The American Spectator

One of most enjoyable events on the calendar in Washington D.C. for those of us who support the conservative cause is the annual Bradley Prize award ceremony, which recognizes some of the movement’s most prominent scholars. It will be held this year on Wed. June 16.

Founded in 1985, Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation is “devoted to strengthening American democratic capitalism and institutions, principles and values that sustain and nature it.”

Last year, the founding members of The Federalist Society were awarded for the role they have played in working to restore “originalist” jurisprudence to its proper station. They were aptly described by columnist George Will as “intellectual insurgents.”

Former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton, another recent reward recipient, acknowledged some of his leading antagonists in the U.S. Senate and in foreign capitals during his remarks a few years back. Bolton, who is now a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, represented U.S. interests at the United Nations from August 2005 to December 2006. Bolton resigned when it became evident that he did not have enough support in Congress to continue in the position.

Former Sen. Lincoln Chafee (R-R.I.) and Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) were instrumental in blocking his confirmation.

“I should note Senators Lincoln Chafee and Senator Dodd who did so much to help make me eligible for this award, and the prominent citizens of Pyongyang, Damascus and Tehran, who also pitched in simply by being themselves,” Bolton said.

Earlier this month, the 2010 recipients were announced. They are: Michael Barone, Senior Political Analyst for The Washington Examiner, and Resident Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute; Paul A. Gigot, Editorial Page Editor of The Wall Street Journal, and winner of the 2000 Pulitzer Prize in Commentary; Bradley A. Smith, Josiah H. Blackmore II/Shirley M. Nault Designated Professor of Law at Capital University, and a former member of the Federal Election Commission; and John B. Taylor, Mary and Robert Raymond Professor of Economics, Stanford University, and the George P. Shultz Senior Fellow in Economics, the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace.

“These accomplished and respected individuals are being recognized for achievements that are consistent with the mission statement of the Foundation, including the promotion of liberal democracy, democratic capitalism, and a vigorous defense of American institutions,” said Michael W. Grebe, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bradley Foundation.