Wednesday, March 12, 2025

A Republic, If We Can Keep It! 2026 Midterms ~ Hold the Line!

Opinion

Gun Voter Vote Ballot Polling Election
File Photo

Our nation’s story began at Yorktown on October 19, 1781, when General George Washington, with French allies like the Comte de Rochambeau, forced British General Lord Cornwallis to surrender.

That victory broke an empire’s hold, but the road ahead was rocky. From 1781 to 1789, we staggered under the Articles of Confederation, a weak union of states plagued by disunity, until necessity birthed a Republic. The Constitution, ratified in 1788 after fierce debate at the 1787 Philadelphia Convention, was a fragile compromise—its survival resting on active, engaged citizens.

Benjamin Franklin crystallized this truth on September 17, 1787. As he left the convention, Elizabeth Willing Powel asked, “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” He answered, “A republic, if you can keep it.” History proves his point. In 458 BC, Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, a Roman farmer, became dictator to save Rome from invaders, then returned to his plow within weeks. George Washington mirrored this—leading the Revolution to victory by 1783, guiding the nation as president from 1789 to 1797, then retiring to Mount Vernon rather than clinging to power.

Ordinary men, extraordinary moments, followed by retreat to private life.

Preserving our Republic—forged in 1781 and cemented in 1788—demands that same spirit today. Pericles warned, “Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.” I get it—many just want to be left alone. I did, too, despite studying history and political science. Dyslexia gave me an excuse: public speaking and writing weren’t my strengths. Life’s busyness can deter anyone, and those who’d dismantle our Republic count on our apathy. But it’s always on the brink, and retreat isn’t an option.

My turning point came in 2012. I returned to Colorado from South Carolina in 2011 to build a new life and business with my family. Then, the tragic school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary happened. I dropped everything, went to my kids’ school, and hugged them tight. Like millions of parents, I wanted my kids safe. But politicians often twist tragedy into power plays. Allegedly, Vice President Biden pushed Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper to test sweeping gun control in Colorado.

What’s clear is that Colorado Senate President John Morse jumped at the chance, with Senator Angela Giron and others in tow. That’s when I said enough.

2013 I, Timothy Knights, stepped up—ready or not. With a scrappy crew from ar15.com, I led the legal and grassroots fight with dozens of volunteers to recall Morse and backed the effort against Giron. We faced a tsunami: both parties against us, funded by Big Pharma, casino money, and two billionaires. The legislature even rewrote voting laws, flooding the districts with newly legislated mail-in ballots to muddy the waters. The recalls drew national eyes—Debbie Wasserman Schultz dubbed them “the most important election no one knows about,” presumably spotlighting our Second Amendment stand and the likely importance of yet another state switching to mail-in ballots. Clinton and Obama’s operatives swarmed in; Bill Clinton recorded a last-minute robocall. Dudley Brown of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners scoffed at our inexperience, saying our political experience could be measured on an egg timer. My friend Keith Coniglio nailed it: we were a rowboat against a battleship. Yet we won—both recalls triumphed.

That taught me citizens can shift the tide, even when outspent and outgunned. I wasn’t a slick operative—just a guy who cared enough to act. Look at Scott Presler: he started with voter registration and became a juggernaut. Charlie Kirk mobilized campuses. Dixon Wolfe is another example of door-knocking in Wisconsin for a Supreme Court race.

They’re not caped crusaders; they’re us, engaged. Voter registration drives and knocking on doors—awkward but vital—are the battleground. Billionaires bankroll armies for their agendas. We, the people, must match that with our own grit. Join a group or become your state’s Presler or Kirk to make these things happen.

Our Republic’s fate rests on us understanding why it matters and how to fight for it—every election, from school boards to sheriffs to the 2026 midterms. No one said it’d be easy. So let’s get started. Call me—I’ll help.

From Rowboats to Battlegrounds: The 2026 Stakes

The 2013 recalls were a citizen uprising against long odds—a blueprint for what’s needed now. The 2026 midterms loom, and control of Congress hangs on a knife’s edge. Politicians and donors bet on your exhaustion, but history shows disengagement hands them the reins. Every vote, every door knocked, can tip the scales. Here’s where the fight’s fiercest—and how you can shape it.

House: A Fragile GOP Edge

All 435 seats are up in 2026. Republicans cling to a 220-215 majority post-2024; Democrats need a handful of flips to take over. Midterms often punish the president’s party—Trump’s GOP could bleed seats unless citizens defy the trend.

California’s Tightrope:

  • CA-22: Democrat Adam Gray beat Rep. John Duarte by under 200 votes in 2024. A turnout surge could flip it back.
  • CA-45: Derek Tran ousted Rep. Michelle Steel by 650 votes. Grassroots energy will decide it.
  • CA-47: George Whitesides unseated Rep. Mike Garcia narrowly. Eight California races were within 5 points in 2024—shaky ground without voter vigilance.

Note: California’s lax voter verification and weeks-long vote counts fuel skepticism. Citizens demanding transparency could shift outcomes.

New York’s Suburbs:

  • NY-19: Rep. Marc Molinaro’s 2024 win was tight; Democrats smell blood.
  • NY-17: Rep. Nellie Pou won where Trump ran strong—GOP eyes payback. Fluid districts need boots on the ground.

Other Flashpoints:

  • NC-1: Rep. Don Davis squeaked by with under 2% in 2024—Trump country could reclaim it.
  • IA-3: Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks won by 788 votes. A Democratic pickup hinges on turnout.
  • CO-8: Rep. Gabe Evans flipped it by 2,500 votes in 2024—Denver’s pull keeps it live.
  • NE-2: Rep. Don Bacon held on despite Harris winning Omaha. It’s a perennial toss-up.

Trends: Sixteen crossover districts (e.g., PA’s Brian Fitzpatrick, CA’s Josh Harder) defy presidential leans, ripe for flips. Redistricting in Ohio, Alabama, and Louisiana could tilt more. Trump’s White House might spark a backlash—unless citizens hold the line.

Senate: A Tougher Map

Thirty-three seats (20 GOP, 13 Democratic) plus Ohio and Florida specials are up. Republicans lead 53-47; Democrats need four net gains (or three with the VP tiebreaker). The map favors the GOP, but midterms lift the out-party—Democrats could pounce if we slack.

Top Targets:

  • Georgia (Jon Ossoff, D): A 2021 squeaker, Trump’s 2024 edge, and GOP heavyweights (Kemp? Greene?) make it a coin flip. Hunters and Second Amendment voters could tip it with door-to-door grit.
  • Michigan (Open, D): Gary Peters retires in 2025; Trump’s 2024 win narrows the gap. Elissa Slotkin’s tight 2024 race shows it’s winnable—grassroots can clinch it.
  • North Carolina (Thom Tillis, R): A 1.8% win in 2020, GOP infighting, and Trump’s pull make it shaky. Wiley Nickel looms.
  • Maine (Susan Collins, R): Harris won Maine in 2024; Collins (74 by 2026) might retire. Her moderate act wears thin—Portland’s 40% of voters is tough, but Janet Mills’ unpopularity (e.g., trans sports backlash) opens a bold citizen shot at primary and general wins.
  • New Hampshire (Jeanne Shaheen, D): Tightening races (Harris by 3-6% in 2024) and Scott Brown’s return threaten her at 79. Primary her?

Watch List:

  • Minnesota (Open, D): Tina Smith retires in 2025; rural GOP gains tighten it.
  • Texas (John Cornyn, R): Ken Paxton might primary him, but it’s GOP-safe.
  • Ohio (Special, R): J.D. Vance’s VP slot triggered a red-state lock when Ohio Governor Mike DeWine appointed Jon Husted. He will serve until a special election in November 2026 to complete the remainder of Vance’s term, which ends in 2028. Jon has run a state-wide campaign in Ohio and is likely to fend off a primary if he proves effective as a Senator.
  • Florida (Special, R): Rubio’s exit (Sec. of State) stays GOP with Trump’s grip. Ashley Moody was appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Moody will serve until a special election in 2026 to complete the remainder of Rubio’s term, which ends in 2028. Her performance could determine if she has a primary opponent. She has also won a statewide campaign before and unless she founders, she is likely to keep the seat.

Trends: GOP defends mostly red states; Democrats face Georgia, Michigan, and New Hampshire risks. Retirements (Durbin? McConnell?) could jolt safe seats.

The Bottom Line

In the House, California’s new Democrats (Gray, Tran, Whitesides), NC’s Davis, and GOP squeakers (Miller-Meeks, Bacon) are prime targets. Georgia, Michigan, and North Carolina lead the toss-ups in the Senate, with Maine and New Hampshire in play. The GOP’s House edge and Senate map advantage teeter—citizen action can break or make it.

Eternal vigilance is liberty’s price. In 2013, we proved a rowboat can sink a battleship. The 2026 battlegrounds await—grab an oar.

Addressing the Failings of the NRA Board of Directors ~ Post-Wayne LaPierre

Todd Vandermyde: Vote YES on Your 2025 NRA Board Election Ballot

About Timothy Knight

Timothy Knight is a dedicated advocate for Second Amendment and Constitutional rights, known for founding the successful Colorado recalls. He served on the NRA Board, where his integrity earned him a reputation as an NRA Whistleblower. A skilled shooter and devoted family man, Timothy’s early experiences as an Eagle Scout have shaped his lifelong commitment to service and leadership.



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