This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Feb. 25, 2010 - St. Louisan Ann Wagner -- former co-chair of the Republican National Committee, former head of the Missouri Republican Party and most recently the Bush administration's ambassador to Luxembourg -- is starting a new job as honorary co-chair of the American Freedom and Enterprise Foundation.
Wagner will join former U.S. Sen. Jim Talent, R-Mo., who already is co-chair of the foundation, a nonprofit organization "devoted to promoting solutions to reestablish the consensus for free markets as the best means to produce jobs, economic growth, prosperity and wealth."
In her role, Wagner "will be publishing articles and hosting events on behalf of the foundation," Talent said in his announcement.
"Today’s economy is global and it takes a broad vision to find solutions to our current economic challenges," Talent said. "Ambassador Wagner’s time in Luxembourg gave her a front-row seat to witness European-style socialism in action. Her foreign service and private-sector experience will be a tremendous asset to the foundation as we promote free-market principles and the appropriate role of government in the economy. I am honored that she will be joining our team."
Wagner, who has held corporate posts with Hallmark and Ralston Purina, now serves on the boards of St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Forest Park Forever and the Washington University in St. Louis International Scholars Academy.
On the political side, she chairs the U.S. Senate campaign of U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Springfield.
"When Jim Talent asked me to join him as honorary co-chair of the American Freedom and Enterprise Foundation, I knew I had to answer this new call and continue to stand up for American freedom and the American spirit," Wagner said in a statement. "I too am shocked by the blatant attack on the American spirit and free enterprise by liberal leaders in Washington. I believe that if we are not willing to stand up and fight for freedom, then we are doomed to lose it. I look forward to working with Jim Talent to promote policies rooted in free-market principles."
