The Young Guns

WHO ARE THEY??

THE TEAM:
The group of self proclaimed "Young Guns" had a plan to establish the Republican Party as a new force to be reckoned with. Through the popular advertisement, the team of three became known as the "Young Guns". Hoping to be the next Reagan revolution representing his conservatism the three in the 2010 election were able to get 62 of their candidates elected to senate and the house of reps, completely changing the republicans to the majority party.

According to PBS the Young Guns have also "created a model for candidates who shared their values that explained the steps that they could take to running for office. They set up a website, wrote a book, and started looking for strong candidates who could run for office and take back the House in 2010." (PBS)

THE LEADER: Rep. Eric Cantor, Virginia; the majority house leader

Eric Cantor's superpowers are his ambition and uber intelligence. He came to the house in 2000 and in 2003 was appointed chief deputy whip. During the Obama Administration Cantor's power grew and in 2011 he challenged current speaker of the house John Boehner for the spot. He was then appointed Speaker of the house and formed a close alliance with fellow rep Paul Ryan. The two then became intermediates of the Tea Party gaining much of their following from the Party's base.

THE STRATEGIST: Rep. Kevin McCarthy, California; majority whip

Kevin McCarthy's superpowers are his good social skills and his reputation of being a well liked and trusted rep, he also had an eye for spotting "new talent outside of traditional beltway politics". McCarthy who is the representative for California came to the house in 2007, and has two terms under his belt by the time the house flipped in 2010/2011.  McCarthy was most well know for his friendliness and how he mentored many of the "freshman" often even having pizza parties in his office.

THE BRAINS: Rep. Paul Ryan, Wisconson; House Budget Chairman

Paul Ryan's superpower is his super brains. Ryan was considered the be the intellectual leader of the conservatives as he lead the new budget which he called the "Path to Prosperity". The plan "offered a bold new blueprint in line with Tea Party values:slashing entitlements, lowering taxes, and curbing debt. Instead of only opposing the president, Republicans now had a plan to stand behind." (PBS). Ryan is also considered a very fluent communicator and was one of the best face to face conversationalists.



https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/meet-the-gops-young-guns/