BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT: Matt Lewis

Today the Blogometer talks to Matt Lewis, who blogs at Townhall.com and PoliticsDaily.com.

(If you're looking for Friday's edition of Blogometer, click here).

Where did you grow up?
A great little place called Wolfsville, MD, which is about 20 miles northwest of Frederick, MD.

Where do you live now?
Just outside Old Town, Alexandria in a little community called Del Ray. I live near the Mayor of Alexandria (and am lobbying him to keep the Gitmo detainees from coming to town).

If you have an occupation other than blogging, what is it?
Blogging for PoliticsDaily.com is my primary focus these days. I should probably mention that everyone should check it out. It's a new site, and I am very pleased to be surrounded by talented writers like Lynn Sweet, Walter Shapiro, and Melinda Henneberger -- just to name a few. Aside from blogging, I sometimes take on projects advising conservatives on new media, etc. But writing is what I love.

What's on your iPod right now?
Johnny Cash, Ryan Adams, G-N-R, Gram Parsons, Cat Stevens...

What book do you think every person should read?
Aside from The Bible, maybe Barry Goldwater's "Conscience of a Conservative" or John Maxwell's "21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership"

Please finish this sentence: "When I'm not blogging, you'll probably find me..."
Tweeting. ... just kidding. How about playing tennis...badly ...

What has been your favorite blog post, or your favorite story to write about?
Without a doubt, my favorite time as a blogger was covering the 2008 GOP Primaries for Townhall.com. Conservative bloggers were like gods then. A few high points included being a credentialled blogger at the 2008 GOP convention. I also think that Soren Dayton and I may have been the first conservative bloggers ever to ride on the Straight Talk Express -- we were definitely the first conservative bloggers on there in 2008. Can't wait for the 2012 race to heat up...

Which blogger(s) do you consider indispensable, if any?
Erick Erickson, not necessarily for his prose, though he is a good writer, but for his guts. "Indispensable" may be a bit strong way to describe any of us bloggers, but I do think there are quite a few vastly underrated bloggers out there -- and I would include Dan Flynn and the guys at AmSpecBlog in that category.

Who's your favorite non-conservative blogger?
There are non-conservative blogs??? ... Probably Marc Ambinder of The Atlantic. But if you're looking for liberal political bloggers, I've gotten to know and respect Bill Scher and Brian Beutler through "The Week in Blog" -- a bloggingheads.tv diavlog that Bill and I do weekly. I'm also quite impressed with the Virginia-focused blog, Not Larry Sabato.

Who's your favorite active politician? Least favorite?
Being this involved in politics means it's hard to have any romantic notions about the greatness of politicians. The politicians I like least aren't Democrats, but RINO's.

What would you realistically like to see Republicans accomplish in 2009?
Electorally, to win in Virginia and New Jersey. Legislatively, to block socialized health care and a carbon tax.

If you could give President Obama advice, what would it be?
Drive everybody mad by just doing what is right, despite political considerations and Democratic sacred cows. Here's one example: Build some nuclear plants. They are good for the environment and help provide domestic energy ...

What keeps you up at night?
The loud snoring of my two adorable pugs.

Please feel free to ask and answer your own question.
Now that you've won the Oscar, who would you like to thank for helping you get to the point that National Journal's Hotline would want to interview you???
Wow, tough question, but I'm glad you asked... There are so many ... I'd have to say one is Morton Blackwell, the founder of the Leadership Institute. Morton is one of the most honorable and decent human beings I've ever met. He is truly a class act, and I am grateful for everything he has taught me over the years. Another is John Dunagan -- a public relations/grassroots lobbying guru -- who has been a mentor and friend for about a decade now. Lyn Nofziger, the former [Ronald] Reagan aide, was very kind to me and taught me much. Former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell has been a terrific friend and source over the years. Ken is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. And lastly, my dad, Marvin 'Tex' Lewis had the most influence on me. He was a great man, and I still sometimes almost pick up the phone to call him when I have some exciting news -- or need advice ...