[Speed Gibson,
Sunday December 3, 2006 at 11:29pm]
Dust off the Pledge
Can we agree that the "Republican in name only" is a failed strategy? Right or wrong, Iraq fatigue was clearly the major factor in the 2006 election losses, but after that, when it was time to say "yes, but" we Republicans had little credibility, especially at the state level.
Taxes? Pawlenty led a charge to raise them and the GOP legislators obliged. Spending? Up a little in 2003-4, up big in 2005-6, with hardly a peep from the GOP legislators. Democracy? With considerable GOP help, the Twins stadium bill passed and Pawlenty signed it, lest we in Hennepin County decide the matter. Education? Increases in real money, phony accountability. Transportation? A new light rail slush fund now has top priority per the Constitution. Health Care? You ain't seen nothin' yet, with Pawlenty an all too willing accomplice.
If I understand AAA correctly, the State GOP leadership is still talking about "get out the vote" efforts, when a return to "limited government" first principles is what's needed. I can think of no better way than for the Taxpayers League of Minnesota to hold another signing ceremony in January as the Legislature convenes.
Yes, let's bring back the "NO NEW TAXES" pledge, put it before the GOP legislative delegation - and the Governor - and see who signs it.
With a large budget surplus forecasted, there is clearly no need to raise taxes this biennium. Make the pledge a two year commitment and there is no excuse not to sign it. No doubt a few RINO's will not. I say, invite them to caucus with the DFL. Rebuild the party around the real Republicans who do sign it.
Taxes? Pawlenty led a charge to raise them and the GOP legislators obliged. Spending? Up a little in 2003-4, up big in 2005-6, with hardly a peep from the GOP legislators. Democracy? With considerable GOP help, the Twins stadium bill passed and Pawlenty signed it, lest we in Hennepin County decide the matter. Education? Increases in real money, phony accountability. Transportation? A new light rail slush fund now has top priority per the Constitution. Health Care? You ain't seen nothin' yet, with Pawlenty an all too willing accomplice.
If I understand AAA correctly, the State GOP leadership is still talking about "get out the vote" efforts, when a return to "limited government" first principles is what's needed. I can think of no better way than for the Taxpayers League of Minnesota to hold another signing ceremony in January as the Legislature convenes.
Yes, let's bring back the "NO NEW TAXES" pledge, put it before the GOP legislative delegation - and the Governor - and see who signs it.
With a large budget surplus forecasted, there is clearly no need to raise taxes this biennium. Make the pledge a two year commitment and there is no excuse not to sign it. No doubt a few RINO's will not. I say, invite them to caucus with the DFL. Rebuild the party around the real Republicans who do sign it.