re: Name a single statewide elected official you respect and why

Scott Walker, Governor of Wisconsin. It took guts running on reforming public sector unions. He wasn't afraid of passing it and he could still lose because of it.

Rand Paul. I like that he's unafraid of going into the lion's den and speaking anywhere, whether it be MSNBC, Berkeley, Howard University or other liberal-leaning audiences. The only way you can expand a party is try to address those who may disagree with it now. Reagan was the last Republican to succcessfully do that.