “They sound contradictory but they’re not. You have to be willing to vote against leadership sometimes and you have to be willing to vote with leadership sometimes.”
Membership also comes with an oath to secrecy. When Duffy asked who also joined, Jordan declined as is customary but admitted that the group has 34 members.
“Am I secret-member of the Freedom Caucus?” Duffy asked. “We will take you any day, man. We will take you any day,” Jordan responded, “secret or not-secret.”
Pledging could preclude another opportunity. While Duffy has denied interest in running for Senate at times, the Republican admitted in September that he was toying with the idea again. In the third quarter alone, Duffy had raised over $550,000 for his war chest.
