Election 2010 Aftermath

The historic results of the 2010 mid-term elections have given the nation hope that the socialist policies of the current administration can be turned back. Come January 2011 the U.S. House of Representatives will be in firm control of the Republicans with as many as 245 members. Additionally, the Republicans will have 47 members meaning no longer will Democrats be able to break any filibusters. It is possible the Republicans may be able to have a defacto majority on many key issues, as there are many more Democrats up for re-election in 2012.


Abraham Lincoln once said, “ Leadership is, at times, a painful burden”. This is what the Republicans in the 112th Congress must be prepared to do; provide leadership on a full range of issues. First, is getting the economy back in full health. The majority must prioritize, engage, and execute these matters as quickly as possible.

Win. Win. Compromise!

Both sides have carved out their positions on the extension of the Bush tax cuts. President Obama has left the door open a little by saying he would look at a short-term extension for some income levels. While Senator Orrin Hatch has tipped the Republican’s hand by stating that he would be open to a temporary extension of three years.

The measure they should negotiate and pass in the lame duck session should be an extension of the “tax cuts” and expansion of the brackets of Obama’s “middle-class”. Additionally, pass Obama’s proposed quasi-accelerated cost recovery that would allow businesses write off major capital purchases instead of depreciated those assets over their useful life.

This is the type of compromise that can be achieved. It would allow Republicans a victory going into 112th Congressional season. It would allow Obama to save some face and get the economy rolling again. Politically it would be a draw. Both sides would have bragging rights before the real battles begin at the turn of the year.

The Battles Begin in January

Health Care Reform. Republicans and the few pro-growth Democrats left standing, should immediately move to dump Obama-care. Repeal, reform, and re-submit the legislation making it simple and free-market oriented. This is what many Americans had on their minds when they went to the polls. Speaker-elect, John Boehner, will need to work hard to guide this new improved legislation through under the threat of veto. Pass it. Let President Obama veto it if he dares.

Cut Government Spending. While Senator-elect, Rand Paul (R-KY), has already proposed an across the board cut of five percent which is laudable, more needs to be done. Republicans need to muster the will to cut deeper in order to get the nation’s balance sheet back in the black. Take out the budget axe and get it done 112th.

Social Security. It must be reformed and reinvigorated for it to survive. Newly elected Representatives and Senators should think outside the box to get the job done. Do it now, well in advance of the 2012 elections.

The Pledge. Republicans must adhere to all of the principles laid out in their “Pledge to America”. First, all of the economic matters must be dispensed with in order to have prosperity moving forward.

Important pieces of legislation will be worked on in the new 112th Congress. It is incumbent upon our newly elected officials to work diligently to turn around the specious policies passed by the Obama, Pelosi, and Reid troika. It will take considerable tenaciousness and courage. Which leads to another famous quote by Abraham Lincoln, “Courage is loss through disuse”.