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'''Steve Beren''' (born September 9, 1951, [[New York, New York]]) is a speaker, writer, and political activist from [[Seattle]], [[WashingtonState|Washington]]. Beren He is also a pro-liberty conservative citizen in support of the U.S. led war against [[terrorism]], and is actively involved in the [[Tea Party Movement]]. Beren attended the [[Tax Day Tea Party]] on April 15, 2009, as well the September 12, 2009 National Taxpayers [[Tea party protests#September 12 March on Washington|Tea Party March on Washington, D.C.]]<ref>[http://www.steveberen.com/taxdayteaparty.html Tax Day Tea Party], SteveBeren.com.</ref> Steve Beren has run twice for Congress, campaigning for the 2006 and 2008 elections.<ref>Aaron. [http://www.rlc.org/2009/02/05/economic-stimulus/ Stimulus – Wasteful, harmful, job-killing, and a threat to liberty], RLC.org, ''Republican Liberty Caucus'', February 5, 2009.</ref> Beren was the 2008 Republican candidate for [[U.S. Congress]] in Washington State's 7th Congressional District against incumbent Democratic Congressman [[Jim McDermott]].<ref>[http://neo-neocon.blogspot.com/2006/10/steve-beren-changer-extraordinaire.html Steve Beren, changer extraordinaire: from Socialist to Republican]</ref> He had also been mentioned as a possible conservative candidate for city council in the Seattle 2007 elections.<ref>Neil Modie. [http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/348203_congress22296534_seattlegop20.htmlGOP seeking unlikely victories in Seattle], ''seattlepi.com'', December 20, 2006.</ref>

Steve Beren, an outspoken defender became a [[Christian]] in 1995. He and advocate of his [[wife]] live in the USeattle area where they are members of [[Christian Faith Center]].S<ref>[http://www. military commitment in Iraqsteveberen. His campaign is emphasizing the issues of foreign policy, immigration, the economy, and social conservatismcom/biography. html Steve Beren biography]</ref> His goal is to start rebuilding the Republican Party Furthermore, Beren has lived in Seattlesince 1987, and to get dialogue going on major issuesis currently director of production operations for an internet marketing company.<ref>Scott St. Clair. [http://blog.seattlepi.nwsourcecrosscut.com/seattlepolitics2008/archives04/12151328/2008-election/13760/ GOP journal: Report from a county convention], ''Crosscut.com'', April 28, 2008.asp</ref>

==Former leftist==Born in [[New York City]], Beren had been mentioned as was raised in a possible conservative candidate non-religious, secular [[Jewish]] home and later became an [[atheist]]. From 1968 to 1990 he was an activist for city council the [[Socialist Workers Party]], a party inspired by [[Leon Trotsky]] and a defender of [[Fidel Castro]]. Steve Beren was a [[socialist]] and [[Vietnam War]] protester in the 1960s and '70s. After settling in Seattle 2007 electionsin 1987, he quit the SWP in 1990 and became a Democrat in 1992, voting twice for [[Bill Clinton]] and once for [[Al Gore]].<ref>http://seattlepi Seattle's two daily newspapers described him as a former [[Democrat]] and former [[liberal]].nwsource.com/local/296534_seattlegop20.html</refname=rams09/>

In 1995, Steve Beren also opposed McDermott in 2006converted from [[atheism]] to [[Christianity]]. He became a Republican at age 52, receiving 16% of during the vote against 2004 Bush-Kerry campaign. The [[September 11, 2001 attacks]] were influential in his turn toward the [[Republican Party]].<ref name=rams09>Bruce Ramsey. [http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2003184531_rams09.html McDermottchallenger knows a little something about the left], 's 79%. In 'The Seattle Times'',August 9, 2006.</ref> After the [[9/11|Sept. 11, 2001]], [[terrorist]] attacks, he said, "[I] came to see that the main issues Beren's campaign focused Republican Party was far superior on were victory in the war against terrorismforeign policy."<ref>Emily Heffter. [http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008112747_mcdermott14m.html McDermott faces 5 challengers but no real re-election challenge], tough border security''The Seattle Times'', August 14, 2008.</ref> Since then he has become an evangelical Christian, limited governmenta patriot, and energy independencea [[conservative]] Republican.

During ==Campaign for Congress=====Iraq War===Beren is an outspoken defender and advocate of the 2006 campaign[[United States military|U.S. military]] commitment in [[Iraq]], Seattle Times columnist David Postman criticized Beren's immigration stance as a strong supporter of the Iraq war, the [[Patriot Act]] and argued that Beren's candidacy would not "appeal to the state[[Bush administration|Bush administration's most liberal congressional district]] use of wiretapping to disrupt terrost networks and activities.<refname=postmanpolitics02>David Postman. [http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003034269_postmanpolitics02.htmlSacrificial lamb or GOP star?], ''The Seattle Times'', June 2, 2006.</ref> Seattle Post-Intelligencer reporter Kristin Millares Bolt wrote that Beren had His campaigns emphasized the "strident tones" issues of a true believerforeign policy, immigration, the economy, and social conservatism. His goal is to start rebuilding the Republican Party in Seattle, and to get dialogue going on major issues.<ref>Joel Connelly. [http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/localseattlepolitics/289864_mcdermottrace25archives/121513.asp Beren for Congress], ''seattlepi'', September 10, 2007.html</ref>

In reporting on one of ===2006 elections===Beren's opposed McDermott in 2006 debates with , receiving 16% of the vote against McDermott, Seattle Post-Intelligencer columnist Joel Connelly said Beren resorted to "Vietnam-era sound bites" and "displays a convert's zealotry toward the Iraq conflict."<ref>http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/connelly/287986_joel0979%.html</ref> Also in In 2006, Seattle Times editorial writer Ryan Blethen questioned the main issues Beren's qualifications campaign focused on were victory in the war against terrorism, tough border security, limited government, and chances against an incumbent who has never received less than 72% of the vote in a general electionenergy independence.<ref>http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/</ref>

During their October 5, the 2006 debate in Shorelinecampaign, Washington, Congressman McDermott said of Seattle Times columnist David Postman criticized Beren, 's immigration stance and argued that Beren's candidacy would not "having listened appeal to my opponent here, I think you have the state's most liberal congressional district."<ref name=postmanpolitics02/> Seattle Post-Intelligencer reporter Kristin Millares Bolt wrote that Beren had the "strident tones" of a clear choicetrue believer.<ref>Kristin Millares Bolt.[http://seattlepi.nwsource. If you like what George Bush has done com/local/289864_mcdermottrace25.html McDermott, rivals to this country for the last six yearsdebate tonight], vote for Steve because he needs another one - he needs another vote''seattlepi."com'', October 25, 2006.</ref>

In 2005, reporting on one of Beren came under sharp criticism from Hussein Ibish's 2006 debates with McDermott, ViceSeattle Post-Chair of Intelligencer columnist Joel Connelly said Beren resorted to "Vietnam-era sound bites" and "displays a convert's zealotry toward the Progressive Muslim Union of North AmericaIraq conflict."<ref>Joel Connelly. [http://wwwseattlepi.muslimwakeupnwsource.com/mainconnelly/archives287986_joel09.html General urges U.S. to revise Iraq plan], seattlepi.com, October 9, 2006.</2005ref> Also in 2006, Seattle Times editorial writer Ryan Blethen questioned Beren's qualifications and chances against an incumbent who has never received less than 72% of the vote in a general election.<ref>http:/05/kamal_nawashs_sclerk.phphouse.gov/member_info/electionInfo/</ref>

==Personal information=2008 elections===Born in [[New York City]], Steve Beren states that he was raised in a non-religious, secular [[Jewish]] home and later became an [[atheist]]. From 1968 to 1990 he was an activist the 2008 Republican challenger for the Socialist Workers Party and a defender of [[Fidel Castro]]U. By 1990 he quit the SWPS. After that he became a supporter of the Congress in Washington State's 7th Congressional District against incumbent Democratic Party. In 1995 he converted from atheism to Christianity. He became a Republican at age 52, during the 2004 Bush-Kerry campaign. The [[September 11, 2001 attacks]] was influential in his turn toward the Republican PartyCongressman Jim McDermott.<ref>Bruce Ramsey. [http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/htmledcetera/opinion2008/2003184531_rams0911/03/the_challenger_to_jim_mcdermot.htmlThe Challenger to Jim McDermott], ''The Seattle Times'', November 3, 2008.</ref> For the 2008 elections, Steve Beren, as the Republican Party candidate trying to unseat McDermott, said it was a mistake to ditch the Republican Party label.

Further Beren has lived in Seattle since 1987He stated, and is currently director of production operations for an internet marketing company"Have bold colors, wave the Republican [[flag]] boldly. He and his wife are members of Christian Faith CenterWave fiscal conservatism, social conservatism, immigration conservatism -- boldly."<ref>Dan Springer. [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/elections/2008/06/24/washington-state-republicans-ditching-party-labels-to-compete/ Washington State Republicans Ditch Party Labels to Compete], FOXNews.com, June 24, 2008.</ref>

== External links ==*[http://www.berenforcongress.com Steve Beren's official 2008 campaign website]*[http://www.steveberen.com said, "Steve Beren's speaking tour website]*[http://www.crosscut.com/politics-government/13760/ GOP journal: Report from a county convention - Beren "one of the most optimistic"] by Scott St. Clairis promoting conservative values, Crosscut.comfree market solutions, 4/28/08*[http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/348203_congress22.html State's U.S. House seats don't flip parties easily - Beren is running again this year] by Neil Modieconstitutional principles, and Republican policies right in the heart of Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 1/22/08*[http://blogand King County.seattlepi.nwsource.com/seattlepolitics/archives/121513.asp Steve Beren stands for Congress the GOP - Seattle businessman getting ready for second campaign against McDermottthe party of [[Abraham Lincoln]] by Joel Connelly, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 9/21/07*the party of [http://soundpolitics[Teddy Roosevelt]] - the party of [[Ronald Reagan]].com/archives/008551.html Steve Beren on is running to help the McDermott decision] by Jim Miller, SoundPolitics.com, 5/2/07*[http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/296534_seattlegop20.html overall effort of GOP seeking unlikely victories campaigns in Seattle - Beren might run for Seattle City Council] by Neil Modie, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 12/20/06*King County ([http://votewww.wakcgop.gov/Elections/general/Results.aspx?o=1f491303-47d6-4c81-b168-b93a493c2a24 2006 General Election Results,] Washington Secretary of State*[http:org/sitemax/www.esquirekcgop.com/features/ESQ1106ENDORSEMENTS_192 Endorsements 2006: Washington - Esquire endorses Berenorg] Esquire Magazine), November 2006*[http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2003325106_ryan27.html There should be a place for a candidate like this[Washington] by Ryan Blethen, Seattle Times, 10/27/06*] ([http://seattlepiwsrp.nwsourceorg www.com/local/289864_mcdermottrace25wsrp.html McDermott, rivals to debate tonightorg] by Kristen Millares Bolt), Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 10/25/06*and nationally ([http://seattlepigop.nwsourceorg www.com/connelly/287986_joel09gop.html General urges Uorg]).S. to revise Iraq plan - Beren displays zealotry toward While the Iraq conflict7th congressional district is heavily Democratic, even a small incremental increase in the [[GOP] by Joel Connelly, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 10/9/06*] percentage will make a difference in the overall GOP effort."<ref>[http://neo-neoconwww.blogspotberenforcongress.com/2006/10/steve-beren-changer-extraordinaire_06boldcolors.html Steve Beren, changer extraordinaire: part IIon Special Report with Brit Hume] by Neo-Neocon, 10</6/06ref>*[http://neo-neoconAs in the 2006 elections, Beren acknowledged the difficulty of getting elected as a Republican in Seattle.blogspot.com/2006/The 10/steve-berenterm Jim McDermott is a liberal Democrat who has never gotten less than three-changerquarters of the vote in a re-extraordinaireelection run.html Despite the challenge, Steve Beren, changer extraordinaire: from socialist to Republican: part I] by Neostill ran a 30-neoconsecond radio ad, 10/5/06*[httpurging Seattle's heavily Democratic voters://soundpolitics.com/archives/007023.html Beren"C'mon, McDermott to debate in Shoreline] by Andy MacDonald, SoundPoliticsvote Republican for a change!"<ref>Emily Heffter.com, 10/4/06*[http://soundpoliticsblog.com/archives/006640seattletimes.html Steve Beren: from socialism to the GOP] by Matt Rosenberg, SoundPoliticsnwsource.com, 8/9politicsnorthwest/06*[http:2008/10/seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion02/2003184531_rams09cmon_vote_republican_for_a_cha.html McDermott challenger knows 'C'mon, vote Republican for a little something about the leftchange!'] by Bruce Ramsey, ''The Seattle Times'', 8/9/06 *[http://seattlepiOctober 2, 2008.nwsource.com</connelly/278854_joel26.html Credit 2 House long shots for challenging safe seats] by Joel Connellyref> Beren also stated, Seattle Post-Intelligencerin his plan to drill more domestic oil, 7/26/06*"I'll help [http://seattletimes[John McCain]] and [[Sarah Palin]] shake things up.nwsource" For Beren, his race wasn't about winning or losing in the short term.com/html/localnews/2003034269_postmanpolitics02It was about creating an atmosphere in Seattle's Seventh Congressional District which is encouraging enough to get some of the Emerald City's closet conservatives out to the polls.html Sacrificial lamb or GOP star?] by David PostmanOn elections night, Seattle TimesBeren said, 6/2/06 *"We're sowing the seeds for the future."<ref>Don Ward. [http://wwwblogs.muslimwakeupseattleweekly.com/maindailyweekly/archives2008/200511/05/kamal_nawashs_ssteve_beren_on_election_night.php Kamal NawashSteve Beren On Election Night], ''Seattle Weekly''s Very, Very Strange Bedfellows] by Hussein IbishNovember 4, 5/122008.</05ref>