Republicans Debating 2010 Agenda

Oct. 28, 2009 -- Stung by the "party of no" label, House Republicans are beginning to prepare a detailed GOP agenda for next year's congressional elections, focusing broadly on efforts to grow the economy, create jobs, and curb the reach of the federal government.

A formal unveiling will most likely wait until next summer or fall, when voters are more engaged in congressional races. Top Republicans caution that major decisions -- including how closely to model efforts on the famous "Contract with America" that Republicans rode to power in 1994 -- are still to come.

But the direction of the effort is beginning to become clearer. GOP leaders are promising to offer a formal alternative to the Democrats' health care bill, rather than let their opposition to a broader government role in health care stand by itself.

House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R-Va., said House Republicans will eventually roll out "something like the contract," as they seek ways to present their case to an electorate that's shown signs of concern about full Democratic control of Washington.

"We are really thinking about what it is we would do if we were in control," Cantor, R-Va., told ABC News. "There will be an opportunity for us to proffer our alternatives. You're going to see us do that."

Republicans are already discussing ways to package those alternatives -- with the lessons of 1994's "Contract With America" in mind. That document was rolled out just six weeks before the election, encapsulating a vision endorsed by Newt Gingrich and his allies en route to a sweeping Election Day victory.

Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., the chairman of the Conservative Republican Study Committee, said whether the GOP plans will be called a "contract" is among the major items of debate right now.