Matt Gaetz: The James Doolittle of the Republican Party
In the annals of history, certain figures stand out as beacons of hope, individuals who, in times of uncertainty, take bold actions that rally the spirits of the people. Such an analogy is not just reserved for the past, as today’s political landscape sees the emergence of a new kind of leader, Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), whose actions have evoked comparisons to Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle. This comparison, though seemingly unconventional, holds a kernel of truth that deserves examination.
Doolittle’s bombing raid on Japan during World War II is often regarded as a daring but inconsequential act in terms of strategic impact. The damage inflicted was minor, but the raid achieved something far more profound. It symbolized the vulnerability of the Japanese mainland and served as a morale booster for Americans still reeling from the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor. Doolittle’s mission sowed doubt in the minds of the Japanese people about their leadership, reinforcing the resolve of the American populace.
Fast forward to today, and we find Representative Matt Gaetz in a similar role within the Republican Party. Gaetz has made waves by calling for the removal of Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a move criticized by both conservative and establishment Republicans. Much like Doolittle’s raid, Gaetz’s actions may not have delivered immediate, tangible results, but they have had a profound impact on the political landscape.
In Gaetz’s case, the removal of Speaker McCarthy was a response to the disappointment many felt in the lack of progress on the promises made when McCarthy assumed the role. The establishment and establishment Republicans criticized Gaetz’s move, but as the saying goes, “The harshest criticisms come from those who stand in the way.”
The favorite to replace McCarthy was Jim Jordan, a choice that resonated with the people but made establishment RINOs uncomfortable. The establishment’s resistance to Jordan revealed their alignment with interests that do not necessarily serve the American people. The ousting of McCarthy did result in a 22-day period without a Speaker, which some labeled as a disaster. However, it raises an important question: what had the House accomplished in the previous months under McCarthy’s leadership? The answer, unfortunately, was not much of substance.
Critics of Gaetz have focused on the chaos and division within the Republican Party, but a closer look reveals that his actions have exposed the RINOs within the party. These so-called Republicans in name only have been revealed as the obstacles to meaningful change. They have been quick to oppose the People’s choice, even if it means going against the very constituents they are supposed to represent.
In the end, 25 Republicans voted against Jim Jordan, the candidate favored by the people, with three of them hailing from Texas. This list of “nay” votes tells a story of its own, as it represents those who prioritize their own interests over the will of the American people. Here are the 25 Republicans who voted against Jim Jordan, a list that may very well face primary opposition from their own constituents:
- Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska
- Rep. Vern Buchanan of Florida
- Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado
- Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon
- Rep. Anthony D’Eposito of New York
- Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida
- Rep. Jake Ellzey of Texas
- Rep. Drew Ferguson of Georgia
- Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania
- Rep. Andrew Garbarino of New York
- Rep. Carlos Gimenez of Florida
- Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas
- Rep. Kay Granger of Texas
- Rep. John James of Michigan
- Rep. Tom Kean of New Jersey
- Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania
- Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia
- Rep. Nick LaLota of New York
- Rep. Mike Lawler of New York
- Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa
- Rep. Marc Molinaro of New York
- Rep. John Rutherford of Florida
- Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho
- Rep. Pete Stauber of Minnesota
- Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas
However, what sets Gaetz apart is his ability to mobilize the American populace. People across the nation, inspired by Gaetz’s stance, flooded their representatives with calls, expressing their displeasure with the RINOs who voted against Jordan. Social media figures, such as “Catturd,” offered their platforms to candidates challenging these Republican turncoats. The conservative movement is gaining momentum, driven by this drama within the Republican Party.
What some see as disarray, others perceive as a strengthening of the American people’s resolve in their battle against the establishment. In many ways, Matt Gaetz has become the James Doolittle of the Republican Party, a symbol of hope and a force that exposes the vulnerabilities of the entrenched establishment. Just as Doolittle’s raid uplifted the spirits of Americans during World War II, Gaetz’s actions are giving hope to the people and instilling fear in the establishment RINOs. It’s a testament to the power of bold action and the potential for change when the people unite behind a common cause.
TEXAS, 15th Congressional District – A South Texas congressional race, veered into the realm of bizarro when a decades-old video clip resurfaced, casting a blanket over a newly minted Democratic nominee. What should have been a straightforward primary victory became a flashpoint, as a Republican incumbent Monica De La Cruz amplified a controversial video clip of her Democratic opponent, Bobby Pulido.
Tejano singer Bobby Pulido, a well-known figure in Texas music circles, secured the Democratic nomination earlier this month in Texas’ 15th Congressional District, according to results reported by the Texas Secretary of State and coverage from regional outlets including The Texas Tribune. Pulido, who has built a career as a performer with a loyal following across South Texas, entered politics as part of a broader Democratic effort to reclaim the historically competitive district.
His opponent in the general election, Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz, wasted little time drawing contrasts. Within days of the primary result, De La Cruz reposted a video clip circulating online that appears to show Pulido under a blanket, making suggestive movements that some viewers interpreted as simulating a “sexual act”. The video’s origin is not entirely clear, though it has been described in online discussions as footage from earlier in Pulido’s entertainment career.
De La Cruz’s campaign did not produce the video, but her decision to repost it on social media drew immediate attention. According to archived posts and reporting from local political blogs, the video had already been circulating among political activists before it reached a broader audience through the congresswoman’s platform.
Pulido has not denied that the video depicts him, but allies have characterized the clip as an out-of-context moment from a performance or comedic setting, arguing that it is being weaponized for political gain. As of this writing, Pulido’s campaign has not issued a detailed public statement addressing the specifics of the video, though supporters have pushed back on what they describe as a “smear tactic.”
The 15th Congressional District, which stretches from the Rio Grande Valley northward toward Seguin, has become a political battleground in recent cycles. De La Cruz flipped the seat for Republicans in 2022, defeating Democratic incumbent Vicente Gonzalez after redistricting reshaped the district’s partisan balance. National observers, including Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball, have since rated the district as competitive, making it a target for both parties.
Pulido’s candidacy reflects a Democratic strategy aimed at leveraging cultural recognition and regional identity. As a Tejano artist, he carries name recognition that traditional political candidates often lack, particularly among Hispanic voters who form a majority in the district. His campaign messaging has emphasized economic opportunity, healthcare access, and immigration reform, themes consistent with broader Democratic priorities.
De La Cruz, for her part, has leaned into a law-and-order message and economic conservatism, aligning closely with House Republican leadership. Her campaign website highlights border security, energy independence, and opposition to what she describes as “Washington overreach.”
The resurfaced video has complicated what might otherwise have been a conventional contrast between policy agendas. Political analysts note that such controversies can have unpredictable effects, particularly in districts where personal image and cultural familiarity carry weight.
“Voters often say they want substance, but moments like this can dominate the narrative,” one South Texas political consultant told The Monitor. “The question is whether it sticks, or whether it backfires.”
There is also the matter of tone. While negative campaigning is hardly new, the use of suggestive or potentially embarrassing footage raises questions about where campaigns draw the line. The Federal Election Commission does not regulate the content of political speech in this context, leaving such decisions largely to candidates and, ultimately, voters.
Pipkins Reports has received the following press release from Fate City Council Candidate, Lorna Grove. We present it here without editorial comment or review. We offer this service to any/all candidates for public office.
##
FATE, TEXAS —Fate resident and legal professional Lorna Grove has announced her campaign for Fate City Council, pledging to bring experienced, steady leadership focused on responsible growth, fiscal responsibility, and community unity.
Grove brings more than 35 years of experience as an in-house paralegal specializing in commercial real estate development contracts and licensing. Through that work she has spent decades reviewing development agreements and negotiating complex projects, and using that experience, she can help Fate ensure that contracts protect the community.
“Fate is at a turning point,” Grove said. “With only about 600 acres of land left to develop, the decisions we make today will shape our city for generations. Our residents deserve leadership that protects the character of our community while planning responsibly for the future.”
Grove says her campaign is built around priorities she has consistently heard from residents across Fate.
Responsible growth and thoughtful development remain at the top of that list. Grove believes development should enhance the quality of life for residents, not simply increase revenue. She supports strategic planning that preserves the charm of the community while encouraging businesses that bring value to residents and attract visitors to the city.
Fiscal responsibility is another key focus. Grove says the city must maintain a balanced and responsible budget while ensuring essential services are fully supported. She said she has spent the last year reviewing not only the current budget, but also the comprehensive plan and city charter, and plans to carefully review future spending to ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely and that the city remains focused on serving its residents.
Infrastructure and public safety are also central priorities. Grove supports continued investment in roads, water systems, and the city’s fire and police departments to ensure they have the resources needed to keep the community safe as the city grows.
Finally, Grove says the city must focus on bringing residents together.
“We are stronger when our community works together,” she said. “From downtown beautification and parks to family-friendly events and volunteer projects, there are many opportunities to build pride in our city and strengthen the connections between neighbors.”
Grove plans to release a series of campaign videos outlining the priorities she has heard from local residents and sharing her vision for the future of the city.
“The future of Fate belongs to the people who live here,” Grove said. “I’m running to help ensure we build a city our families can be proud to call home.”
Learn more about Lorna at LornaForFate.com
Media Contact – Lorna Grove
Lorna Grove Campaign
LornaGroveForFate@gmail.com
##
Pipkins Reports has received the following press release from Fate City Council Candidate, Melinda McCarthy. We present it here without editorial comment or review. We offer this service to any/all candidates for public office.
##
Fate, Texas — Melinda McCarthy is stepping up to run for Fate City Council, Place 3, bringing a commitment to family values, fiscal responsibility, and responsible growth to one of the fastest-growing cities in the region.
Fate is at an inflection point in its history. The decisions made in the coming years will determine whether the city strengthens its infrastructure, addresses traffic challenges, and manages development wisely — or allows growth to outpace planning. McCarthy believes now is the time to get it right.
“Fate is growing rapidly, and with that growth comes responsibility,” McCarthy said. “We must ensure our roads, infrastructure, and services keep pace, while protecting the quality of life that brought so many families here.”
McCarthy and her family moved to Fate in 2022 seeking the Texas quality of life and freedoms that had gradually eroded in the blue state they left behind. She previously served for 11 years as an elementary school teacher with a special education focus before dedicating the past decade to homeschooling her three children.
“I’ve seen how small tax increases — just one percent here and there — can slowly make a community unaffordable for young families,” she said. “As our city grows, we must be disciplined stewards of taxpayer dollars and continue expanding our commercial tax base so homeowners are not carrying the full burden.”
McCarthy has long been engaged in civic life. She currently serves as Republican Precinct Chair for Precinct 4D, has served on the event committee for the 2026 Lincoln-Reagan Day, and participates in the Rockwall Young Republicans to help encourage and mentor the next generation of leaders.
Civic participation has been a part of her life since high school, when she first volunteered in campaigns. She has consistently voted in primaries, runoffs, and municipal elections and believes strong communities depend on engaged citizens.
“I love raising my children in a town that feels patriotic, safe, and community-centered,” McCarthy said. “I want to work collaboratively with city leadership and staff to ensure Fate continues to grow responsibly while remaining affordable and family-friendly.”
If elected, McCarthy will focus on infrastructure improvements, traffic management, responsible development, fiscal discipline, and maintaining the strong sense of community that defines Fate. The campaign website is www.melindaforfate.com
The municipal election will be held on May 2, with early voting starting April 20.
For more information, contact:
Melinda McCarthy melindaforfate@gmail.com
##
You must be logged in to post a comment Login