Republicans and the Health Care Summit

President Barack Obama's health care bill is on the fast track to no where. He made a radical, socialized medicine, health care bill the center piece of his legislative agenda in 2009, even though unemployment had reached a high we have not seen in a quarter of century. Those who opposed a bill that would lead to higher unemployment, higher taxes, health care rationing, and injury to innovation have won the battle. This was seen in the rapidly falling approval ratings of many moderate Democrats who voted for the bill the first time around. This was also clear as the state of Massachusetts, which is 3 to 1 Democrat, voted Republican on a Senate seat held by a Kennedy for a half of a century. What is the connection? Massachusetts had a government health care program very similar to the President's plan for five years now and it has failed in virtually all of its policy objectives. The special election became a referendum on Obamacare and that agenda failed.

President Obama, with the determination and single focus of the Energizer battery bunny, keeps "going and going." In the last month we have had over 200,000 more jobs lost and almost 2,000 massive layoffs (sizable layoffs of 50 or more employees at one time), and instead of focusing on the important issue of jobs, he goes back to his socialized medicine agenda. He needs the Republicans involved in the discussion to give it legitimacy. He is providing the forum for the opposition's input, we are told, at a health care summit. The big question is, what should the GOP do?

I have been watching the GOP leaders on the news and in lockstep they are declaring that they will show up at the President's summit. They plan to pack the Blair House (across the street from the White House) and sit politely as the President lectures them again. After all, that is what they have been doing for years. The debate is ranging as to an appropriate GOP response and those arguments include:

• There are those who believe the GOP should show up to the event and demand equal time for their views. Unfortunately, many Republicans are only offering a lighter version of the Democrats' fast track program. Essentially they are saying, "we know we are all heading to socialism, but we would rather stroll than run."


• There are some who are actually saying they should go there but be silent. This would represent the voices of millions of Americans that have not been heard to this point. Unfortunately, I believe the media will simply interpret this as though the GOP has nothing to contribute to the debate.


• Some are arguing that he GOP might like to learn that the definition of insanity is to "do the same thing over and over again, expecting different results." Congressional Republicans should simply say that "enough is enough" and stay on the floor of their respective Houses and argue for free market and other approaches that honor our federal system based on the powers reserved for the states. This, in my opinion, would send the strongest message to those who are advocating socialism in our health care system, both in and out of government. To not show up would lead to an instant reaction from the media and constituents who will want to know why they did not attend. That would lead to the type of debate that those opposed to socialized health care can win.

To simply show up would be interpreted as "business as usual" and I believe that would be a fair assessment. It is time for Republicans to make the loudest statement of all...the statement of silence in the Blair House halls.

Kevin Price is a syndicated columnist whose articles frequently appear at ChicagoSunTimes.com, Reuters.com, USAToday.com, and other national media. Kevin Price is also host of the Price of Business (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650). Hear the show live and online at PriceofBusiness.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

The GOP needs to be put in its Place

The Republican Party could serve itself well by remembering a man that helped to define the GOP. Ronald Reagan was noted for saying that "I didn't leave the Democratic Party, the Democratic Party left me." That message resonated with millions of Americans and led to the rise of "Reagan Democrats." Many of them left that Democratic Party too and some (but certainly not all) of them, joined the GOP. This was part of the Reagan formula for success. It was about values, philosophy, and optimism built on common sense. It had little to do with parties.

In 1980, I was a student at Abilene Christian University and was Chairman of that school's Young Conservatives of Texas chapter. I was also a regional coordinator of Students for Reagan. I was attracted to certain ideas and not partisanship. In my area, Grant Jones was a conservative state senator and also a Democrat. Back then, Charlie Stenholm was a conservative Democrat Congressman. I consistently voted for each of them back in those days because their Republican opponents ran to the left of them.

At this time, there was a Young Republicans chapter at my school and many of them would say, after the Gipper got the nomination, "Reagan in '80, Bush in '81." Reagan was the oldest man elected President and you see how these GOP activists thought about his future.

The Republican Party, at that time was dominated by people that, today, we would call "Republicans in Name Only" (RINOs). The GOP had an Eastern Establishment bent that saw followers of Reagan as among the "unwashed masses" and a mere "necessary evil" to promote their cause. Thanks to Reagan, things changed some what. It became "cool" to be conservative.
Some where over the last two decades, things changed again. When the GOP did something well (cut taxes for job creation, increase economic growth, etc.), they were remarkably silent. Instead, they tried to get fame in a sick form of "me tooism." The left believes government needs to bailout financial institutions and the automobile industry. The GOP's response is "we do too." As a result, I hear conservatives defend Bush's bailout policies. This is a terrible mistake. We should only embrace a candidate's policies that reflect our values and not the candidate because of his party affiliation. Supporting liberty and being Republican are not necessarily the same thing. The last several years have shown that.

Conservatives who continue to defend Republicans who behave like Democrats are like the "co-dependents" who always apologize for their drunk spouse and abusive friends. People who know such individuals (either the abuser or the abused) tend to lose sympathy and in our case, will only chase away potential supporters to our cause. If we want to grow our ranks, we need to stop defending Republicans for being Republicans in Name Only and hold them to the same high standards we have for Democrats. In fact, we should demand an even higher standard. That will disarm Democrats and independents who think our agenda is a Republican agenda and will make them feel comfortable to look more closely at our positions.

Republicans like to say that Democrats spend like drunken sailors. Unfortunately this transcends party lines. Someone needs to hold government accountable and party affiliation should not matter.

Kevin Price is Host of the Price of Business, the longest running show on AM 650 (M-F at 11 am) in Houston, Texas and on AOL Radio. His articles often appear in Chicago Sun Times, Reuters, USA Today, and other national media. Steve Moore of the Wall Street Journal calls Price the “best business talk show host in the country.” Find out why and visit his blog at www.BizPlusBlog.com and his show site at www.PriceofBusiness.com. You can also find Price on Strategy Room at FoxNews.com.

GOP needs to Realize that Protests are about them too

The Associated Press is reporting that "House Republican leader John Boehner says nationwide protests known as 'tea parties' are the result of push back against Democrats' spending." Yes, this is true, but equally guilty are Republican members of Congress who have supported a gradual approach to socialism. This is the same type of spending that has no support in the Constitution and gives the left its justification for going all the more further in its agenda. The rationale is simple...illegal spending is illegal spending, regardless of the amount. You might as well go for the gusto if you are going to pursue it at all.

The AP goes on to note that "Boehner says his Democratic colleagues are 'bankrupting' the country." This is true and there is no doubt about that reality. The GOP's problem with the situation, however, isn't the bankruptcy, but the fact that they are no longer over seeing it. Much of Republican complaints seem to be about who is in charge and not the damage being done.

The Minority leader also notes that "People are demonstrating and attending town hall meetings because...'we're in the midst of a political rebellion in America.'" I know the Congressman would love to put himself in the "us" side of the classic "us vs. them" conflict. Sorry Mr. Boehner, you are "them." You supported President Bush's bailout in September and am a convert of convenience when it comes to the proper role of government today.

It should not be a surprise that the Congressman gave these remarks at an event like the annual gathering of the the Values Voter Summit in Washington. These were, in his mind, "his type of people." These are among those who are the loudest about the dramatic decline in America's moral and economic standing.

Boehner indicated that he attended a tea party over Labor Day weekend near his West Chester, Ohio home that that drew 18,000 people. He says the crowd told members of Congress that "enough is enough." The thing I do not think that he and many of his GOP colleagues understand is that the comments are directed to both sides of the aisle in Congress. If the shoe fits, Mr. Boehner, by all means wear it.

Ironically, this article that discusses John Boehner's view of the Tea Party still sticks with the story of "tens of thousands of protesters fed up with government spending" that "marched to the Capitol." The media ignores the real numbers because they are afraid that acknowledging them will have an adverse effect on the political establishment they are devoted to. The media is guilty of under estimating the number of people in this movement. I am afraid the GOP under estimates how far this movement's anger reaches.

Kevin Price is Host of the Price of Business, the longest running show on AM 650 (M-F at 11 am) in Houston, Texas and on AOL Radio. His articles often appear in Chicago Sun Times, Reuters, USA Today, and other national media. Steve Moore of the Wall Street Journal calls Price the “best business talk show host in the country.” Find out why and visit his blog at www.BizPlusBlog.com and his show site at www.PriceofBusiness.com. You can also find Price on Strategy Room at FoxNews.com.

Is Michele Bachmann Considering a White House Run?

Recently I had the opportunity to interview Michele Bachmann (R-MN), a woman often described as a rising star of the Republican Party. In a political world plagued with Democrats on the fast track of socializing our economy and Republicans who provide the weakest of criticisms, Bachman certainly stands out. She is very vocal about her convictions and is willing to take Democrats and Republicans to task.

Bachmann has not been on the political scene long, first getting elected to Congress in 2006, but there is significant buzz that surrounds her among the rank and file of the GOP. She took Secretary of Treasury Timothy Geithner to task for what appears to be his complete lack of understanding of the United State Constitution. It was actually very riveting television. In spite of her short sprint in the House, her overall political experience is as long or longer than President Obama, having served in the Minnesota Senate since 2000.

What makes Bachmann interesting is her honesty about the obligations she made to defend the US Constitution. Frankly, most members of Congress in the GOP act simply too sophisticated to take the Constitution seriously and the Democrats simply don't seem to care. Bachman is quick to remind people that they have sworn to defend that document and that commitment requires more than lip service.

Drew Zahn of WorldNetDaily is reporting that Bachmann is now hinting on a possible Presidential run. No, she has not put together an exploratory committee, but she has already stuck her neck out by modern political standards. Zahn discussed the possibility of a run for the White House with Bachmann. The Congresswoman stated that "If I felt that's what the Lord was calling me to do, I would do it." Furthermore she noted that "When I have sensed that the Lord is calling me to do something, I've said yes to it. But I will not seek a higher office if God is not calling me to do it. That's really my standard. If I am called to serve in that realm I would serve," she concluded, 'but if I am not called, I wouldn't do it." Meanwhile most of the other candidates who are ran in 2008 and consider likely contenders in 2012 seem to dismiss this possibility without hesitation.

Bachmann would have a serious challenge running for the nation's highest office. She is a female facing a media that doesn't seem that interested in having a woman for President. Just remember the ridiculous "stay at home mom" questions Hillary Clinton faced. Furthermore, she is a conservative woman. This is almost a crime by media standards since the press seems to believe women and minorities should all be liberal. Finally, she comes from the politically impotent US House of Representatives, which has not been able to produce a President in over 120 years. In the end she will be interesting to watch. She has already caught the imagination of many in the conservative movement at at time when it is looking for serious leadership.

Kevin Price is Host of the Price of Business, the longest running show on AM 650 (M-F at 11 am) in Houston, Texas and on AOL Radio. His articles often appear in Chicago Sun Times, Reuters, USA Today, and other national media. Steve Moore of the Wall Street Journal calls Price the “best business talk show host in the country.” Find out why and visit his blog at www.BizPlusBlog.com and his show site at www.PriceofBusiness.com. You can also find Price on Strategy Room at FoxNews.com.

The Last Thing the GOP Needs is an "Alternative" Health Care Plan

Just when you think the Republican party is prepared to draw a line in the sand and put up a fight against the hostile take over of our health care system by the government, we are now hearing about a likely GOP alternative to the Democrat's rationed care system. This is, of course, business as usual. One party will propose a bill and the other party will offer alternatives in an effort to slow down the direction in which the country will be heading. Democrats might offer an alternative to a policy that is too "free market" for their tastes, while the GOP may offer a plan that might slow down the pace towards socialism. That is the problem, particularly when it comes to socialized medicine. To produce their "knee jerk" policy alternative to socialized medicine, which will be filled with government intervention of its own, will merely make the case for a lighter form of socialism, when a case for the free market needs to be made.

Instead, the GOP should take a different approach. Republicans should go on their own offensive and attack what the government has done to health care to date, what government will do to innovation in the future, and how rationed health care has devastated the lives of others around the world. Republicans need to read the growing sentiment of the American people who are looking for Constitutional government and not merely a slower vehicle towards totalitarianism. The following are some bullet points that might help those who want to resist this government expansion:

• Make it personal. Do you know people who have received poor treatment under socialized health care in other countries? How about those who received government care in this country? My mother's family was from England and had relatives die due to socialized medicine, so it is easy for me to make it personal. Spend a little time researching socialized health care horror stories. Conservatives for Patients Rights is an excellent source of information.


• Talk innovation. According to Forbes magazine, 80 percent of all innovations in health care are from the United States. For decades, the prevailing technology that has been used through out the world are from the USA. The reason for this is simple, this country is one of the last with a financial incentive to improve health care. When we remove the incentives in health care, we will naturally see technology slow to a trickle


• Talk about the law. Remind Members of Congress that the Constitution doesn't have a provision for socialized medicine. Furthermore, Article I, Section of the Constitution states what the federal government can do. Point out that this is an issue that is suppose to be left to the states, according to the Tenth Amendment. States such as California, Massachusetts, and Oregon each have comprehensive health care programs. Other states can develop their own, where such is allowed, each state can observe what others are doing and increase the likelihood of developing something that works. Republicans who are afraid of opposing socialized health care should say "I am open to such reforms as long as it is done by the states, where it is allowed."

Obama's health care agenda is immoral. Period. It is stealing from some to pay for others. The state of Hawaii had a universal program that lasted only seven months. Why? "People who were already able to afford health care began to stop paying for it so they could get it for free," said Dr. Kenny Fink, the administrator for Med-QUEST at the Department of Human Services. "I don't believe that was the intent of the program" he went on to say. Whatever amount the government claims it will cost is a mere fraction of what it will actually be. It will be ineffective, expensive, destroy innovation, and be a massive waste. This is a great opportunity for Republicans to take the offensive and fight for the rights of patients.

Kevin Price is Host of the Price of Business, the longest running show on AM 650 (M-F at 11 am) in Houston, Texas and on AOL Radio. His articles often appear in Chicago Sun Times, Reuters, USA Today, and other national media. Steve Moore of the Wall Street Journal calls Price the “best business talk show host in the country.” Find out why and visit his blog at www.BizPlusBlog.com and his show site at www.PriceofBusiness.com. You can also find Price on Strategy Room at FoxNews.com.

As Conservatives Ponder the Future of the GOP

There is a raging debate going on in conservative circles that the future of the Republican Party is doubtful, at best. After years of feeling left out in the cold, many are declaring the GOP is dead. For several years the Republican Party has chosen to be a "light" form of the Democrat Party. You might even call it a "diet" alternative. Like diet soda, nothing can beat the purest form. Sales are always higher for the original. The fact is, Democrats are not significant winners, but the GOP are serious losers.

Let's look at the Presidential races alone since Ronald Reagan. In 1988 a "converted" George HW Bush assured voters that he wasn't no longer calling for tax policies that encouraged economic growth "Voodoo Economics," he was committed to being responsible when it comes to regulations, and he had even "matured" when it came to the issue of abortion and declared himself "pro-life." In one of those rarely inspiring moments in his first campaign, Bush declared "Read my lips, no new taxes." By the end of that first term he had instituted a massive tax increase and made unreasonable regulations on the environment that wiped out mom and pop shops (e.g., the modification of gas pumps that cost over $10,000 each). The real Bush had stood up and the voters were ready to let him go.


Fast forward to the next GOP president, George W. Bush. He had something of a reputation as a moderate conservative in Texas, but said all the right things on the campaign trail in 2000. As President, his first term was noted for standing strong against terror, providing a massive supply-side oriented "tax cut" that allowed us to quickly recover from the stock market struggles at the beginning of the decade and to rebound from September 11th. By 2004, a fairly conservative candidate in a couple crucial areas that mattered, found himself as the first Presidential candidate to win by a true majority since 1988. He had won 2.5 (out of 3 million) square miles of ballot boxes around the country and proved that someone with a conservative message could win reelection.


Unfortunately, by 2006 Bush had largely abandoned that message and we had the Democrats taking over both Houses of Congress. When a moderate like John McCain got the nomination, he found himself forced to defend (and even agreeing) with a President who was actively and aggressively socializing the country in the name of TARP. Bush and company supported "consumer driven tax cuts" that did nothing to stimulate real job growth and contributed to a perfect stage for the slaughter of anyone affiliated with the GOP.

We are now quickly approaching the 2010 elections and there is a great deal of apprehension about the future of the Republican Party. Many are crying it is time to abandon it and are seriously discussing a third party alternative. The problem with that is that the GOP is little more than a vehicle, a "car" that needs to be fixed. As we get closer to 2012, the car that needs to be repaired has instant ballot approval in every state of the union, more dollars than all the other third parties combined, and a political structure through out the country. Those who are ready to abandon the GOP must weigh the obvious weaknesses in the party with the fact that starting from scratch or using a preexisting third party will take years to create a serious challenge against the left. I doubt the Republic has years. It is time to make that vehicle work for conservatives and Americans. Taking the GOP back is an important step in bringing the country back to the values that made it great.


Kevin Price is Host of the Price of Business, the longest running show on AM 650 (M-F at 11 am) in Houston, Texas and on AOL Radio. His articles often appear in Chicago Sun Times, Reuters, USA Today, and other national media. Steve Moore of the Wall Street Journal calls Price the “best business talk show host in the country.” Find out why and visit his blog at www.BizPlusBlog.com and his show site at www.PriceofBusiness.com. You can also find Price on Strategy Room at FoxNews.com.

Chuck Grassley Provides Signs of Life for GOP

For months, and maybe years, Republican rank and file have been seeking signs of life from a party that has been limping along for ages. The GOP has become the "me too" party, or "the light" version of the Democrats, or many other cliches that can be used for a party that has become dysfunctional.

Every once in a while, we see signs of hope. Many were excited when John McCain chose Gov. Sarah Palin as a running mate. Gimmick or not, it was nice for the dominant moderate force of the party to recognize that conservatives still matter. The latest cause for excitement has come from an unlikely source, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

I've known Grassley for decades and almost worked for him back in the 1980s (instead I worked for Sen. Gordon Humphrey of New Hampshire). He was then, and still today, anything but an "activist" Senator. He is very soft spoken and not particularly sharp witted or sharp tongued. He is a fairly typical "middle America" personality. Subdued, soft spoken, and matter of fact. He is one of only 28 Senators in history to have made more than 10,000 votes, something he wears as a badge of honor (something that I deem a little suspicious). The 75 year old has been in the Senate since 1981 and in the US House for six years before that. In other words, he has almost 35 years of working in DC behind him.

This unlikely hero for Conservatives is getting attention for taking President Obama on in a way that we are not use to seeing these days. Politics is too genteel for my liking and the US Senate even more so. This very elite club is known for treating its colleagues and the President with "kid gloves." Meanwhile, millions of Americans are looking for someone to speak up. Enter Chuck Grassley.

The Senator, in his 70s, has used an unlikely vehicle for getting the message out as well. Pulling a chapter out of Barack Obama's book, his platform, of all things, is Twitter. Today, the Senator gave the following status report, ignore the grammar, the Senator is taking typical Twitter liberties:

"Pres Obama you got nerve while u sightseeing in Paris to tell us 'time to deliver' on health care. We still on skedul/even workinWKEND."

This 140 characters (give or take a few) has started a social networking revolution and has gotten conservative Republicans excited again. It is time for the GOP to start drawing lines in the sand and holding this Administration and its minions accountable for its arrogance. That is the kind of thing that could revive the dying Republican brand.

This particular issue, the rationing of health care, is absolutely crucial in fighting to defend the greatest health care system in the world (warts and all). If Republicans want to be relevant again, they will speak with force and passion, use Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, YouTube and every other tool they can think of to win back the hearts and minds of the American people. Our freedoms and future hang in the balance.

Kevin Price is Host of the Price of Business, the longest running show on AM 650 (M-F at 11 am) in Houston, Texas and on AOL Radio. Eric Bolling of Fox News and Fox Business says that Price’s Blog “is very influential and moves the blogosphere.” Steve Moore of the Wall Street Journal calls Price the “best business talk show host in the country.” Find out why and visit his blog at www.BizPlusBlog.com and his show site at www.PriceofBusiness.com. You can also find Price on Strategy Room at FoxNews.com.

Farewell to Arlen Specter

Senator Arlen Specter has exited, stage left, from the Republican Party. The truth is, he has long been a Republican in name only for decades. Having begun his tenure in the Senate in 1981 as one noted for his independence, he has evolved into a very serious Liberal. One could argue that Democrats like Bill Nelson of Florida and Evan Bayh of Indiana were as conservative as him.
In spite of this, he had his moments that were beneficial to conservatives. One could argue that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas (certainly one of the most conservative jurists on the Supreme Court) would not be if it were not for Specter championing him in a very grueling confirmation process. In fact, the bulk of the help conservatives have gotten from Specter has been in the appointment arena, but then again he has helped many Liberals get into their various offices as well.Spectorbelieves that the President should have discretion to make appointments. His help to conservatives in the appointment area is philosophical, but not in the way those on the right desire.

The final straw for conservatives when it came to Specter may have happened in January of this year when the Senator voted for the President’s far reaching “bailout” that dramatically increased the size of the government’s budget and scope of its power, but the electoral problems facing the Senator go much further back. In 2004 conservative Congressman Pat Toomey won 49 percent of the vote, on a much smaller budget, in the Republican Primary. This came with Spector getting substantial support from President George Bush and Sen. Rick Santorum (himself almost as conservative as Toomey). Spectoer knew it wasn’t looking promising in the future. When Specter sided with the Democrats on Obama’s package (one of only three members in either House of Congress to do so), Toomey couldn’t wait to go after Specter again. He immediately resigned his position from the Free Market think tank, Club for Growth to get ready to run again.

There was no way Specter would survive another Republican challenge in 2010. There have been rumors that Specter was changing parties for years, he formally made that decision when he casted his vote in January for the President’s package.

Those Republicans who are moderate or lean to the left will cry “the sky is falling” with the departure of Specter. The most common concern will be the end of the GOP’s ability to filibuster. Anyone of either party can filibuster and it will require 60 votes to bring it to a stop. Spector’s failure to support a filibuster in January is among the reasons the bill passed. For most conservatives, Specter’s departure is a victory in restoring the GOP into a party that means something. It is a first step towards becoming a party that stands for traditional values, free enterprise, and limited government. This is a first step in the Republican Party’s own road to recovery.

Kevin Price is Host of the Price of Business, the longest running show on CNN 650 (M-F at 11 am), AOL Radio, and CBS Radio. Eric Bolling of Fox News and Fox Business says that Price’s Blog “is very influential and moves the blogosphere.” Steve Moore of the Wall Street Journal calls Price the “best business talk show host in the country.” Find out why and visit his blog at www.BizPlusBlog.com and his show site at www.PriceofBusiness.com. You can also find Price on Strategy Room at FoxNews.com.

Is Illinois Poised to Get a GOP Senator?

Illinois use to be known as the "Land of Lincoln," but in recent years may be better described as the "Land of Corruption." After a series of governors who spend their retirement years in jail and a new one (Blagojevich) seemingly not far behind, I think many citizens of Illinois are ready for change, especially when we consider how its latest Senator was appointed.

Roland Burris was chosen a US Senator by then Governor Blagojevich after a scandal broke out that the latter was being accused of actually trying to sell Obama's seat. It was concluded that Burris was some how above the scandal following an impeachment committee hearing that the Senate appointee testified. During that hearing he indicated that he had only spoken with Blagojevich Chief of Staff Lon Monk and there was no discussion for "pay to play." However, it appears the Feds may have recorded conversations that indicate that Burris had several other discussions with those connected to Blagojevich. The question is, did such recordings lead to Burris modifying his list of contacts?

USA Today reports that "Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill., said Monday that it is "positively not true" that the reason he filed an affidavit revealing new contacts with ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich's associates was because federal authorities had told him conversations had been secretly recorded." Republican legislators are using this modification of this list as grounds for an investigation and GOP leaders around the country are wetting their lips at the prospects of getting that seat on the GOP side. With barely sixty votes and the power of the filibuster, the Democrats can hardly afford losing such an important seat, but Burris is extremely vulnerable.

The next election for Burris is 2010 and with the exception of one short six year term (of Senator Peter Fitzgerald), Illinois has been represented exclusively by Democrats for decades. This is clearly a Democratic state. But how much more can this poor state sustain when it comes to the quality of government? It is poised for a serious house cleaning like Washington, DC saw following Watergate.

Following two years of absorbing the costs and trauma of Barack Obama's "stimulus package" I think many more House and Senate seats will be found off the Democrat's column. 2010 should be an interesting year.

Kevin Price is a syndicated columnist whose articles frequently appear at ChicagoSunTimes.com, Reuters.com, USAToday.com, and other national media. Kevin Price is Host of the Price of Business (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at PriceofBusiness.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

RINOs Should Become an Endangered Species

The Republican Party is in need of cleaning house (or is that Houses). It is dominated with people who claim to be Republicans, but are so in name only (in other words, RINOs). These people have to go and they are becoming increasingly easy to identify.

For example, those "Republican" Senators who simply disregarded the interests of their constituents and the mandate to defend the Constitution can be found in the vote today for the $830 billion move towards socialism (also called a "recovery" or "bailout" package). This bill came 6 months after a similar measure, costing a similar amount, did absolutely nothing. In fact, it actually slowed down the recovery because companies that should have failed were not allowed to and the confusion in the Stock Market has been unprecedented as it has waited to capitulate.

Thirty six Senators voted against this disastrous bill that was geared towards creating pork rather than jobs and what I found interesting is that a fourth of them were actually Democrats. These Democrats may have showed more courage than three Republicans who sided with the President: Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine, and Arlen Spector of Pennsylvania. Most Republicans who were foolish enough to vote for the bailout last September had enough sense to say "nay" this time. Not these three. They demonstrated their true colors and proved their credentials as being among those who are Republicans in name only. (This bill passed with only 61 votes, the one last Fall had 74 votes and several more of them were irresponsible Republicans).

The National Republican Trust PAC Director, Scott Wheeler, is placing people like Spector and company on notice: If they are going to vote like Democrats, expect a serious primary challenge. I completely agree. This Republican Party looks increasingly like the one that was on the scene back in the 1970s. This was back before the Republican Revolution led by Ronald Reagan (who had no problem acting like a Republican). Many of them served in Congress through the 1980s and foot soldiers of the Reagan Revolution (like myself, working for Senator Gordon Humphrey of New Hampshire at the time) would call these "RINOs" members of the "get along gang." They were far more interested in congeniality than principles, which is why we struggled for decades for majority party status. If people have the choice between the "genuine article" (Democrats) and those who are a weak alternative (RINOs), they will always choose the former. Wheller and GOP PAC are right, RINOs are like a plague on the American political system. Either they need to go or the Republican Party will find itself as relevant as the Whigs were in the late 1850s. I encourage people to take the time to visit Wheeler's site and consider taking a stand for liberty and for the extinction of RINOs who are undermining that freedom.

Kevin Price is a syndicated columnist whose articles frequently appear at ChicagoSunTimes.com, Reuters.com, USAToday.com, and other national media. Kevin Price is Host of the Price of Business (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at PriceofBusiness.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Michael Steele: Trendy or Substantive?

After one of the most contested races for GOP Chairman in years, Michael Steele was chosen to lead his party. Why anyone would want that job is beyond me, but he pursued it with a vengeance and he now has the post.

The question many will ask is, why was he chosen. Is he the GOP's answer to Barack Obama? Are they saying, as a party, that "we can choose a black man too"? There is no doubt that he is an articulate and successful African American who certainly has the biography that is worthy of the post, but is he the best person for the party in the times we are in today?

Pros of Steele

The new media is playing a bigger role in politics now than ever and that is only expected to grow. Steele is a huge fan of social networking websites (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) and used them even towards the goal of getting elected as Chairman of the party.

Furthermore, he is extremely articulate and conveys an image of the Republican Party that most people simply have not seen else where, but certainly needs portrayed if it is going to be anything more than a minor party. When Steele discusses the needs of minorities and issues of importance to them, it resonates in a very sincere way.

Cons of Steele

We keep hearing that the former Lt. Governor of Maryland is very "conservative." This is one of the statements that demands an asterisk or a disclaimer. He is "conservative" by media standards and the reporters who interview him. He is "conservative" by African American standards, which is a population that tends to be over whelming liberal. He is "conservative" by Maryland standards, which is one of the most liberal states in the union. He is not nearly as conservative, however, as the rank and file of his party that is crucial in electoral success.

The biggest problem facing the GOP is that it is becoming increasingly like "Democrats Light." Republicans are socialist, they are just not as socialistic as Democrats. We are soft on social issues, just not as liberal as Democrats. Some where along the way Republicans became convinced that the big thing the GOP can do is be a "softer" version of the Democrats. That is what the media, which is clearly in the Democrats pocket, has encouraged for years.

The GOP has always enjoyed its biggest level of success when it acted more like Republicans than Democrats. The stronger the positions that the party has enjoyed on free markets (particularly taxes), strong defense, and pro family, the greater the electoral wins. I believe Republicans need to restore its Reagan roots and becoming the party of success it use to be. I don't know if Michael Steele can help the GOP reach that objective.

Kevin Price is a syndicated columnist whose articles frequently appear at ChicagoSunTimes.com, Reuters.com, USAToday.com, and other national media. Kevin Price is Host of the Price of Business (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at PriceofBusiness.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Republicans are Soul Searching

With the elections over, the Democrats are celebrating and the Republicans begin the long recovery process. The Republicans haven't been in such a minority status since the 1970s. You remember how wonderful those days were. Recently I heard interviews with several Republican congressional leaders and you can hear the pain in their voices as they begin some serious soul searching.

The Democrats and mainstream media are full of advice for Republicans. They are arguing that the party failed because it isn't like the Democrats enough. It has failed to fully embrace big government, isn't socially tolerant enough, and hasn't made enough concessions to foreign adversaries. The reality is, John McCain advocated border "reform" that undermines our sovereignty, campaign finance reform that weakens the First Amendment, and simply didn't understand the role of tax cuts in generating revenue and prosperity (no, not Obamas welfare plan in the form of tax cuts, but actual wealth generating fiscal policy). I have a contrarian view from the media and Democrats, I believe the GOP didn't act Republican enough. There is no question the Republicans need to make some changes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Restore the three legged stool. Ronald Reagan was the most successful Republican in modern history and his message was powerful but simple. He promoted traditional family values, economic freedom (less taxes and government), and a strong national defense. These themes -- often seen as "polarizing" by the mainstream media -- made the Republican Party the majority party through the 1980s and led to the restoration of its prominence in 1994 with the Contract with America led by Newt Gingrich. The GOP needs to restore these principles in its message.


• Appeal to the rank and file. Although my main passion today is economics, I got interested in the Republican party while in high school for different reasons. I became a Christian at the age of 16 and believed that my faith should play a role in every aspect of my life. The Republicans were strongly pro-life and that was clearly the Christian worldview, in my opinion. The stronger the GOP was in that arena, the more involved I wanted to be. The softer those positions, the weaker my interest. It is the same with other positions. Strong defense, free markets, and limited government. The more passionate the GOP is, the more passionate that base will be.


• The GOP needs to clean House (and Senate). Just this week the House elected new leadership and in a surprising move they kept John Boehner as Majority Leader. Until the final months of '08 Boehner had been the king of the "get along" gang and he went to extraordinary lengths to be accommodative with the liberal majority rather than represent the interest of Republicans. There was some good news at the House Republican Conference with conservative Mike Pence taking over that position. In his acceptance speech he indicated that he was going to do what he could to move the party back to its roots. Also, conservative Eric Cantor of Virginia becomes the new Minority Whip.


• Republicans should build on its strengths. The one silver lining in this electoral disaster is that the vast majority of the Republicans who lost were moderates. I would rather have a smaller group of conservative Republicans in the Congress than a larger one dominated by moderates. These moderates who lost should send a firm message to other members of what doesn't work for Republicans. If the voters have a choice between Democrats and Republicans who act like Democrats, they will always choose the former. We need real Republicans and need to promote a conservative agenda in Congress.


• The new GOP chairman needs to be a true conservative. There is a great deal of discussion about Michael Steele (former Lt. Governor of Maryland) running for the party's top post. Steele is treated as a serious conservative by the mainstream media. The reality is that Steele is eloquent and smart and very conservative by Maryland standards (I know, I lived there before). We need someone who is conservative by every standard. I love having someone like Steele on our side, but I would like to see a chairman who believes recruiting conservatives to run for office is a top priority. I am concerned that Steele won't share that objective.


• Efforts should be made towards ending open primaries that allow independents vote for candidates in the winter and spring whom they will vote against in November. If you had to be a Republican to vote in the New Hampshire primary, it is highly unlikely that McCain would have been the Republican nominee. We would have had a true conservative which would have improved our odds.

This list is just a beginning. The GOP needs to do an inventory of what works and what does not work and I am sure the latter would be quite long. The single most important thing it should do is be highly selective of where it gets its advice and should simply choose to ignore the opinions of the mainstream media and the Democrats, which both want the Republican party to stay the minority.

Kevin Price is a syndicated columnist whose articles frequently appear at ChicagoSunTimes.com, Reuters.com, USAToday.com, and other national media.

Kevin Price is Host of the Price of Business (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at PriceofBusiness.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.