IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: GOVERNOR ROMNEY DISCUSSES THE SITUATION IN PAKISTAN

Governor Romney On Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes" (12/27/07):

Rich Lowry: "This isn't news to you, obviously, but I have to let our viewers know in the interest of full disclosure that my magazine, National Review, endorsed you two weeks ago. But let me ask you about Pakistan. Governor, just how worrisome is the situation to you? What do you think the Bush administration’s next move should be because obviously this was a big blow to its policy, which was premised recently on getting Benazir Bhutto back there and hoping that she became prime minister?"

Governor Romney: "We certainly want to see the progress toward democratization in Pakistan continue. It's very much the hope of the people of this country that we'll see stability return to Pakistan and that they will be able to proceed with elections and have a democratically elected leadership. That's what we hope we'll see. Obviously, things could unravel in some way. We could have some period of tension and disruption, but that's something which we don't want to see.

"This really underscores the fact, of course, that what's occurring in Iraq and Afghanistan is not unique to those areas alone, that there is a radical, violent Jihadist effort throughout the world that's trying to topple not just Western governments but moderate governments in the world of Islam. We as a nation are going to have to work together with other nations to help moderate voices within the world of Islam with a wide array of support. But this is something we're going to have to do not just in Pakistan and Afghanistan and Iraq, but everywhere from Indonesia to Nigeria. There’s a big amount of work ahead to help Muslims become strong enough to reject the extreme within them."

To watch Governor Romney, please see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYch2qUiReE

Governor Romney On NBC's "Today" Show (12/28/07):
NBC's Ann Curry: "Most analysts would say, Governor, that the events of yesterday will help your chief opponents, Rudy Giuliani and John McCain. Are you concerned, are you worried that your campaign will be impacted negatively?"

Governor Mitt Romney: "I think we have to put the events of the world at a higher level than thinking about local politics, but I do believe as well that people recognize that what we want in a leader is a person who can actually guide America in a very challenging time. You look back to the – one of the great foreign policy leaders of our nation was Ronald Reagan. He was a governor, not a so-called foreign policy expert. He was a person who knew how to make difficult decisions and how to lead in times of crisis. I think if you look at my life's experience you'll recognize that's what I bring to the table."

Curry: "Ronald Reagan was not elected at a time of war. Why should voters embrace you without having – not seeing you having had a lot of foreign policy credentials? Why should they embrace you as leading this nation in this very challenging time in our world's history?"

Governor Romney: "Well, certainly Ronald Reagan was elected at a time of the Cold War and the Cold War was the greatest challenge that was faced by this nation in the last half of the last century, so it was a very critical time. Ronald Reagan took on the spread of Soviet-style communism throughout the world and he was successful, not because he was a general himself and thought he could mastermind our military strategy, but instead because he had the skills of leadership that allowed him to bring together brilliant people, to chart a course that would overcome Soviet expansionism and it worked. My life's experience is likewise, being a strategist in the private sector, in the Olympics and also in running a state. That kind of leadership skill I think is exactly what America needs right now."

To watch Governor Romney, please see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdfaZqg9LcQ

BIDEN CALLS ON BUSH TO SIGN, ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT IRAQ PLAN

Delaware Democratic presidential candidate Joseph R. Biden, Jr.’s (D-DE) today urged President Bush to immediately adopt and implement his plan for a political settlement in Iraq in conjunction with the President signing the Department of Defense Authorization conference report. The conference report contains the “Biden-Brownback” amendment – a measure that has garnered overwhelming bipartisan support in both Houses of Congress – which calls for the United States to support a federal, decentralized Iraq and for the President to make a major shift in the Administration’s political strategy in Iraq. The bill is sitting on the President’s desk waiting for signature.

“Mr. President – it is time for this war to end and my plan is the way to do it,” said Sen. Joe Biden. “Instead of stiff-arming the rest of the world, now is the time to call for a UN conference where the major powers and Iraq’s neighbors help Iraqis to hammer out a political solution based on federalism – bringing resources and responsibility down to the local and regional level. We have a window of opportunity. Violence is down because of the courageous efforts of our military, the tribal awakening and the Mahdi Army cease-fire. But without a political settlement, these fragile gains won’t last.”

In May of 2006, Sen. Biden, along with President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations Leslie H. Gelb, announced a detailed plan for promoting a political settlement in Iraq that would allow our troops to leave without leaving chaos behind. The plan called for a decentralized federal system --- as Iraq’s Constitution provides which would give its people local control over the fabric of their daily lives, including police, jobs, education and government services. A limited central government would be responsible for protecting Iraq’s borders and distributing its oil revenues.

The Biden-Brownback amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill was based on Sen. Biden’s federalism plan for Iraq and is a product of his year-long effort working across the aisle to build support. During the Senate vote in September, Sen. Biden's plan secured the support of key leaders in the U.S. Senate from both parties, including Senate Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin (D-MI), former Chairman John Warner (R-VA) and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Richard Lugar (R-IN). The final vote in favor of the Biden-Brownback amendment was 75-23, including 26 Republicans.

“Simply put, absent an occupation we cannot sustain or a dictator we cannot support, Iraq cannot be governed from the center at this point in its history. Supporting a decentralized Iraq with strong regional governments and a limited central government is the only way we can end this war without leaving chaos behind,” added Sen. Biden.

The Biden-Brownback amendment also had 15 Co-sponsors: Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Arlen Specter (R-PA), John Kerry (D-MA), Gordon Smith (R-OR), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) Harry Reid (D-NV), Diane Feinstein (D-CA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ken Salazar (D-CO) and Tom Carper (D-DE).

The Biden amendment states that the U.S. should actively support a political settlement among Iraqis based on the provisions of Iraq's constitution that call for creating a federal system of government, with strong regions and a limited central government. It also urged the administration to bring in the international community – including the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and Iraq's neighbors – to support a settlement based on federalism and to convene a conference with Iraqis to help them reach that settlement.

A few key facts about the Biden amendment:

The legislation does not tell Iraqis what to do. It speaks only to what U.S. policy should be.

Federalism is not a U.S. or foreign imposition on Iraq. Iraq’s own constitution calls a “decentralized, federal system” and sets out the powers of the regions (extensive) and those of the central government (limited). The Constitution also says that in case of conflict between regional and national law, regional law prevails.

Federalism is not partition. In fact, it’s probably the only way to prevent partition or, even worse, the total fragmentation of Iraq.

Federalism will not accelerate sectarian cleansing; it’s the only way to reverse it. Iraqis have already voted with their feet, with 4.5 million fleeing within Iraq or abroad. Unless Iraqis come to some kind of agreement on sharing power peacefully, the results of extensive cleansing will solidify and set the stage for future instability.

Other elements of Sen. Biden’s comprehensive Iraq strategy are also part of the Defense Authorization bill awaiting the President’s signature including funding for Mine Resistant Vehicles to protect our troops as long as they are in Iraq and a measure to insure that the U.S. does not set up permanent military bases in Iraq.

Romney: DOLE TO HUCKABEE: "WHY HAVE YOU JOINED THE BUSH BASHERS?"

Former Sen. Bob Dole Questions Gov. Huckabee's Foreign Affairs

No Laughing Matter: A serious look at Gov. Mike Huckabee's record and policy beyond the one-liners.

Gov. Mike Huckabee: "And the ultimate thing is, I may not be the expert that some people are on foreign policy, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night." (WABC Radio's "Imus In The Morning," 12/4/07)

National Review: "The Holiday Inn Express Candidate." "In sum, conservatives should have worries about the depth and soundness of Mike Huckabee's foreign-policy views. And staying at a Holiday Inn Express is not going to be enough to allay them." (Editorial, "The Holiday Inn Express Candidate," National Review, 12/10/07)

"Dole Stings A Bee"
The Des Moines Register
David Yepsen
December 21, 2007

Bob Dole has sent Mike Huckabee a sharp letter rebuking the former Arkansas governor for criticizing Bush administration policy in Iraq in a recent magazine article.
…

The text follows:

"Dear Governor,

"I'm puzzled by your gratuitous slaps at the President in the January/February issue of Foreign Affairs. By the way, I have no special ties to President Bush and I'm not involved in any presidential campaign.

"Why have you joined the 'Bush bashers?' I know Iowans fairly well and doubt those attending Republican caucuses will appreciate your critical comments. President Bush gets more than his fair share of criticism from the other side and many in the 'mainstream' media. They all really must be heartened by your comments.

"As a veteran, I worry about the future security of the good people of Iowa and all other Americans. We are engaged in a global war on terror which will not disappear because you imply a willingness, without any preconditions apparently, to sit down with the enemy. Sure we can all find fault with President Bush and his Administration on policy matters and phases of the Iraq policy. I doubt however Iowans will applaud second guessing more than five years after the agony of 9-11, particularly since you have been either silent or supportive during the interim as far as I can determine.

"The Foreign Affairs piece is a perfect example of 20-20 hindsight, and wishful thinking in most instances. You make knotty foreign policy issues sound so easy if we would just change our ways. I never was a foreign policy expert though I followed it closely for nearly three decades under Democrat and Republican Presidents.

"The great majority of Americans regardless of party, place liberty, freedom and security as top priorities. I'm certain you do too but I am troubled about some of the statements attributed to you in the Foreign Affairs article.

"The administration is certainly not perfect, I cannot recall one, but I do not believe it should be your primary foreign policy target. We are a great, compassionate nation and I know you want to keep it so.

"To win in 2008 we need to multiply, not divide," Dole said.

He then joked in a post-script: "P.S. I lost the General in '96, so what do I know?"

To read the full article, please click here: www.desmoinesregister.com

STATEMENT BY MCCAIN SENIOR ADVISOR MARK SALTER ON MITT ROMNEY'S ATTACKS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE TODAY

John McCain 2008 Senior Advisor Mark Salter today (12/23/07) issued the following statement:

"Welcome to Mitt Romney's bizarro world, in which everyone is guilty of his sins. He didn't support Ronald Reagan. He didn't support President Bush's tax cuts. He raised taxes in Massachusetts by $700 million. He knows John McCain is gaining on him so he does what any small varmint gun totin,' civil rights marching, NRA endorsed fantasy candidate would do: he questions someone else's credibility. New Hampshire is on to you, Mitt. Give it a rest. It's Christmas."

Obama Vows to Protect Workers from Unfair Trade Deals

New TV Ad “Enough” Highlights Obama’s Commitment to American Workers

U.S. Senator Barack Obama today discussed his commitment to fight for fair trade for America’s workers, reject trade agreements that weren’t in American workers’ best interest, and enforce the agreements we do have. The Obama Campaign also released a new television ad, Enough, in which Obama vows to end tax breaks for companies moving jobs overseas and reward companies that invest in America. To view “Enough”, click HERE.

The Bush Administration has done little to protect Americans whose livelihoods are being threatened by globalization and changes in technology. By failing to enforce U.S. trade agreements, overseas companies and workers have been given an unfair and sometimes illegal advantage over American workers.

“American workers deserve better. When I’m President, we’ll make sure our trading partners live up to their agreements,” Obama said. “We’ll have a trade representative who’s actually representing American workers. And we’ll do more to stop countries like China from acting unfairly when it comes to trade – because no country should get a free pass if they’re bending the rules.”

Obama will make enforcement the top priority of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Office, and he will increase resources for the USTR so it can carry out its responsibility to protect American interests. As President, Obama will only negotiate trade agreements that benefit American workers and have strong and enforceable labor and environmental standards in the body of the agreement. In addition, Obama will help workers hurt by the effects of globalization get back on their feet by strengthening training programs and providing assistance for health care costs.

“When I’m President, we’ll give you training before you lose your job if there’s a good chance it will get shipped overseas,” Obama said. “We’ll give you an education account that you can use to retrain. We’ll help ensure that losing your job doesn’t also mean losing your health care by giving you some extra money to pay for it. And we’ll make sure employers give you an additional month’s notice before letting you go – so you have 90 days’ notice, instead of just 60. We’re not going to be able to stop globalization in its tracks, but what we can do is have a President who’s standing up for American farmers and workers. That’s why I’m running for President.”

Below is the script of “Enough”:
B&W still of BO
BO VO:
I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.
BO speaking to town hall sized crowd
BO Synch: Ordinary people all across the country are struggling from paycheck to paycheck.

If the plant moves to China, and you’ve been working there for 20, 30 years and suddenly you have the rug pulled out from under ya…

And you don’t have healthcare, and you don’t have a pension, you’re on your own.

We gotta stop giving tax breaks to companies that are moving overseas and give those tax breaks to companies that are investing right here in IA

In the United States of America.
Barack Obama for President
Iowa.barackobama.com

Approved by Barack Obama. Paid for by Obama for President.
Enough is enough.
For more information on Obama’s plan, click here: iowa.barackobama.com/TradeEnforcement

Romney: "CLASS-WARFARE DEMAGOGUERY USED BY DEMOCRATS"

A Look At Why Sen. McCain Voted Against The Bush Tax Cuts

"In 2001, Sen. McCain argued, 'I cannot in good conscience support a tax cut in which so many of the benefits go to the most fortunate among us at the expense of middle-class Americans who need tax relief.' That statement is virtually indistinguishable from the class-warfare demagoguery used by Democrats like Ted Kennedy and John Kerry." – Pat Toomey, The Club For Growth (Pat Toomey, Op-Ed, "The McCain Record," The Wall Street Journal, 3/13/07)

Sen. McCain Joined Democrats In Voting Against The 2001 And 2003 Bush Tax Cuts:
In 2001, Sen. McCain Was One Of Only Two Republicans To Vote Against The $1.35 Trillion Bush Tax Cuts. The bill lowered marginal rates, eliminated the marriage penalty, and doubled the child tax credit. (H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #170: Adopted 58-33: R 46-2; D 12-31; I 0-0, 5/26/01, McCain Voted Nay)

In 2003, Sen. McCain Was One Of Only Three Republicans To Twice Vote Against The $350 Billion Bush Tax Cuts. The comprehensive bill lowered taxes by $350 billion over 11 years – including increasing the child tax credit and eliminated the marriage penalty. (H.R. 2, CQ Vote #179: Passed 51-49: R 48-3; D 3-45; I 0-1, 5/15/03, McCain Voted Nay; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #196: Adopted 50-50: R 48-3; D 2-46; I 0-1, 5/23/03, McCain Voted Nay)

Sen. McCain Attacked The Bush Tax Cuts Using Democrat Class Warfare Talking Points:
In 2001, Sen. McCain Said The Bush Tax Cuts Were "At The Expense Of Middle-Class Americans." "…Mr. McCain echoed the Democrats' message that it favors the wealthy, saying, 'I cannot in good conscience support a tax cut in which so many of the benefits go to the most fortunate among us at the expense of middle-class Americans who need tax relief.'" (Ralph Z. Hallow, "Republicans See McCain As Liability," The Washington Times, 6/9/01)

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) Said The Bush Tax Cuts Were "At The Expense Of Middle-Class American Families." REP. WATERS: "I voted against the Republican tax cut plan, which is an irresponsible tax cut that will further undermine the nation's struggling economy at the expense of middle-class American families." (Rep. Maxine Waters, Op-Ed, "Bush's Tax Cut Is Bad For America," The Los Angeles Sentinel, 5/29/03)

In 2003, Sen. McCain Said The Bush Tax Cut Went "To The Wealthiest Americans."
SEN. MCCAIN: "[W]hen you look at the percentage of the tax cuts that, as the previous tax cuts, that go to the wealthiest Americans, you will find that the bulk of it, again, goes to wealthiest Americans. I would like to see some of that redistributed more heavily to middle-income and low-income Americans." (NBC's "Today," 1/7/03)

Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) Said The Bush Tax Cuts Went "To The Wealthiest Americans."
SEN. KERRY: "I'm going to roll back the high end of the Bush tax cut. The tax cut that goes to the wealthiest Americans we can't afford, Paula." (CNN's "Paula Zahn Now," 9/25/03)

In 2004, Sen. McCain Said "I'm Not Giving Tax Cuts For The Rich."
SEN. MCCAIN: "Sixty percent of the benefits from Bush's tax cuts go to the wealthiest 10 percent of Americans … I'm not giving tax cuts for the rich." (Glenn Kessler, "Outcome Uncertain In Bush Tax Cut's First Test," The Washington Post, 4/3/01)

2004 Democrat Presidential Contender Wesley Clark Said The GOP Gave "Tax Cuts For The Rich." "
'Today's budget proposal makes it clear what President Bush's priorities are: tax cuts for the rich and tough luck for everyone else,' said retired Gen. Wesley Clark, running for the Democratic nomination." (David Espo, "Budget Politics: Plenty For All Sides To Campaign About," The Associated Press, 2/2/04)

In 2006, Sen. McCain Said The Death Tax Cut Goes "Only To The Wealthiest."
SEN. MCCAIN: "I am concerned that repeal of the estate tax would provide massive benefits solely to the wealthiest- and highest-income taxpayers in the country." (Sen. John McCain, "Statement Of Senator John McCain On H.R. 8, The Death Tax Elimination Act," Press Release, 6/11/02)

Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA): Death Tax Cut Goes To "Only The Wealthiest."
SEN. KENNEDY: "Now, they are proposing more of the same, more tax breaks benefiting only the wealthiest among us." (Sen. Ted Kennedy, "Statement By Senator Edward M. Kennedy On Defeat Of Estate Tax Repeal," Press Release, 6/8/06)

Romney: "JUST SIMPLY LUDICROUS"

Secretary Of State Rice Comments On Gov. Huckabee's Attacks

No Laughing Matter: A serious look at Gov. Mike Huckabee's record and policy beyond the one-liners.

Gov. Mike Huckabee: "And the ultimate thing is, I may not be the expert that some people are on foreign policy, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night." (WABC Radio's "Imus In The Morning," 12/4/07)

National Review: "The Holiday Inn Express Candidate." "In sum, conservatives should have worries about the depth and soundness of Mike Huckabee’s foreign-policy views. And staying at a Holiday Inn Express is not going to be enough to allay them." (Editorial, "The Holiday Inn Express Candidate," National Review, 12/10/07)

"The idea that this is a go-it-alone policy is just simply ludicrous. And one would only have to be not observing the facts, let me say that, to say that this is now a go-it-alone foreign policy." – Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

To watch Secretary Rice's comments, click here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJDjm1Ch9EY
ABC News"Rice: Huckabee Foreign Policy Criticism 'Ludicrous'"Jonathan Karl December 21, 2007

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Friday said criticism of Bush administration foreign policy by Republican presidential candidate former Gov. Mike Huckabee was "simply ludicrous."
…
After first saying "I don't have time to comment on other people's comments", Rice took on Huckabee, head-on during an end-of-year State Department press briefing.
"The idea that this is a go-it-alone policy is just simply ludicrous. And one would only have to be not observing the facts, let me say that, to say that this is now a go-it-alone foreign policy," Rice said.
…
To read the full article, please see: http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/12/rice-huckabee-f.html

Romney: "MR. MCCAIN WOULD NOT MAKE MR. BUSH'S ESTATE TAX REPEAL PERMANENT."

"I am concerned that repeal of the estate tax would provide massive benefits solely to the wealthiest- and highest-income taxpayers in the country." – Sen. John McCain (Sen. John McCain, "Statement Of Senator John McCain On H.R. 8, The Death Tax Elimination Act," Press Release, 6/11/02)

Sen. McCain Recently Suggested He Supported Abolishing The Death Tax:

On CNBC This Week, Sen. McCain Claimed He Agreed With Actress Whoopi Goldberg's Call To Abolish The Death Tax. CNBC's LARRY KUDLOW: "Actress Whoopi Goldberg came out for total abolition of the death tax, sir do you agree with her?" SEN. MCCAIN: "I agree with her. I've always admired her enormously and now my admiration knows no bounds." (CNBC's "Kudlow & Company," 12/18/07, www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVumaLF79Uw)

Minutes Later, Club For Growth President Pat Toomey Pointed Out That Sen. McCain Doesn't Support Repealing The Death Tax. CLUB FOR GROWTH'S PAT TOOMEY: "But the big news, Larry that you need to stress here is the persuasiveness of Whoopi Goldberg. She turned John McCain around on the death tax. He's always been in favor of keeping the death tax, as recently as 2005 publicly declaring he was going to vote to keep the death tax. But I heard him say he agrees with Whoopi Goldberg." (CNBC's "Kudlow & Company," 12/18/07, www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVumaLF79Uw)

But Sen. McCain Also Recently Told An Iowa Audience That He Doesn't Support Full Death Tax Repeal:

Sen. McCain: "I Think The Estate Tax Level Ought To Be At About $10 Million, And Then At Approximately 15% In Taxes At That Point." SEN. MCCAIN: "I think the estate tax level ought to be at about $10 million, and then at approximately 15% in taxes at that point. In other words, so we take care of 99% of the family farms, businesses in America. … not complete elimination of the estate tax, but certainly at a level that would take care of 99½ % of all American families, farms, and businesses in America." (Iowans For McCain YouTube Website, www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfI_KJACAvg, Posted 12/17/07)

The Club For Growth To Sen. McCain: "'Make Up Your Mind, Dude." "The Club for Growth, taking a break from bashing Mike Huckabee, has posted this video of Sen. John McCain apparently flip-flopping on yet another position — this time on the estate tax. … With the rest of the Republican field calling for a total repeal of the estate tax — they argue it's a matter of fairness and double-taxation — McCain is under pressure to come into line with them, and maybe that's what prompted his glib new position. But the back and forth is more than the Club for Growth can stand. 'Make up your mind, dude,' said Club's communications director, Nachama Soloveichik." (Stephen Dinan, "To John McCain: 'Make Up Your Mind, Dude'," The Washington Times, 12/20/07)

Sen. McCain's Recently-Unveiled Economic Plan Does Not Repeal The Death Tax:

The Washington Times: "Mr. McCain Would Not Make Mr. Bush's Estate Tax Repeal Permanent." "Mr. McCain would not make Mr. Bush's estate tax repeal permanent. Instead, he wants an exemption up to $10 million and a 15 percent rate for estates bigger than that." (Stephen Dinan, "McCain Embraces Tax Cut Turnaround," The Washington Times, 12/19/07)

Sen. McCain's Campaign Website Highlights An Article Sating "He Will Avoid Embracing Repeal Of The Estate Tax." "Mr. McCain, who is trying to refocus his campaign in the wake of weak first quarter fund-raising and concerns over Iraq, will also use a speech before the Memphis Economic Club to try and woo fiscal conservatives by pledging spending restraint and his support for extending President Bush's income and investment tax cuts - though he will avoid embracing repeal of the estate tax and won't call for any new tax cuts." (John McCain 2008 Website, www.johnmccain.com/informing/News/NewsReleases/e2b1193d-f5f9-40b8-8b52-445da841bffd.htm, Accessed 12/18/07)

Sen. McCain Hasn’t Supported Repealing The Death Tax In The Past:

In 2005, Sen. McCain Did Not Support A Full Repeal Of The Death Tax. "McCain also told [Novak] he looks to Kyl for a compromise short of total repeal. He added he could support Kyl's plan to keep the estate tax rate at the capital gains rate (currently 15 percent) with an exclusion from taxation of an estate's first $5 million – compared with 55 percent and $1 million in the basic law." (Robert Novak, Op-Ed, "Nothing Unifies Republicans More Than The Estate Tax," Chicago Sun-Times, 9/5/05)

Sen. McCain Said He Opposes "Passing On Fortunes." MCCAIN: "I follow the course of a great Republican, Teddy Roosevelt, who talked about the malefactors of great wealth and gave us the estate tax. I oppose the rich passing on fortunes." (Robert Novak, Op-Ed, "Nothing Unifies Republicans More Than The Estate Tax," Chicago Sun-Times, 9/5/05)

Robert Novak Said Sen. McCain's Position Is Un-Republican. NOVAK: "That does not fit the basic GOP mind-set that wealth should not be punished and that earnings should not be double-taxed." (Robert Novak, Op-Ed, "Nothing Unifies Republicans More Than The Estate Tax," Chicago Sun-Times, 9/5/05)

Sen. McCain Has Actually Voted Against Repeal Of The Death Tax:

In 2002, Sen. McCain Was One Of Only Two Republicans To Twice Vote Against Permanent Repeal Of The Death Tax. (S. 1731, CQ Vote #28: Adopted 56-42: R 45-2; D 11-39; I 0-1, 2/13/02, McCain Voted Nay, H.R. 8, CQ Vote #151: Motion Rejected 54-44: R 45-2; D 9-41; I 0-1, 6/12/02, McCain Voted Nay)

Sen. McCain: Estate Tax Cuts Go "Solely To The Wealthiest." MCCAIN: "I am concerned that repeal of the estate tax would provide massive benefits solely to the wealthiest- and highest-income taxpayers in the country." (Sen. John McCain, "Statement Of Senator John McCain On H.R. 8, The Death Tax Elimination Act," Press Release, 6/11/02)

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ON ELIMINATING EARMARKS IN THE OMNIBUS SPENDING BILL

Today, Governor Mitt Romney issued the following statement on the President's efforts to eliminate the thousands of earmarks in the omnibus spending bill:

"This week, Congress passed a massive, pork-laden omnibus spending bill. Contained in this bill are nearly 9,800 earmarks and pet projects for legislators. This is exactly the type of fiscal irresponsibility that the American people have demanded that those in Washington end. Yet, this bill brings the total number of earmarks Congress has approved this year to nearly 11,900 earmarks.

"Yesterday, President Bush directed his administration to review all possible options for eliminating this wasteful spending. I applaud those efforts and believe that the President should assert the full range of his executive power to limit and eliminate as many of these earmarks as possible. As President, I pledge to use every available method to eliminate wasteful earmarks in the federal budget. One such tool is returning to the President the power to make line-item vetoes. Change in Washington begins when we change the culture that allows earmarks, pet projects and wasteful spending to thrive in the place of being good fiscal stewards of the taxpayers' money."