Republicans: 'How's That Working for You?'

Nov. 1, 2006 — -- If the Republicans in Congress were treated by Dr. Phil, and they explained how they were trying to save themselves from defeat by scaring conservatives and moderates about the Democrats, the famous psychologist might ask, "And how's that working for you?"

With Republicans in very serious danger of losing their majorities in both chambers, they're using Halloween scare tactics against Democratic candidates.

Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and the prospective Democratic committee chairman are being portrayed as the 2006 equivalent of the Creatures from the Black Lagoon.

The big-spending, high-deficit, morally-deficient Republican Party hasn't anything else to offer. But conservatives know that Democrats cannot be any worse, and may be a little better, on fiscal issues.

In the old days, a liberal Republican could be described as Democrat lite. Today the big spenders in the GOP have far surpassed the worst of the liberal Democrats.

As I describe in "Conservatives Betrayed: How George W. Bush and Other Big Government Republicans Hijacked the Conservative Cause," the increases in federal spending for the six years that President Bush and Republicans in Congress have been running the show have exceeded the entire federal budget under President Carter.

Conservatives have also learned that while Republicans sometimes provide significant symbolism on social issues, in truth, many of them show a disdain for values voters.

I have bad news for Karl Rove and Ken Mehlman: It ain't workin' for you. To borrow another one of Dr. Phil's signature phrases, "Get real!"

The good news is Republicans can still pull victory out of the jaws of defeat if they confess their political sins, promise to govern differently, and propose a new vision.

We need a fresh vision and direction that spells out what they would do differently if they were actually left in power.

Richard A. Viguerie, chairman of American Target Advertising, Inc., is the author of five books, including the recently published "Conservatives Betrayed: How George W. Bush and Other Big Government Republicans Hijacked the Conservative Cause" (Bonus Books, 2006).

President Bush and congressional leaders should immediately convene a summit meeting to enter into a new contract with the voters to solemnly promise such items as:

A total and complete termination of "earmarks" and pork-barrel spending in appropriations bills. Opposition to all increases in nondefense spending.

A constitutional amendment to balance the budget and limit taxes.

Making permanent all the temporary tax cuts and significant additional tax relief.

A secure border with Mexico to stop the invasion of illegal aliens, and an irrevocable commitment that a real (not a "virtual") fence will be constructed and that it will be closely patrolled.

Legislation to deny federal courts authority to review cases on the Ten Commandments and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Energy independence through increased exploration for oil, development of coal resources, and a major expansion of nuclear energy.

Legislation to overturn the Supreme Court's Kelo vs. New London decision, which allows homes and churches to be seized for commercial use as long as it serves a "common good."

Appointment of many more Reagan-type conservatives, rather than big-business establishment Republicans.

Legislation to prohibit the transportation of minors across state lines for abortions in violation of some state parental-notification laws.

Richard A. Viguerie, chairman of American Target Advertising, Inc., is the author of five books, including the recently published "Conservatives Betrayed: How George W. Bush and Other Big Government Republicans Hijacked the Conservative Cause" (Bonus Books, 2006).

Senate confirmation of John Bolton as U.N. ambassador.

If the Republican Party can shun the K Street special-interest lobbyists and reclaim its image as the populist crusader for the rights of the people, it can make a comeback.

The problem is that many conservatives and moderates have tuned out the Republican congressional leaders.

Fortunately, President Bush owns the world's largest microphone.

If he will use it to make serious promises on issues that grass-roots conservatives can relate to, voters might give Republicans one more chance.

If Republicans can once again become identified with family, faith and fiscal responsibility, they could retain their seats in the House and Senate.

It's a very big if. But it could still happen.

By shifting from negative campaigning against the Democrats to a positive vision of what they would do for America in 2007-08, the morning after the election, Republicans could very well tell Dr. Phil, "That worked for me."

Richard A. Viguerie, chairman of American Target Advertising, Inc., is the author of five books, including the recently published "Conservatives Betrayed: How George W. Bush and Other Big Government Republicans Hijacked the Conservative Cause" (Bonus Books, 2006).