“…the property of the people.” — Cicero, De Re Publica
0.1% of receipts from PACs — clean under the 15% cap, and no corporate leadership PAC. (FEC 2026)
60
2Free & Fair Electionscritical
82%★ earned
“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” — Abraham Lincoln
No 2020 election denial, no fake-elector role, and no documented support for partisan gerrymandering. (Jan 6 roll call; OpenSecrets; redistricting record)
60
3The Dignity of the Opponent
72%★ earned
“Treat humanity … always as an end and never as a means only.” — Kant
Maintains a measured, respectful tone toward opponents with a limited record of contemptuous rhetoric.
60
4Fear Is Not Fuel
68%★ earned
“…the better angels of our nature.” — Lincoln, First Inaugural
Campaigns largely on an affirmative agenda -- veterans, jobs, space -- rather than threat-driven messaging.
60
5Truth & a Kept Word
72%★ earned
“…living within the truth.” A representative owes “his judgment.” — Havel · Burke
Generally strong fact-check record and followed through on his pledged bipartisan posture.
60
6Against the Spirit of Party
64%★ earned
“The baneful effects of the spirit of party.” — Washington, Farewell Address
Publicly broke with Biden on the border and Title 42 and hedged on backing Schumer -- documented independence.
60
7Morality
75%★ earned
“The time is always right to do what is right.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
No personal-ethics or corruption issue on the public record.
60
Engage Kelly
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This review is offered freely and openly to correction. A challenge is considered only when it states a specific reason and links to sources that substantiate it — an assertion without evidence is not reviewed.
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Scores are Independent 2026’s own editorial read against the Seven Articles — ≥60% earns the star. The first two Articles are critical: fail Open Books or Free & Fair Elections and there is no seal, whatever else holds. Each Article carries its founding quote as the yardstick. On bias →