Pledge

http://www.scribd.com/doc/37958976/GOP-Pledge-to-America

This is from CBS so it is suspect. The following condensed version is also CBS'. Be skeptical.

Jobs:

- Stop job-killing tax hikes

- Allow small businesses to take a tax deduction equal to 20 percent of their income

- Require congressional approval for any new federal regulation that would add to the deficit

- Repeal small business mandates in the new health care law.

Cutting Spending:

- Repeal and Replace health care

- Roll back non-discretionary spending to 2008 levels before TARP and stimulus (will save $100 billion in first year alone)

- Establish strict budget caps to limit federal spending going forward

- Cancel all future TARP payments and reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Reforming Congress:

- Will require that every bill have a citation of constitutional authority

- Give members at least 3 days to read bills before a vote

Defense:

- Provide resources to troops

- Fund missile defense

- Enforce sanctions in Iran

From what little I've read, I don't have a problem with any of it.

I don't think returning discretionary spending to 2008 levels is enough. I think we need an across the board spending cut of a minimum of 5%, including defense and discretionary spending should be reduced by at least 10%. Earmarks should be COMPLETELY eliminated and all spending bills should be required to stand on their own without add-ons or supplemental bills.

If Republicans want to redefine themselves, then they need to take bold steps and redefine themselves and not rely on returning to failed policies.

I agree. But what if they promise to, say repeal Obamcare and cannot? Even if they have a scant majority in both Houses, Obama will still have the veto. They won't have enough votes to override. If they can accomplish the first three or four items they'll have a solid record of accomplishment to hype. They still have to contend with the democrats .

Frankly, I think they're a little skittish based on the failure of republicans to accomplish anything traditionally of interest to republicans. I know they disappointed me to the point I was looking at third parties. This is enough to keep me nominally in the tent.