Posted by
stevo on Thursday, November 16, 2006 2:52:42 AM
What were two of the biggest pet peeves regarding status quo government that led to this recent revolt against Republicans?
Excessive spending and corruption.
John McIntrye at RealClearPolitics noted the Republican direct electoral casualties of corruption in this recent election: One senate seat and six house seats. Public perception of corruption might have contributed to the defeat of other Republicans, but that would be tough to establish. The fact that Republicans did not clean house on the obviously dirty members of their party in the past several years is reprehensible.
In addition, Republicans have become notorious among some (especially fiscal conservatives) for their earmarks, such as "The Bridge to Nowhere." If Republicans are to energize this significant portion of their base in the near future, they must be seen as thoroughly reformed from their past misdeeds--much like the quintessential former alcholic turned successful entrepeneur.
How about a proposal to clear these blemishes from the Republican record? What if Republicans and Democrats agreed to cap earmarks at a certain amount, and spend a small percentage of the savings to establish party-based task forces that investigate and out corrupt congressmen?
I imagine such a task force on either side of the aisle would be highly effective--driven by a desire to preserve party integrity before the American people rather than partisan witchhunts or bureacratic bumbling.
Or, I may simply be a naive, idealistic young conservative.