Republican Main Street Partnership
The Republican Main Street Partnership is a nonprofit organization[1] that raises funds to support politicians in the moderate wing of the Republican Party.[3] The Republican Main Street Partnership (the "Partnership") does not advocate for legislation, but offers networking and mentorship opportunities and provides a forum for discussion. The Partnership is affiliated with a super PAC called Defending Main Street.[4] The Partnership is also affiliated with the Republican Main Street Caucus, a Republican congressional member organization that takes pragmatic conservative positions.
"Main Street Partnership" redirects here. For a similar term, see Main Street Republicans.Company type
History[edit]
Formation and activity[edit]
Rep. Amo Houghton of New York was the founder and chairman emeritus of the Republican Main Street Partnership.[2]
The Partnership was formed following the 1994 United States House of Representatives elections in which conservative Republicans were swept into power. An informal discussion group formed by representatives Nancy Johnson, Steve Gunderson and Fred Upton later became an organized bloc intent on representing the moderate wing of the Republican Party. The Partnership has described itself as a "broad alliance of conservative, governing Republicans".[2]
In 2004, the Republican Main Street Partnership proposed changes that would have moved the Republican Party's platform regarding abortion and stem-cell research in a moderate direction.[5]
Members of Congress affiliated with the Partnership have been challenged in Republican primaries by members from the Club for Growth, FreedomWorks and the Tea Party movement, among others.[6] The Partnership had a notably adversarial relationship with fiscally conservative. In 2011, however, the director of the Partnership stated that the two groups had "'come to an understanding'".[7]
The Partnership is affiliated with a super PAC called Defending Main Street.[4]
Republican Main Street Caucus[edit]
In September 2017, the Republican Main Street Caucus was formed with Pat Tiberi (OH–12) as chair.[8] The Caucus is a Republican congressional member organization that takes pragmatic conservative positions. Upon its formation, the Caucus stated that it would prioritize "'strong, conservative principles related to economic and national security policy'". Tiberi added, "'We are focused on getting things done and delivering real results to the American people'".[8] After Tiberi's resignation from the House in 2018, Rodney Davis (IL–13) took over duties as chair.[9]