The State Freedom Caucus Network is a network of conservatives who have been vetted and trained to take on the Washington establishment.

Andy Roth, the network’s President, told reporters during the first foundation summit that he interviewed candidates for Congress for 20 years to determine their conservative credentials. Most of the time, these candidates are state legislators.

Now, Mr. Roth says that these interviews are no longer required thanks to the network.

He said: “We did a colossal amount of research, looking at their records to see if they would be House Freedom Caucus Members in D.C..” “I don’t think that all of that research was necessary.”

He said, “The only thing that these groups should ask these candidates, is whether you were a Freedom Caucus Member or not, if you were in the State Legislature.”

Many Freedom Caucus state members are hesitant to discuss their intentions of running for higher offices, claiming that they are focused on serving their constituents in the state.

Others say the new Freedom Caucuses around the country offer a chance for conservatives to rise up the ranks. The House Freedom Caucus in Washington has about 40 members, and it influences the party’s stance on spending and immigration.

Justine Wadsack, Arizona state senator, said that she does not see Freedom Caucus as “political ladder climbers,” but that they are often pushed in that direction by their supporters.

Many of us are here simply because we must be. She said, “It’s not because we want to be there.” We feel compelled to be present because so many in our party have voted incorrectly and written legislation that is not for the people.

She added, “I do not see us as climbers. But if you speak to the people who support us, I think they want us moving up to Governor or Congress, because they want to hold the line where we can have greater effect.”

Freedom Caucus members exert their influence in state legislatures on issues like limiting state spending growth, and sometimes clash with other Republicans that are not a part of their network.

Missouri State Senator Rick Brattin sees the network as a “training ground.”

Brattin stated, “I hope this will show those who are running for office that this is the way they can learn to govern.” “This is why we should be fighting.” We hope to see a new generation of legislators, governors, and people willing to stand up for what’s right.

Blake Miguez, a Louisiana state senator, says that being ready to “battle” is important.

He said: “I see many people who go out on the campaign trail and claim to be [conservative].” “But when they are faced with groupthink and peer pressure, they end up going with the flow, rather than being leaders.”

He continued, “They would prefer to be polite and not interrupt.” “Sometimes, you’ll find that conservatives who thought they were conservatives end up becoming moderate legislators.”

State Freedom Caucus members ran for Congress in this election cycle. Some, such as legislators from South Carolina, were close to winning the primaries. However, only one made it to the general elections.

Bob Onder, a former Missouri state senator and Republican candidate in the 3rd Congressional District of his state, has joined the Missouri Freedom Caucus, as an emeritus, after being a member for many years of the now defunct Conservative Caucus.

Insiders of the Freedom Caucus said that the group was not worried about how many members would make it to Congress in this year. Instead, they are focused on increasing their influence statewide and the number of state caucuses around the country.