Americans for Prosperity, a center-right grassroots organization currently focusing on encouraging responsible energy policy, has announced that it is opening shop in Colorado with its 22nd chapter. The effort is being headed up by social conservative Jim Pfaff, a former president of the Colorado Family Council known and praised for his ability to make nice with social libertarians.
The formation of an AFP chapter here comes at a crucial time, as the energy debate in Colorado is approaching a climax with gas reaching $4 a gallon. “We need to defend our constitution,” said Pfaff.
What it means to be a conservative has become muddled in rhetoric among party leaders. While many stress the importance of fiscal conservatism and small government, social conservatives have contrastingly favored government intervention on issues such abortion and gay rights. Pfaff, who refers to himself as a “Christian libertarian,” believes this new post will allow him a rare opportunity to refocus the respect he has in the pro-life, pro-family community on fiscal issues.
Recently, Pfaff participated in a panel discussion during which he expressed his belief that social conservatives and libertarians can, in fact, unite for a common goal. After bitter rifts along social and economic issues, AFP may be just what Colorado needs to jump start a conservative movement splintered and fatigued by too many recent political losses.