GOP Transition Team Chairman Greg Walden C‑SPAN's Newsmakers VIDEO

GOP Transition Team Chairman Greg Walden C‑SPAN's Newsmakers VIDEO. Transition Chairman Walden on “Newsmakers”: “We have this rare opportunity to get it right” Washington (Nov 14)

During an appearance on C-Span’s “Newsmakers” program this morning, Majority Transition Chairman Greg Walden discussed the planning taking place to make Congress more transparent, cost-efficient, accountable, and, in the end, begin to restore trust between the American people and their government. Interviewed by the Associated Press’ Julie Hirschfeld Davis and Politico’s Jake Sherman, Chairman Walden also talked about the energy and enthusiasm that the new crop of GOP lawmakers will contribute to the transition and the ultimate mission of addressing the people’s priorities by implementing the Pledge to America, a new governing agenda focused on cutting spending and helping small businesses get back to creating jobs.

WALDEN: “OUR COUNTRY HAS NEVER NEED A DIFFERENT FOCUS MORE THAN IT DOES TODAY”:

“Our country has never needed a different focus more than it does today. We have this rare opportunity to get it right. We have this enormous freshmen influx who can help us break through some of these things and do the right thing for the institution of Congress. And maybe, if we’re really, really lucky, we’ll see…a little faith restored in the American people, between them and their government.”

WALDEN SAYS MISSION IS TO IMPLEMENT PLEDGE TO AMERICA, CUT SPENDING AND CREATE JOBS:

“Leader Boehner, presumptive Speaker, has made it clear he’ll run this House differently than it’s been run in the past…and open it up and make it more transparent and accountable so we can get on to the mission of implementing the Pledge [to America] – which is to get at wasteful Washington spending, to get...people back to work.”

WALDEN: TRANSITION TEAM LOOKING FOR WAYS TO BRING THE PUBLIC INTO THE PROCESS:

“We’re really looking at how you can modernize Congress, reform Congress, open up Congress, and make it more transparent and accountable so that the public’s business can be done in public – and the public can participate in that business.”

TEXT CREDIT: gopleader.gov Contact H-204 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 P (202) 225-4000 F (202) 225-5117

VIDEO and RESOURCE CREDIT: C-SPAN

Sarah Palin An Open Letter to Republican Freshmen Members of Congress

Welcome to all Republican Freshmen and congratulations! Congratulations to all of you for your contribution to this historic election, and for the contributions I am certain you will make to our country in the next two years.

Your victory was hard fought, and the success belongs entirely to you and the staff and volunteers who spent countless hours working for this chance to put government back on the side of the people. Now you will come to Washington to serve your nation and leave your mark on history by reining in government spending, preserving our freedoms at home, and restoring America’s leadership abroad. Some of you have asked for my thoughts on how best to proceed in the weeks and months ahead and how best to advance an agenda that can move our country forward. I have a simple answer: stick to the principles that propelled your campaigns. When you take your oath to support and defend our Constitution and to faithfully discharge the duties of your office, remember that present and future generations of “We the People” are counting on you to stand by that oath. Never forget the people who sent you to Washington. Never forget the trust they placed in you to do the right thing.

The task before you is daunting because so much damage has been done in the last two years, but I believe you have the chance to achieve great things.

Republicans campaigned on a promise to rein in out-of-control government spending and to repeal and replace the massive, burdensome, and unwanted health care law President Obama and the Democrat Congress passed earlier this year in defiance of the will of the majority of the American people. These are promises that you must keep. Obamacare is a job-killer, a regulatory nightmare, and an enormous unfunded mandate. The American people don’t want it and we can’t afford it. We ask, with all due respect, that you remember your job will be to work to replace this legislation with real reform that relies on free market principles and patient-centered policies. The first step is, of course, to defund Obamacare.

You’ve also got to be deadly serious about cutting the deficit. Despite what some would like us to believe, tax cuts didn’t get us into the mess we’re in. Government spending did. Tough decisions need to be made about reducing government spending. The longer we put them off, the worse it will get. We need to start by cutting non-essential spending. That includes stopping earmarks (because abuse of the earmark process created the "gateway-drug" that allowed backroom deals and bloated budgets), canceling all further spending on the failed Stimulus program, and rolling back non-discretionary spending to 2008 levels. You can do more, but this would be a good start.

In order to avert a fiscal disaster, we will also need to check the growth of spending on our entitlement programs. That will be a huge challenge, but it must be confronted head on. We must do it in a humane way that honors the government’s current commitments to our fellow Americans while also keeping faith with future generations. We cannot rob from our children and grandchildren’s tomorrow to pay for our unchecked spending today. Beyond that, we need to reform the way Congress conducts business in order to make it procedurally easier to cut spending than to increase it. We need to encourage zero-based budgeting practices in D.C. like the kind fiscally conservative mayors and governors utilize to balance their budgets and reduce unnecessary spending.

There in the insulated and isolated Beltway you will be far removed from the economic pain felt by so many Americans who are out of work. Please remember that if we want real job growth, we must create a stable investment climate by ending the tidal wave of overly burdensome regulations coming out of Washington. Businesses need certainty – and freedom that incentivizes competition – to grow and expand our workforce.

The last thing our small businesses need is tax hikes. It falls to the current Democrat-controlled Congress to decide on the future of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. If it does not permanently renew all of them, you should move quickly to do so in the new Congress. It would remove from households and businesses the threat of a possible $3.8 trillion tax hike hitting all Americans at the worst possible moment, with our economy struggling to recover from a deep recession! You must continue to remind Democrats that the people they are dismissing as “rich” are the small business owners who create up to 70% of all jobs in this country!

Another issue of vital importance is border security. Americans expect our leadership in Washington to act now to secure our borders. Don’t fall for the claims of those who suggest that we can’t secure our borders until we simultaneously deal with the illegal immigrants already here. Let’s deal with securing the border first. That alone is a huge challenge that has been ignored for far too long.

On foreign policy and national security, I urge you to stick to our principles: strong defense, free trade, nurturing allies, and steadfast opposition to America’s enemies. We are the most powerful country on earth and the world is better off because of it. Our president does not seem to understand this. If we withdraw from the world, the world will become a much more dangerous place. You must push President Obama to finish the job right in Iraq and get the job done in Afghanistan, otherwise we who are war-weary will forever question why America’s finest are sent overseas to make the ultimate sacrifice with no clear commitment to victory from those who send them. You should be prepared to stand with the President against Iran’s nuclear aspirations using whatever means necessary to ensure the mullahs in Tehran do not get their hands on nuclear weapons. And you can stand with the Iranian people who oppose the tyrannical rule of the clerics and concretely support their efforts to win their freedom – even if the President does not.

You need to say no to cutting the necessities in our defense budget when we are engaged in two wars and face so many threats – from Islamic extremists to a nuclear Iran to a rising China. As Ronald Reagan said, “We will always be prepared, so we may always be free.” You will also have the opportunity to push job-creating free trade agreements with allies like Colombia and South Korea. You can stand with allies like Israel, not criticize them. You can let the President know what you believe – Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, not a settlement. And for those of you joining the United States Senate, don’t listen to desperate politically-motivated arguments about the need for hasty consideration of the “New START” treaty. Insist on your right to patient and careful deliberation of New START to address very real concerns about verification, missile defense, and modernization of our nuclear infrastructure. No New START in the lame duck!

You can stand against misguided proposals to try dangerous, evil terrorists in the US; precipitously close the Guantanamo prison; and a return to the failed policies of the past in treating the war on terror as a law enforcement problem. Finally, you have a platform to express the support of the American people for all those around the world seeking their freedom that God has bestowed within all mankind’s being – from Burma and Egypt to Russia and Venezuela – because the spread of liberty increases our own security. You, freshmen lawmakers, can and will be powerful voices in support of foreign policies that protect our interests and promote our values! Thank you for being willing to fight for our values and our freedom!

In all this, you should extend a hand to President Obama and Democrats in Congress. After this election, they may finally be prepared to work with Republicans on some of these issues for the good of the country. And if not, we will all be looking forward to 2012.

Remember that some in the media will love you when you stray from the time-tested truths that built America into the most exceptional nation on earth. When the Left in the media pat you on the back, quickly reassess where you are and readjust, for the liberals' praise is a warning bell you must heed. Trust me on that.

I and most Americans are so excited for you. Working together, we have every right to be optimistic about our future. We can be hopeful because real hope lies in the ingenuity, generosity, and boundless courage of the everyday Americans who make our country exceptional. These are the men and women who sent you to Washington. May your work and leadership honor their faith in you.

With sincere congratulations and a big Alaskan heart,

Sarah Palin

TEXT CREDIT: Sarah Palin on Facebook

IMAGE CREDIT: Fox News

Congressman Greg Walden Weekly Republican Address TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 11/13/10

Podcast of the address: Download MP3 for PODCAST FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT BELOW. Video of the address available for download here. Saturday, November 13, 2010 || MP4 File || MPEG File || MOV File (FULL HD) ||

Washington (Nov 12) In the Weekly Republican Address, Majority Transition Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) discusses the transition effort and Republicans’ plans to go to work right away on the people’s priorities: creating jobs, cutting spending, and reforming Congress. These priorities are embodied in the Pledge to America -- a governing agenda built by listening to the people. To that end, Rep. Walden encourages Americans to visit the new majority’s transition website and share their ideas.

“Hello, I’m Congressman Greg Walden of Oregon.

“The American people have sent their government a clear message. They want us to focus on creating jobs. They want to see Congress spend less. And they want government to be smaller and less intrusive. They want health care reform that protects jobs instead of this government takeover that’s costing us jobs. And they want Congress to respect their will and honor our Constitution.

“These priorities are embodied in the Pledge to America – it’s a governing agenda focused on creating jobs, cutting spending, and reforming Congress, a blueprint built by listening to the American people. In the new majority, the people’s priorities will be our priorities.

“Having run a small business for more than 20 years, I can tell you that no turnaround succeeds without a change in culture. For too long, Washington has been doing what’s best for Washington, and they get away with it. Too often, accountability counts for nothing, and transparency for even less, and common sense -- well it’s an endangered species.

“That’s why our leader, John Boehner, has pledged to run the House of Representatives differently than it’s been run in the past – by both parties. And he’s asked me to lead a transition effort designed to ensure our new majority will be ready to serve as the people’s voice and implement the proposals that Americans are demanding.

“So we’ve assembled a transition team of proven reformers, including citizens newly elected to Congress who’ve jumped at the opportunity to begin changing Congress before being sworn-in. The incoming Republican freshman class – well it’s no ordinary group: nearly half of its roughly 80 members have never served in elective office before. So they bring a fresh perspective and a lot of the energy, intelligence and experience that we want to incorporate into how we implement reforms that give the government back to the people. And for this reason, we’re not only including them in the transition to a new majority, but also giving them a seat at the leadership table in the next Congress.

“We’ve already begun initiating changes to open up the people’s House, including installing public cameras in the powerful Rules Committee. That’s where they decide which bills and which amendments come to the floor for a vote.

“We’re evaluating how Congress operates to make sure there’s time for lawmakers to actually read the bills before they’re voted on and to make certain every one of those bills contains a clear citation of constitutional authority. We want taxpayers to be able to keep tabs on bills as they’re being written and hearings as they’re happening. We’ve got the people’s business to do, and the people have the right to watch that business being done.

“And we’re also tracking down every last rule and roadblock rigged to keep government’s spending binge on auto-pilot. If we’re ever going to change the broken status quo, we need to make it easier to cut spending and harder to increase it.

“And we’re searching for savings so we can cut the cost of Congress, and make this institution more efficient. As is the case for any business seeking a turnaround, there won’t be any sacred cows here.

“Now, we don’t pretend to have all the answers. We invite Americans from all walks of life to visit GOPLeader.gov/NewMajority where you can submit your ideas. We’ve already received hundreds of ideas from across the country. Thank you. Whether you associate with one party, no party, or the Tea Party, we want to hear from you.

“Listening is how we built the Pledge to America, and listening is exactly how we’re going to keep it. So, log on to GOPLeader.gov/NewMajority to learn more and to have your say.

“Thank you very much.”

TEXT CREDIT: gopleader.gov Contact H-204 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 P (202) 225-4000 F (202) 225-5117

VIDEO CREDIT: HouseConference

AUDIO/VIDEO CREDIT: The House Republican Conference - Digital Communications visual.media@mail.house.gov 202-225-5439

Randy Altschuler heads to Washington

Joins House Winners for New Member Orientation. Randy Altschuler, who currently holds the lead in the hotly contested race for New York's 1st Congressional seat, will be headed to the nation's Capitol this Sunday to take part in the New Members Orientation for the 112th Congress.

The program, run by the Committee on House Administration, is to educate newly elected members of Congress on such matters as operations of the House, selection of office and staff and legal issues pertaining to Congressional service.

The program kicks off Sunday with a reception and dinner for new members and their spouses. On Monday morning a series of seminars start covering a variety of issues related to Congressional service. The orientation ends Friday with a lottery to determine the selection of offices for the New Members. # # #

ALTSCHULER HEADS TO WASHINGTON FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 11, 2010

For more information on Randy Altschuler and his campaign, please visit www.JoinRandy.org.

TEXT CREDIT: Randy Altschuler for Congress

IMAGE CREDIT: teamaltschuler

Log Cabin Republicans Disappointed that United States Supreme Court Allows ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ to Continue

(Washington, DC) – The United States Supreme Court has denied Log Cabin Republicans’ request to reinstate a world-wide injunction against ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ As a result, servicemembers will continue to be investigated and discharged while Log Cabin Republicans v. United States is under appeal. Arguments are due to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in February.

“Log Cabin Republicans are disappointed that the Supreme Court decided to maintain the status quo with regards to ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ but we are not surprised,” said R. Clarke Cooper, Executive Director of Log Cabin Republicans. “We are committed to pursuing every avenue in the fight against this failed and unconstitutional policy. Log Cabin will continue working to secure the votes needed for legislative repeal, and if necessary, we look forward to seeing President Obama’s attorneys in court next year to prove, once again, that ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ doesn’t work.”

“We are disappointed by the Court’s ruling to deny our application to vacate the stay by the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit,” said Dan Woods, White & Case partner who is representing Log Cabin Republicans. “With the likelihood of Congress repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ fading with each passing day, judicial relief continues to be perhaps the most viable avenue for ending this unconstitutional policy. We and Log Cabin Republicans will continue to fight on to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans who want to serve in our military without regard to their sexual orientation. Our next step will be to ask the Ninth Circuit to expedite the government’s appeal from Judge Phillips's judgment and injunction.”

Log Cabin Republicans filed suit in federal district court against “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in 2004. The case went to trial in Riverside, California in July of 2010, and Judge Virginia Phillips ruled on September 9, 2010 that the policy violated the First and Fifth Amendments of the Constitution. On October 12, 2010 Judge Phillips issued a worldwide, immediate and permanent injunction against enforcement of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” ###

Log Cabin Republicans promotes legislation to provide basic fairness for gay and lesbian Americans and works to build a more inclusive GOP. The 30-year old organization has state and local chapters nationwide, a full-time office in Washington, DC, a federal political action committee and state political action committees.

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Log Cabin Republicans News Release For Immediate Release. November 12, 2010

Saul Anuzis challenging Michael Steele for RNC chairmanship

TO: RNC Members FROM: Saul Anuzis, MI-NCM RE: Announcement for RNC Chairman DATE: November 12, 2010

Congratulations on your success, nationwide and state-by-state. Without the leadership you and our fellow members of the National Committee provide, we as a party, a conservative movement, would not have been able to rally America for the historic victory we achieved on Election Day.

This is an exciting time to be a Republican and, as leaders, we have an awesome task ahead of us. The American people have given us a ‘second chance’ and that opportunity brings with it huge responsibility and challenge.

Now we turn our attention to 2012. America must elect a new President. It is that hope, that necessity, that challenge, that draws me to announce my candidacy for the Chairmanship of the Republican National Committee.

I don’t take lightly the fact that I am challenging a friend and colleague for the Chairmanship. When Michael was elected Chairman, I was the only candidate who stepped forward to attend the next morning’s RNC breakfast meeting, agreed to join the transition team, and later took on several roles as a team player on the RNC…and have attended every meeting since.

Given my involvement and efforts to help over the past two years, it was not an easy decision for me to seek the post. As someone who believes in loyalty, my natural instinct would be to sit this out. But the simple fact is that the overriding challenge we face is winning back the Presidency in 2012 and we will not accomplish that objective unless there is dramatic change in the way the RNC does business.

We cannot be misled by our victories this year. In 1994 we won the House and Senate yet just two years later Bill Clinton cruised to re-election. As we’ve seen in the past two years public opinion can change with breathtaking speed.

We can’t rely on our wins in 2010 to carry us to success in 2012. We also can’t win in 2012 unless the RNC re-establishes itself as the powerful force that put us over the top in 2000 and 2004.

But to be a force, the RNC must change and that requires new leadership at the top. I am offering you an alternative, a choice, a different approach to the leadership and stewardship of our party.

Chairman Steele’s record speaks for itself. He has his way of doing things. I have mine.

We will not win in 2012 if the RNC is not able to provide the financial resources we need to support the organizational efforts and ground games of our state parties. Without a fully funded Victory program we will be overwhelmed by the efforts of the unions, the Obama campaign and all their allies.

Even though we won an overall victory in 2010 we lost some heartbreaking statewide races in places like Illinois, Colorado, West Virginia, Washington and Nevada, and countless congressional and legislative districts because the other side had a better turnout effort.

Think about your own state. Did some terrific Republican candidate work their hearts out, yet fall short by a handful of votes on Election Day? Now ask yourself: if the RNC had properly funded the Victory program in your state, would that candidate have been a winner? Would that candidate have benefited from a robust 72-hour program with ground troops sweeping in for the final weekend?

These are the stakes:

ü We will only win in 2012 if the RNC has the maximum level of resources it is allowed to spend on the GOP Presidential ticket.

ü We will only win in 2012 if the Chairman of the RNC steps out of the limelight and allows our elected officials and presidential candidates to be the face, voice, and agenda setter for Republicans.

ü And, we will only hold on to our gains–and expand them– if the RNC is able to provide the funding and leadership on reapportionment that is so critical.

Thankfully, in 2010 a group of alternative organizations emerged to help fill the void created by the RNC’s shortage of resources. They found support from many RNC major donors who had lost faith in the RNC. We need these groups and their support, but they can’t be expected to replace the RNC in a presidential year. We must rebuild the trust with our party’s major donors and bring them back to the table.

My philosophy of how the National Committee should be run is simple: to use a football analogy, I believe we should do the “blocking and tackling” for the candidates.

Today, we have many great potential candidates emerging as leaders of our country and our party. Member of Congress, Senators and Governors now present the ‘face’ of the Republican Party. As our elected representatives, it is their job to set the public policy agenda.

As party leaders and grassroots activists, it is our job to make the calls, knock on the doors, organize our states and precincts and, most importantly, raise the money to help elect Republicans.

With those thoughts in mind let me outline what I will do if you choose to elect me as Chairman.

ü I will be a tenacious fundraiser who will make fundraising my number 1 priority as Chairman. As the Michigan Republican Chairman during some of our party’s toughest times, I raised record amounts of money to make sure our efforts were funded. I will commit a majority of my time to funding our efforts for this upcoming cycle.

ü I will NOT strive to be the voice or the face of our party. Of course I will be happy to discuss politics and elections with the media, but I won’t be competing with valuable airtime from the men and women on our ticket. Instead, I will work with our elected leaders around the country to give them maximum exposure and guarantee a consistent message that leads us to victory.

ü I will be a nuts & bolts type of Chairman, one who will concentrate on the fundamentals and ensure we properly develop and execute our ground game. It will be my goal to create an unprecedented organizational base, fully funded, to make more phone calls, knock on more doors, mail more material and compete on the airwaves to get our message across.

ü I will work with our National Convention committee and ultimately our nominee for President to ensure an effective, efficient Convention that will showcase our party and launch our nominee into the general election campaign with momentum. I will work diligently to ensure that we spend every dollar towards running the most efficient and exciting convention possible.

ü I will raise the funds needed to make sure we have a state of the art reapportionment program nationwide. To take advantage of our 2010 state election victories we will need to buttress the efforts of our state parties and legislative caucuses to make sure they have the information technology, legal support, and data needed to win the redistricting war.

ü I will run a tight ship and be a conscientious steward of our donor’s money. I will engage both our donor community and the Budget Committee in a detailed review and supervision of how we allocate our resources. I will be accountable for every penny spent. I will always be mindful that the RNC’s resources come from hard-working Americans who love their country and were willing to sacrifice to make it a better place.

ü I will be a team player and work cooperatively with the NRSC, NRCC and RGA to elect more Republicans across our country. I will not take sides in the Presidential primary contest but will be a reliable player that the eventual presidential nominee will be able to depend on, and work with closely and cooperatively through the presidential campaign.

ü I will be available to you and the other Committee members and use your input and advice as we develop election targets and support programs.

ü I will be directly in charge of our Election Day programs and support efforts. During the final days of the 2012 campaign I will be at headquarters 24/7, overseeing our national campaign and making sure that every call is made, every email sent, every piece of literature delivered and every Republican voter we can identify gets to the polls in order to achieve success.

ü Finally, I will ONLY run for ONE term, help elect our president and support his/her recommendation for our next Chairman.

We saw this plan work in Michigan this year. By raising the necessary funds and giving local parties the tools they needed, the Michigan Republican Party created an environment where our slate of great candidates cruised to victory, winning every statewide office, taking back the state house and Supreme Court, increasing majority in the state senate and increasing our GOP Congressional delegation by two seats.

My agenda is very straightforward. I have no interest in running for office. I won’t be writing a book. It is not my goal to be famous. However, you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone who will work harder, more diligently and be more committed to electing Republicans from the top to every township and city across this great country of ours.

Our Republican Party has a proud history as the Grand Old Party but we have an even brighter future as the Grand Opportunity Party that leads us into the 21st century with innovative solutions based upon our proven principles.

In 2012 one of two things will happen. We will either win back the Senate and White House and set America on the right pathway forward, or we will squander this opportunity and allow President Obama to continue moving our nation to the left, to an era of unprecedented government growth and intrusion into our lives.

As an RNC member, the choice is yours as the outcome will be determined, in large part, by which party has the resources and the organizational program to prevail.

If you believe that what we have seen at the RNC the past two years is good enough to provide us a victory in 2012 then by all means you should stick with our current leadership and direction.

But if you agree with me that victory in 2012 requires a new set of priorities and new leadership I hope you will consider supporting my candidacy for RNC Chairman.

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: That’s Saul Folks!

Jim DeMint, chairman of the Senate Conservatives Fund, wrote this open letter to the new Senate conservatives VIDEO

U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, chairman of the Senate Conservatives Fund, wrote this open letter to the new Senate conservatives, encouraging them to take steps to maintain their independence as they begin their time in Washington.

WALL STREET JOURNAL

November 3, 2010

Welcome, Senate Conservatives

Remember what the voters back home want — less government and more freedom.

By JIM DEMINT

Congratulations to all the tea party-backed candidates who overcame a determined, partisan opposition to win their elections. The next campaign begins today. Because you must now overcome determined party insiders if this nation is going to be spared from fiscal disaster.

Many of the people who will be welcoming the new class of Senate conservatives to Washington never wanted you here in the first place. The establishment is much more likely to try to buy off your votes than to buy into your limited-government philosophy. Consider what former GOP senator-turned-lobbyist Trent Lott told the Washington Post earlier this year: "As soon as they get here, we need to co-opt them."

Don't let them. Co-option is coercion. Washington operates on a favor-based economy and for every earmark, committee assignment or fancy title that's given, payback is expected in return. The chits come due when the roll call votes begin. This is how big-spending bills that everyone always decries in public always manage to pass with just enough votes.

But someone can't be bribed if they aren't for sale. Here is some humble advice on how to recognize and refuse such offers.

First, don't request earmarks. If you do, you'll vote for legislation based on what's in it for your state, not what's best for the country. You will lose the ability to criticize wasteful spending. And, if you dare to oppose other pork-barrel projects, the earmarkers will retaliate against you.

In 2005, Sen. Tom Coburn (R., Okla.) offered a measure to kill funding for the infamous "Bridge to Nowhere." Before the vote, Sen. Patty Murray (D., Wash.), an appropriator, issued a warning on the Senate floor.

"If we start cutting funding for individual projects, your project may be next," she said. "When Members come down to the floor to vote on this amendment, they need to know if they support stripping out this project, Senator Bond [a Republican appropriator] and I are likely to be taking a long, serious look at their projects to determine whether they should be preserved during our upcoming conference negotiations."

The threat worked. Hardly anyone wanted to risk losing earmarks. The Senate voted 82-15 to protect funding for the Bridge to Nowhere.

Second, hire conservative staff. The old saying "personnel is policy" is true. You don't need Beltway strategists and consultants running your office. Find people who share your values and believe in advancing the same policy reforms. Staff who are driven by conservative instincts can protect you from unwanted, outside influences when the pressure is on.

Third, beware of committees. Committee assignments can be used as bait to make senators compromise on other matters. Rookie senators are often told they must be a member of a particular committee to advance a certain piece of legislation. This may be true in the House, but a senator can legislate on any matter from the Senate floor.

Fourth, don't seek titles. The word "Senator" before your name carries plenty of clout. All senators have the power to object to bad legislation, speak on the floor and offer amendments, regardless of how they are ranked in party hierarchy.

Lastly, don't let your re-election become more important than your job. You've campaigned long and hard for the opportunity to go to Washington and restore freedom in America. People will try to convince you to moderate conservative positions and break campaign promises, all in the name of winning the next race. Resist the temptation to do so. There are worse things than losing an election—like breaking your word to voters.

At your swearing-in ceremony, you will, as all senators do, take an oath to "support and defend the Constitution." Most will fail to keep their oath. Doing these five things will help you maintain a focus on national priorities and be one who does.

Congress will never fix entitlements, simplify the tax code or balance the budget as long as members are more concerned with their own narrow, parochial interests. Time spent securing earmarks and serving personal ambitions is time that should be spent working on big-picture reforms.

When you are in Washington, remember what the voters back home want—less government and more freedom. Millions of people are out of work, the government is going bankrupt and the country is trillions in debt. Americans have watched in disgust as billions of their tax dollars have been wasted on failed jobs plans, bailouts and takeovers. It's up to us to stop the spending spree and make sure we have a government that benefits America instead of being a burden to it.

Tea party Republicans were elected to go to Washington and save the country—not be co-opted by the club. So put on your boxing gloves. The fight begins today.

Mr. DeMint is a Republican senator from South Carolina.

TEXT CREDIT: Senate Conservatives Fund — WSJ: Welcome, Senate Conservatives

VIDEO CREDIT: patriotsnetwork

Reagan Presidential Library Foundation to Host First GOP Presidential Debate of the 2012 Campaign

NBC News and POLITICO to Co-Host and Moderate. SIMI VALLEY, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/11/10 -- Former First Lady Nancy Reagan today announced plans to invite all of the leading contenders for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination to two debates at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Reagan Presidential Foundation plans to play host to both the first GOP presidential debate of the 2012 election cycle in spring 2011 and a second GOP debate on the eve of the Super Tuesday primaries.

The Reagan Foundation has confirmed NBC News as the television partner and POLITICO as the online partner of the first debate. The media partners for the second, pre-Super Tuesday debate will be announced in 2011.

"Ronnie would be thrilled that the road to the White House will begin at his Presidential Library," Mrs. Reagan said. The Library hosted two debates in the 2008 election cycle, including the first of the election cycle. "I look forward to welcoming and watching the top candidates debate the issues next spring."

"The fact that we are already talking about the 2012 presidential race only foreshadows how invested and deeply-rooted America will be in the political discussion come next spring," said Steve Capus, President of NBC News. "We look forward to working with our esteemed colleagues at POLITICO and the Reagan Library to produce a world-class debate."

"We are honored to be involved in a presidential debate with NBC News and the Reagan Foundation," said Robert Allbritton, publisher of POLITICO. "There are so many important issues confronting this nation, and POLITICO is eager to work with NBC News to fashion a rich and spirited debate among the candidates about the major policy issues of the day."

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Ronald Reagan's legacy of inspired freedom and his timeless principles of individual liberty, economic opportunity, global democracy, and national pride. It sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Presidential Learning Center and The Air Force One Pavilion. Located in Simi Valley, California the Library houses 63 million pages of Gubernatorial, Presidential and personal papers and over 60,000 gifts and artifacts chronicling the lives of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. It now also serves as the final resting place of America's 40th President. www.reaganfoundation.org

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Governor Christie finds A New Poster Boy for Greed & Arrogance VIDEO

A New Poster Boy for Greed & Arrogance.

Governor Christie stands up against outrageous Superintendent salaries during a town hall meeting in Toms River, New Jersey on November 9, 2010.

VIDEO and TEXT CREDIT: GovChristie

Greg Walden John Boehner Transition Team Working to “return this government. . .to the people” VIDEO

Majority Transition Chairman Greg Walden. VIDEO Washington – Majority Transition Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) joined Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today at a media availability to discuss the transition effort and Republicans’ plans to get to work right away addressing the priorities of the American people:

creating jobs, cutting spending, and reforming Congress. Below is a transcript of Chairman Walden’s remarks.

“I think we got off to a really good start in the transition team. As many of you know, we had a couple of hours meeting on Monday night in Leader Boehner’s office, had a good presentation from different folks about the issues here, and how we can make this place more open, more accessible to the public.

“It is the public’s business, by the way. That’s a statement I’m giving out to everybody on the transition team: remember this is the public’s business that we’re doing. How do we open it up, how do we make it more accessible, how do we bring the public in, how do we return this government back to the people? How do we reform this process, how do we do get at the cost savings we all know can be achieved here, how do we improve the efficiencies … how do we do the things that you would reform if you were in charge?

“So let’s start and build a House that works for the people, because this is the people’s House. We’re also putting a lot of ideas out there, and I wanted you to understand that. Having been a small business owner for over 20 years, I ask all my people in the company: how do you fix it? Let’s throw them all up there and talk about it. It doesn’t mean every idea is one you go with, but I want to create the atmosphere we can have legitimate brainstorming, where we can really look at these issues and resolve them in a really positive way. And, by the way, take advantage of modern technology. Wouldn’t it be great if you could use modern technology so you didn’t have 200 copies of every single amendment in a bill, that everybody could maybe see it online in real time, including the members.

“I don’t know if we can get there tomorrow, next week, or a year from now, but we should invite in the people who can help us decide that and actually implement new technology into this facility. So wherever you are in America, you can watch your business being done and maybe help us do that business better.”

TEXT CREDIT: House GOP Office of Majority Transition:

IMAGE CREDIT: JohnBoehner

James Inhofe about earmarks VIDEO

Caution: Senator Inhofe doesn't think getting rid of earmarks will truly matter. AFA Channel, Senator Inhofe, American Family Radio, American Family Association.

VIDEO CREDIT: AmericanFamilyAssoc1

Greg Walden Announces Members of Majority Transition Team VIDEO

Washington – As Republicans prepare for a new majority in the House of Representatives, Transition Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) today announced the members of a transition team who will help ensure the House is ready to act right away on the priorities of the American people in January. Members of this team will work to implement the congressional reforms included in the Pledge to America and look at additional ways to make Congress more transparent, cost-efficient, and accountable to the people. Ready to get to work, the transition team will hold its first meeting this evening with further meetings scheduled for Tuesday. Upon announcement of the team members, Rep. Walden released the following statement.

“Americans have sent a clear message that Congress must be run differently, and this team is ready to prove that we’re listening,” said Rep. Walden. “Our transition team includes proven leaders who will meet our challenge to restore the House of Representatives as a great deliberative body that respects the will of the American people. The diverse mix of experience, backgrounds, and regions represented by this group will help to ensure this process brings meaningful reform to how Washington does business. Each one of these members accepted this responsibility with an encouraging enthusiasm, and I’m thankful to all of them for serving.”

Members of the GOP Majority Transition Team

Rep. Rob Bishop (UT-1)
Rep. John Campbell (CA-48)
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (WV-2)
Rep. Jason Chaffetz (UT-3)
Rep. Tom Cole (OK-4)
Rep. Mike Conaway (TX-11)
Rep. David Dreier (CA-26)
Rep.-elect Cory Gardner (CO-4)
Rep. Bob Goodlatte (VA-6)
Rep. Doc Hastings (WA-4)
Rep. Jeb Hensarling (TX-5)
Rep. Jim Jordan (OH-4)
Rep.-elect Adam Kinzinger (IL-11)
Rep. Buck McKeon (CA-25)
Rep. Candice Miller (MI-10)
Rep.-elect Martha Roby (AL-2)
Rep. Mike Rogers (MI-8)
Rep. Paul Ryan (WI-1)
Rep.-elect Tim Scott (SC-1)
Rep. Pete Sessions (TX-32)
Rep. Pat Tiberi (OH-12)

TEXT CREDIT: House GOP Office of Majority Transition:

Tim Scott to Join GOP Transition Committee

U.S. Representative-Elect Tim Scott will be one of four freshmen Members of Congress to join the GOP Transition Committee. The Committee, comprised of 21 lawmakers and led by Representative Greg Walden of Oregon, is charged with “reforming Congress, honoring the changes proposed in the Pledge to America, and making Congress more transparent, accountable and cost-effective.”

The Committee’s first meeting will be held Monday evening in House Minority Leader John Boehner’s office. Items on the agenda include ways to change Congress’ rules, its calendar, floor operations and the mechanisms that run the institution. The committee has been soliciting suggestions from the public and is already considering things like altering the House schedule to ensure hearings aren’t interrupted by votes. The committee is also looking to cut down on administrative costs of running the House.

“I am honored to have been asked to join the Transition Committee,” said Tim Scott, “and I look forward to bringing the voice of the voters of our District to the table in Washington.”

IMAGE CREDIT: FOXNEWS

TEXT CREDIT: Tim Scott For Congress

Renee Ellmers’ Recount

The Board of Elections in each county in the district are now counting 3,000 ‘provisional ballots.’ And, next Friday, each County Board (there are 10) will hold a ‘canvas’ to confirm the initial vote totals.

The good news is many of these ‘provisional’ ballots are in counties I won – like Johnston County which I carried 64% to 34%.

The bad news is today our attorneys informed my campaign that by next Friday, we face $70,000 in legal bills. And, after Friday, we face another $150,000 in costs for the recount.

Before I say another word, I want to thank everyone who has responded to my appeal for help. People from across the nation have contributed and their gifts have allowed us to quickly put the team we need in place to insure a fair vote recount. I also want to thank – from the heart – Sarah Palin, who joined in asking people to help, Rush Limbaugh, who discussed our recount today on his program, and every blogger who’s posted an article asking people give to help me.

Many people have expressed their disappointment that the National Republican Congressional Committee refused to help. Well, as President Reagan used to say, Sometimes you have to make a politician feel the heat to see the light. Whether it is due to Sarah Palin or Rush Limbaugh or all the bloggers helping us, the NRCC has seen the light. They have wired my Recount Fund $5,000 and committed to help us raise money. I am grateful for their help and, from here, we take one step at a time.

Right now, I have two deadlines staring me in the face:

1) I must be ready to pay our lawyers $70,000 for their work through next Friday.
2) And, after Friday, I have to be ready to pay another $150,000 – a total of $220,000.

So, as you can see, we’re a long way from meeting our goals, and, if you can, please send a contribution to the Renee Ellmers for Congress Recount Fund.

When you think about it, here’s the bottom line: Congressman Etheridge has already announced he will call for a recount. And if he returns to Washington it will be one more vote in Congress for Nancy Pelosi.

If you can contribute please give today.

Thank you and best wishes, Renee

TEXT and IMADE CREDIT: Renee Ellmers for Congress Committee P. O. Box 904 Dunn, NC 28335-0904 (252) 220-0181

Statement From Ann Marie Buerkle On Absentee Ballots

Ann Marie Buerkle

“It has recently come to my attention that there are efforts underway in Upstate New York to contact individuals who cast absentee ballots in the 25th Congressional District and inquire how they may have voted in the recent election. It is regrettable that this action is underway prior to those absentee votes being tabulated by county election officials. While the reasons for this effort are unclear – many agree it could be an attempt by some to identify who each person voted for in an effort to disqualify certain eligible ballots from being counted.

I would like the public to know that my campaign is not connected to this current effort. Further, no American – in Upstate New York or anywhere – is in anyway under obligation to provide information to anyone on how he or she voted in any election, including my own.”

“This Thursday is Veteran’s Day, and as Americans we will pause to honor all of our veterans who have sacrificed so much to protect the rights of all Americans. It is disappointing that such an activity would be underway at the same time our men and women in uniform are serving overseas to protect these very freedoms.”

“If anyone is contacted in this effort please know that your vote is privileged, and under no circumstances should an individual be pressured in to revealing how their vote was cast. If you are contacted, ask them to provide their full name, for whom they work, why they are seeking this information and if you are required to provide this information.” ###

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Ann Marie Buerkle for US Congress

Randy Altschuler Takes Lead for Congress (NY-1),

Accurate Count by Board of Elections Shows 393 Vote Lead Randy Altschuler, the Republican/Conservative candidate for Congress (NY-1), assumed the lead Friday evening in the hotly contested 1st Congressional District race.

Altschuler leads after the Suffolk County Board of Elections (B.O.E.) examined the voting machines upon their return to the Board of Elections' warehouse. The B.O.E reversed an approximately 3,400 vote deficit that was incorrectly reported shortly after the polls closed on Tuesday night. The new and accurate count puts Altschuler 393 votes ahead of four term incumbent Democrat Congressman Tim Bishop. Nearly 10,000 absentee ballots have been returned and remain to be counted.

Randy Altschuler said, "On Election Night, I told my supporters that this race was too close to call and that we were in the race until every vote was accurately counted. We were right! We are working closely with the National Republican Congressional Committee to guarantee that we have the resources needed to ensure that every vote is accurately and fairly counted. The voters of New York's 1st Congressional District deserve nothing less." # # #

TEXT CREDIT: Randy Altschuler for Congress>

IMAGE CREDIT: teamaltschuler

Joe Walsh The People have Won with This Victory

By Joe Walsh 8th This photo was taken on August 17, 2010. * All Rights Reserved

The counting of regular ballots is over and we have prevailed. There are a small number of absentee ballots that arrived past the point where they could be tallied in the precinct. These few ballots will be counted by each of the three local election authorities.

In McHenry and Lake Counties, where we won with a sizable margin, the Clerk’s offices will count the few absentee ballots on the 16th of November as allowed by statute.

Cook County has been counting ballots for a few days now and each time the results have been released, the trends from election night have continued. We see no viable reason why that trend will change. That is why Congressman-elect Walsh has begun a respectful transition to represent the people of the 8th district.

Nick Provenzano, spokesman for Congressman-elect Joe Walsh.

Joe Walsh for Congress Committee | 218 North Barron Blvd (Rt. 83) | Grayslake, IL 60030

Federal Contractor in Alaska Caught On Tape touting Lisa Murkowski to voters VIDEO

This was a Huckabee exclusive this evening, when Governor Mike Huckabee had Alaska Senate hopeful, Joe Miller, on his show to discuss the continuing saga of the vote counting in Alaska for the too-close-to-call race there. Someone obtained a video of a federal contractor, at a federal installation, discussing the upcoming election for Alaska Senator. While the contractor said he wasn't TELLING them to vote for Lisa Murkowski, he advised them that a vote for Lisa would help continue to bring in federal money for the state, and in turn, federal money for those projects for which this contractor was involved.

He even reminded them that her name had to be spelled correctly as a write-in candidate, and offered pocket cards with helpful information if they wanted them to take to the polls with them.

Can you imagine the hue and cry if this would have been done to encourage a similar group to vote for the Tea Party backed candidate, Joe Miller??? It would be the lead story on all news outlets tonight, through the weekend and into next week. We'll see if and when the MSM decides to even report on this, but I won't be holding my breath.

VIDEO and TEXT CREDIT: TheRealMsU

ORRIN HATCH ON WAY FORWARD ON PREVENTING TAX INCREASES ON AMERICAN FAMILIES, JOB CREATORS

Utah Senator Says Splitting Off Small Business Tax Relief is a “Non Starter” SALT LAKE CITY – U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement today after President Obama indicated on CBS’ 60 Minutes that he is willing to work with Republicans on taxes:

“The fact that the President has indicated he would work with Republicans to ensure taxes don’t go up on millions of American families and a job creator is a step in the right direction.

“The best thing for our fragile economy would be to permanently stop the widespread tax hikes that are set to go into effect on January 1. That’s what Senator McConnell put forward, is something I strongly support and needs to be considered.

“However, splitting off the small business tax relief – or the top two marginal tax rates – is a non-starter. That’s a tax increase plain and simple that would be used to fund more Washington spending, while discouraging private sector job growth. That’s not what the American people or our fragile economy need.

“A reasonable path forward should be on the table. It would garner support from Democrats and Republicans alike. That path forward is an extension of all the tax relief well past the next election.

“Furthermore, Congress needs to act before January 1 – during the lame duck session of Congress to protect the American people from massive tax increases. The Democrat majority in Congress had four years to prevent these tax increases, but have irresponsibly failed to act. We have a limited amount of time left, so I hope the White House and its Capitol Hill allies step up to the plate to act in a responsible manner.” ###

104 Hart Office Building - Washington, DC 20510 - Tel: (202) 224-5251 - Fax: (202) 224-6331

US Senator Orrin Hatch November 8th, 2010 Media Contact(s): Mark Eddington and Antonia Ferrier, (202) 224-5251

Michele Bachmann seeking the position of House Republican Conference Chair

Bachmann Seeks Conference Chair Support from Colleagues. Washington, Nov 8 - Last week Congresswoman Michele Bachmann announced she is seeking the position of House Republican Conference Chair. Below is the “Dear Colleague” letter she sent to fellow Republican representatives.

November 3, 2010

Dear Republican Colleague,

Yesterday Americans exercised their right at the ballot box and with their voice entrusted the future of the House of Representatives to the Republican Party. With our majority designation we must now pursue a limited government by lowering taxes, ending the bailouts, and decreasing the debt. We are at a pivotal point in our nation’s history and the American people want to know their elected officials are working towards results. Faced with Democratic control of the Senate and the White House, proclaiming our party’s message effectively will be imperative. If the American people know they have a voice in Washington then our message must resonate from coast to coast.

I write you today to ask for your support as I announce my candidacy for Republican Conference Chair. In this important position, I pledge to you to listen to your concerns and to the needs of your district so together we can deliver a unified message with an organized strategy.

My goal will be to build on the excellent work Chairman Mike Pence has accomplished. As we witnessed yesterday, during his chairmanship Mike equipped our Conference with the tools necessary to effectively communicate our message.

Last night’s victory was an historic election which was fueled by the heartfelt concerns of the American people over whether our great experiment in liberty will survive. Our majority votes were garnered from disillusioned Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, and remarkably, from people with no particular political affiliation at all.

During this election cycle and across the nation the American people have asked, “Will the new Republican majority reflect our values as they assume their position of leadership?" This is a critical question our Conference needs to answer.

Over the past four years, I have fought continually (and at some cost) for the principals of constitutional conservatism. I have successfully communicated this message in Washington and to the people we serve across America. In part, I have been highly targeted because I have been willing to challenge the Obama/Pelosi liberal establishment.

To our Conference I bring strong principled conservative values, a proven level of experience, effectiveness with our friends in the local and national media, and an energetic national constituency that reflects the results of Tuesday night. It is important that our Conference demonstrate to the people who sent us here that their concerns will be tirelessly advanced at the table of leadership.

With your support I assure you Conference will listen to the concerns of the American people, the same people that gave us this historic majority.

Your friend in the cause of liberty,

Michele

P.S. I often think the greatest test comes when our party is in the majority. We must prove that we are up to the task and will see our agenda through.

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, Proudly Serving the 6th District of Minnesota. # Washington Office 107 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2331 Fax: (202) 225-6475.

Michele Bachmann The Need for Tax Cuts VIDEO

Michele Bachmann The Need for Tax Cuts VIDEO

Rep. Bachmann discusses compromise in the new Congress and one item Republicans will not compromise on -- tax cuts. She promotes tax cuts for all and explains why they will be good for job creation and our nation's economy.

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: RepMicheleBachmann

Thomas Foley concedes Connecticut governor race VIDEO

Thomas Foley concedes Connecticut governor race VIDEO

Tom Foley, the Republican candidate for governor of Connecticut, has conceded the close race to Democrat Dan Malloy despite questions about the election process. (Nov. 8)

“The election on Tuesday was a conclusive victory for Dan Malloy and this result should not be questioned,”

"I hope my supporters will accept my word on this,"

"Even though I will not be serving as your governor, I hope to use what I've learned to help our great state,"

“As soon as I am done with this press conference, I will call Dan Malloy and congratulate him and wish him good luck.”

VIDEO and TEXT CREDIT: AssociatedPress

Chris Christie Meet the Press Nov. 7, 2010 TEXT VIDEO

NBC News This is a rush transcript provided for the information and convenience of the press. Accuracy is not guaranteed. In case of doubt, please check with MEET THE PRESS NBC NEWS 885-4598 (Sundays: 885-4200)

VIDEO, IMAGE and TEXT CREDIT: Meet the Press

MR. GREGORY: We now turn to the aforementioned Republican who has emerged as a leader of his party, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

Welcome to the program.

GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE (R-NJ): Thank you, David.

MR. GREGORY: Good to have you here.

GOV. CHRISTIE: Happy to be here.

MR. GREGORY: When you talk about the response from the voters on Election Day, something's very curious. We know some of the feelings about the Democrats, about President Obama's policies, but look at this from the exit polls in terms of the opinion of political parties. Republicans didn't fare too well either; 52 percent unfavorable rating. What does that say about the Republican Party today?

GOV. CHRISTIE: You know, I think what it says is what I was saying all over the country, that's it's put up or shut up time for our party. You know, we lost our way last decade, David, we did, and people expect us to do better. And if the Republican Party wants to come back, they're going to have to do what they said they were going to do. I mean, because if they don't, we're going to be sent to the wilderness for a long time, and we're going to deserve it.

MR. GREGORY: What does that mean? What do they have to put up?

GOV. CHRISTIE: What they have to do is they say they want, and, and we're doing it in New Jersey: smaller government, less spending, less regulation, lower taxes. That's what the public is saying that they want. And if you look at what we've done in New Jersey, David, we're delivering on that. We're not fixed yet, but we're on the track to being fixed, closing an $11 billion budget deficit without any new or increased taxes, cutting the corporate business tax. We're doing things to try to create an environment where private sector jobs can grow.

MR. GREGORY: And, and I want to talk about some of the choices you made in New Jersey. But, you know, you heard Senator DeMint, and there's a lot of Republicans talking about cutting the deficit, cutting the budget, but they're not specific. He wasn't specific. He talks about Paul Ryan, who has some ideas about Medicare and changing the way that's structured, indeed, making some cuts. Paul Ryan in the House, he's from Wisconsin, doesn't have support among establishment Republicans. There are 15 Republicans who stood up behind him in terms of making these cuts. Are Republicans really making good when Senator DeMint and others aren't specific about the cuts they're going to make to entitlements or to defense, to the big ticket items that really move the budget?

GOV. CHRISTIE: Well, let me tell you what's--where the leadership's going to come from. You have 11 Republican governors and a Democratic governor, Andrew Cuomo in New York, who have said we can't raise taxes and we have to cut spending in everything. In New Jersey what we did was we cut spending in every department, a 9 percent cut in real spending, not projected spending, real spending year over year. Find another state that did that and, and we'll go and talk about it. I mean, we made real hard decisions, and I cut some programs that we would've liked to have kept.

MR. GREGORY: Mm-hmm.

GOV. CHRISTIE: But we're broke. We don't have the money anymore. And so I hope that what these governors, Republicans and Democrats, will show Washington is you can do this and you have to do it.

MR. GREGORY: I asked Senator DeMint about sacrifice, and he said, `Oh, we don't want to, we don't want to break our promise to our seniors. In your state, what are you telling people they have to sacrifice and what do Republicans around the country have to tell Americans they have to sacrifice if they want to bring the size of government under control and the deficit under control?

GOV. CHRISTIE: We told everybody there has to be shared sacrifice among everyone, and let me be specific. We cut every department of state government. We cut funding to K to 12 education. We are proposed real pension and benefit reforms on public sector workers, increasing the retirement age, eliminating COLAs, things that are really going to bring the pension problem back under control. We cut all of this spending in the state in every state department, David, every state department. From environmental protection, to military and veterans affairs, all the way through had to sustain a cut. Those are the type of things you have to do to show people you really mean shared sacrifice. Everyone came to the table and everybody had to contribute.

MR. GREGORY: So, as you, as a national Republican with national influence now--and you've met with congressional Republicans and talked about issues--does everything have to be on the table?

GOV. CHRISTIE: What I told them was they'd better come up with a plan that's credible like we did in New Jersey, and the public's going to be able to smell real quickly if you're not credible. And if we are not credible, then we are really going to be in trouble as a party, and I think the numbers you showed indicate that.

MR. GREGORY: What about the tea party, the tea party's influence on the Republican party? Net positive, net negative? What do you think?

GOV. CHRISTIE: Net positive. Listen, the core that drives the tea party, in my view, are those four principles I talked about before--less spending, smaller government and less intrusive government, lower regulation, and lower taxes. And when Republicans are at their best, those are our core principles. And so I think that, at bottom, it's a positive influence. Listen, you're going to have variances around, around the country. I endorsed Mike Castle in the primary...

MR. GREGORY: Right, in Delaware.

GOV. CHRISTIE: Yes.

MR. GREGORY: Right.

GOV. CHRISTIE: Because I felt he was the best person.

MR. GREGORY: Is that a wake--do you agree with Lindsey Graham from South Carolina or Jim DeMint from South Carolina, that Delaware is a wake-up call for Republicans?

GOV. CHRISTIE: I think Delaware was a missed opportunity to have a really good United States senator in Mike Castle, and that's why I endorsed him in the primary.

MR. GREGORY: Let me talk a little bit more about New Jersey and taxes and spending. And I want to talk specifically about the--this ARC tunnel, this rail tunnel that would've connected New York and New Jersey and the controversy surrounding this. To boil all of this down, the federal government, as I understand it, offered you a deal. You were worried about cost, cost overruns, and they said, "Look, we're going to take care of that. New Jersey's not going to be responsible." So critics have used...

GOV. CHRISTIE: Whoa, let me stop you right there.

MR. GREGORY: Yeah.

GOV. CHRISTIE: No chance. That never happened. The federal government said $3 billion is what they were going to give us, and I had to sign a contract saying every nickel over $3 billion was the responsibility of the federal government. All the federal government offered me in the interim two week period, between the time when I first canceled the tunnel, was the ability to get federal loans...

MR. GREGORY: Mm-hmm.

GOV. CHRISTIE: ...that we'd have to pay back.

MR. GREGORY: They weren't going to shift this to...

GOV. CHRISTIE: No.

MR. GREGORY: ...private companies to be able to take care of it?

GOV. CHRISTIE: No. It was federal loans or, if we wanted a public-private partnership, we had to have increased fees on all the train tickets, for all the commuters, all across New Jersey, including ones that weren't using the tunnel, to be able to repay it. No matter what, David, this was going to fall on the people of the state of New Jersey, and the worst part was, it was a blank check. No one could tell me how much this was going to cost. We had already put $5.7 billion up from the state of New Jersey, and we were talking about $2 billion to $5 billion in overruns now. I mean, we could not sustain that. We're broke.

MR. GREGORY: Is this a matter of ideology for you, or simply a pragmatic issue that you don't have the money? And by that I mean, should the federal government be involved in big infrastructure projects like this?

GOV. CHRISTIE: Sure, they should. And you know what? I gave the federal government two weeks to come back to me and say if this is a project of such national importance, then put more money on the table for it. But, you know, they didn't. In, in Florida, where they're building high speed rail, Florida's being asked to give a 20 percent match to an 80 percent for federal. In this project, New Jersey was picking up 70 percent of the cost, the feds 30 percent and nothing from the state or the city of New York. Listen, this is about fairness and about what we could afford, and I'm not going to sign blank checks on the taxpayers in the state of New Jersey for a project that, as laudable as it might be in some respects, we simply can't afford now. When we talked to the campaign, David, about tough choices, this is an example.

MR. GREGORY: Tax cuts. You've got a millionaires tax in New Jersey, which I know that you're opposed to.

GOV. CHRISTIE: Not anymore, we don't.

MR. GREGORY: Not anymore because...

GOV. CHRISTIE: No.

MR. GREGORY: ...you vetoed it.

GOV. CHRISTIE: Yes.

MR. GREGORY: You've got high taxes across the board.

GOV. CHRISTIE: We do.

MR. GREGORY: How do you deal with that as a Republican governor of New Jersey?

GOV. CHRISTIE: Well, first you say, "No more." And the Democrats sent me an extension of the millionaires tax that would have not only hit individuals but small business in New Jersey, and I vetoed it. And I'm not going to increase taxes on the state that the Tax Foundation has said is the highest burdened tax state in America, especially if you look at our unemployment rate, David, ours is higher than any state in our region. The reason is, over the last eight years under Corzine and McGreevey, we raised taxes and fees 115 times. We put a wet blanket on the economy of New Jersey, and that's why our people are still out of work disproportionately to everybody else in the region. New York is a point lower. Pennsylvania is more than a point lower. I mean, we, you know, we did this to ourselves with all these increased taxes.

MR. GREGORY: What about the Bush tax cuts and extending those? You've said that should happen at all levels for a couple of years, but you've said only a couple of years because there is a day of reckoning here. Can you have tax cuts when you also want to balance the, the budget? Or do you have to consider tax increases at the federal level at some point?

GOV. CHRISTIE: Well, you know, I've been watching you for weeks talk about extending the Bush tax cuts. Drives me crazy when I'm sitting at home. This is about maintaining the current tax structure in a time we have a very weak economy. And so I favor extending these for another two years, extending the current tax system and not having a tax increase...

MR. GREGORY: But those, I mean, wait a minute. It may drive you crazy, and I know other Republicans that feel the same way. But I've also talked to Republicans. I've talked to economists like Alan Greenspan who say there is no free lunch here. You cannot have tax cuts at this level and not have them be paid for. And other Republicans say, yes, they should be pay for. So you do agree they should be paid for.

GOV. CHRISTIE: Well, obviously--well, listen, I've, I'm walking the walk in New Jersey, David.

MR. GREGORY: OK.

GOV. CHRISTIE: I mean, when I said we're vetoing the millionaires tax, I found spending tax to pay for that.

MR. GREGORY: So you can have existing tax policy, but it still has to be offset.

GOV. CHRISTIE: Well, listen, and I'm not disagreeing with you, David.

MR. GREGORY: OK.

GOV. CHRISTIE: But I'm--what I'm disagreeing with you is you characterizing what's happening here as a--as tax cuts. This is maintaining the current tax policy in a weak economy, and what you're, what you're advocating through your question is tax increases.

MR. GREGORY: Right. I'm not--that's not fair. I'm not advocating. I'm, I'm questioning whether or not they have to be paid for.

GOV. CHRISTIE: Well, when you call the, when you call the tax cuts, what I'm saying is the--I take the position as the opposite of that.

MR. GREGORY: Right. Right.

GOV. CHRISTIE: The opposite of that is it is a tax increase in a weakened...

MR. GREGORY: But they are set to expire.

GOV. CHRISTIE: ...weaks in, in a weakened economy. And what I'm saying is you should keep the current tax structure in place until our economy gets stronger.

MR. GREGORY: That's fine. But they're set to expire, so if you're going to re-authorize them, they're, they're, you're voting for tax cuts.

GOV. CHRISTIE: No, you're not voting for tax cuts. You're voting to maintain the current tax structure.

MR. GREGORY: I understand, a continuation.

GOV. CHRISTIE: That's a...

MR. GREGORY: But there's...

GOV. CHRISTIE: And then we agree.

MR. GREGORY: And there's still an offset issue.

GOV. CHRISTIE: Well, then we agree.

MR. GREGORY: OK.

The, the issue of where there's room for negotiation, is there room for negotiation in your mind? Should the president make a deal here on, on these things for a certain period of time? Does everybody, then, in a couple of years have to come to this and say, "Maybe these aren't the best ideas. Maybe we also have to think about tax increases at some point"?

GOV. CHRISTIE: Well, I think the first thing that the president has to focus on is building private sector jobs again in this country. And I don't think, by increasing taxes, that's the way to--that we're going to get it done in the short term. And so, sure, there's areas for compromise, I'm sure there are, between Republican leaders in the Congress and the president. But the president has to lead on this. And I think that the message is really clear, I got the message from the election, it's about putting people back to work. And you will not put people back to work in private sector jobs by increasing the cost in the private sector.

MR. GREGORY: A couple more areas. I want to--you've become an YouTube star, as you well know, because you've had some, some interactions with voters, including when you were campaigning for Meg Whitman out in California. Let me show that moment.

(Videotape, September 22, 2010)

GOV. CHRISTIE: You know what, you want to yell, yell at me, but don't give her a hard time. We're here. We're here talking about the future of the state of California and the future of our country. And you know what?

Unidentified Man: And you're just talking about the truth that's she's lying about.

GOV. CHRISTIE: And you know what? And you know what? Let me tell you, and let me tell you this. You know what? It's people who raise their voices and yell and scream like you that are dividing this country. We're here to bring this country together, not to divide it.

(End videotape)

MR. GREGORY: So what's the balance? On to a style question. The balance for you being a straight talker, you know, taking on the corrosive conversations we have about politics, and then your image as being a little too brusque, bullying, you know, Governor Wrecking Ball? How do you, how do you straddle that line?

GOV. CHRISTIE: Well, I am who I am. I don't straddle the line. And I think what people in New Jersey appreciate about, appreciate about me is I don't send smoke signals. They know who I am. They know how I feel about issues. Sometimes they agree with and sometimes they don't, but all I think that that clip indicates is that when I have something on my mind, I'm going to say it. I'm going to say it directly. And I think that we have too little of that in politics, David. And when, when I sit around and watch the way some people in political life talk, it, it fogs me over. And I think it fogs people in America over too. They want to hear somebody say, "If you feel a certain way, say it and live with the consequences." I'm willing to let the chips fall where they may on that issue.

MR. GREGORY: So the question is whether you're going to say all this stuff at a national level.

You've ruled out running for president in 2012. But you're also acting like a guy who's increasing your national influence. You're campaigning for congressional Republicans. Why do all of that? Why, especially in tight races, if you're not looking down the line at running?

GOV. CHRISTIE: Because I care about my country, and because I felt that those people where the absolute best candidates to help make our country a better place. And so that's why I campaigned for them. I have no other agenda. And to the extent that New Jersey over the last year can serve as an example to people that say, "Listen, you can cut spending. You can balance a budget without tax increases. You can make hard choices and not only survive politically but thrive politically." Then I want to try to set that example for folks so that these other new governors who are coming in, members of Congress...

MR. GREGORY: Mm-hmm.

GOV. CHRISTIE: ...that they will act boldly and be strong.

MR. GREGORY: Shermanesque statement, you're not running in 2012?

GOV. CHRISTIE: Absolutely.

MR. GREGORY: You wouldn't be on a ticket at all as VP?

GOV. CHRISTIE: Can you see me as somebody's vice president, David, after, after that question about governor wrecking ball? I would feel bad for that poor man or woman.

MR. GREGORY: What about down the line, beyond 2012? What, what criteria would you use in making a decision about whether to run for president?

GOV. CHRISTIE: Well, first I have to decide whether I run for re-election in 2013 in New Jersey, and that's going to be determined by how good a job I do and whether the people in the state of New Jersey want me back. So before you ever get to anything beyond that, you know, my mother always taught me first things first. Do your job. Do your job that the people of New Jersey gave you. I love being governor and I'm got to be governor until 2013, then we'll see what the verdict of the people is of the job I did on 2013.

MR. GREGORY: So fair at least to say the door is open beyond 2012.

GOV. CHRISTIE: I'm going to need a job, David, after 2013, you know? And so whether it's going to be being governor of New Jersey or doing something else, I have four kids between 7 and 17, I'm working the rest of my life anyway. So it's going to be doing something, David, so maybe it'll be that. Who knows.

MR. GREGORY: Governor Christie, thank you very much.

GOV. CHRISTIE: Thank you, David.

MR. GREGORY: Appreciate it.

VIDEO, IMAGE and TEXT CREDIT: Meet the Press