🚫 Not fit for public office. Fewer than three stars, and a critical Article fails (Open Books). This isn’t a close call. Expect to hear from us — often.
Editorial opinion — our judgment against the Seven Articles, not a legal disqualification or an allegation of any crime. Ratings terms · Challenge this review
1Open Bookscritical
2%☆ not yet
“…the property of the people.” — Cicero, De Re Publica
52.8% of receipts from PACs — over the 15% cap; fails the money floor. (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
55%☆ not yet
“Treat humanity … always as an end and never as a means only.” — Kant
Conventional partisan tone; no signature dehumanizing rhetoric on record.
60
4Fear Is Not Fuel
55%☆ not yet
“…the better angels of our nature.” — Lincoln, First Inaugural
Messaging blends energy and border grievance themes with standard policy positions.
60
5Truth & a Kept Word
58%☆ not yet
“…living within the truth.” A representative owes “his judgment.” — Havel · Burke
No major fact-check scandal on record, though Trump-aligned messaging. Limited verification.
60
6Against the Spirit of Party
40%☆ not yet
“The baneful effects of the spirit of party.” — Washington, Farewell Address
Trump-endorsed and reliably party-line; little documented independence.
60
7Morality
73%★ earned
“The time is always right to do what is right.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
Former coal-industry lobbyist background is disclosed but not a corruption or ethics finding.
60
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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 →