Proud to Have My Name on This One

The vast majority of Republicans are angry over the way their party blew it on spending while controlling both Congress and the White House. They're angrier still over the fact party leaders clearly don't understand the source of their displeasure. Worst yet, they are completely frustrated by a feeling that they don't know what they can do to force their own party leaders to get their heads on straight.

Here's a suggestion: cut 'em off. If you're a donor, take away the thing they need from you most-- your money.

In today's Washington Post, columnist Robert Novak previews an editorial due out tomorrow which calls for precisely that. An excerpt:

...That's the view expressed in the Lincoln Club paper signed by Rich Wagner, the group's president, and Chip Hanlon, a board member. It deplores the refusal by party leaders to support a one-year moratorium on earmarks, whose 285 percent growth when Congress was under Republican control is "the perfect symbol of the GOP-led profligacy that drives us crazy still." Earmarks "epitomize the fiscal recklessness that led to Republicans becoming a minority in 2006. . . . It's no wonder the Republican leadership continued to fail on . . . entitlement reform and a reduction in federal spending."

The Lincoln Club blasts conservative Rep. Jack Kingston of Georgia, whose personal earmarks totaled $83 million last year, for defending his pork as "being entrepreneurial about bringing something home." It also assails...

...click here to read the rest of Novak's column, titled, "Ultimatum to the GOP." As you can see, my name is on this one, and proudly so. Look for it tomorrow at RedCounty.com and across the political blogosphere.

By the way: Novak's column seemed to suggest this call for reform was meant only for the House, but we should cut off the Senate if need be, as well. GOP members in both houses are in dire need of some fiscal common sense.

Boehner's Earmark Sleight of Hand

Meanwhile, (soon-to-be former) minority leader John Boehner tries to show he's serious about reining in spending and he keeps up the appearance of being an earmark reformer. Unfortunately, it's just that: an act.

His solution to the earmarks plaguing Washington DC today? A pledge to swear off earmarks if the Democrats will, as well. Since Pelosi and company have no intention of joining an earmark moratorium, Boehner's "pledge" is a meaningless way to look like he's doing the right thing, and he knows it.

I can only speak for myself as a Republican here and personally, I've had it. My sincere suspicion, however, is that the vast majority of GOP voters have, as well, and they'll be calling for some heads. Perhaps our call to cut off these spending addicts will serve as a first step toward reforming our party and refreshing it with bold, philosophical leaders.