Not a good time to be a Republican

By Dr. James “Jim” Kadlecek

“In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican.” – H.L. Mencken

The opening quote intends no disrespect for my Republican friends (some of my best pals are R’s). Rather, it is intended to emphasize that these are tough times for the Grand Old Party.

They have one of most unpopular presidents in American History. G.W. continues to stubbornly pursue policies that are not just out of step with public opinion, but that most serious students of world affairs believe are damaging to the United States and to the world. His cabinet members and advisers are fleeing the sinking ship of the administration in droves.

Even libertarian-Republican Alan Greenspan, in his recent book, takes the president to task because of his fiscal policies – specifically, the mountain of federal debt that he will leave his successor.

On the campaign trail for the 2008 presidential election, public and media attention is primarily focused on the Democrats, who have several candidates stirring interest. The Republicans, on the other hand, are fielding several ho-hum candidates who are, well, pretty boring… and are mostly mouthing the same rhetoric that got us into the current war-debt mess.

Even our own Pete Domenici, the epitome of the shoo-in for re-election over the past 30 or more years, finds himself in some trouble, with the public wondering about his ethics due to the U.S. attorney scandal. I’m sorry to see Pete in this difficulty, because he has probably done more for New Mexico than any politician in the past 100 years. He brings home the bacon with amazing proficiency.

He recently distanced himself from Bush’s Iraq policies, and that, along with his network of longtime supporters, will probably be enough to re-elect him in 2008.

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce has problems because of an allegation that he did not fully disclose a personal financial transaction. He also has problems because he is tightly tied to Bush’s policies.

Pearce faces a young, energetic opponent in Bill McCamley, who will give him a major run for his money. Bill has a decent shot at upsetting the three-term congressman from Hobbs if the Democrats will get solidly behind him. It’s unfortunate that The Reverend Kissling has gotten into the race, but McCamley should be able to defeat him. Now, if Joe Cervantes would do the right thing, and take his name out of consideration and get behind McCamley, that would clear the way for Bill to raise the funds he will need to mount a strong campaign.

The pendulum is swinging away from the GOP

So, does it really matter which party controls the Congress and the presidency? Many Americans wonder about that. Polls since the early 1970s show a declining number who believe government in Washington can be trusted to do the right thing. The level of trust is low regardless of which party is in control. The latest poll shows that only about 30 percent have confidence in our national government.

Nevertheless, the political parties know what difference it makes. It’s about power and control. The majority party in Congress dictates the agenda and controls budget allocations. The budget is the main policy document each year, and deciding how some $3 trillion is spent is major power, wouldn’t you say? Having your man (or woman) in the White House also gives major control over policies, programs and money.

But if you are a skeptic about the two parties, and wonder what differences exist, check out their respective party platforms, easily accessible on their Web sites, democrats.org and gop.com. Or listen to the debates and look at the Web sites of the various candidates for the presidency.

It’s not hard to figure out. A vote for the Republicans would continue the Middle East and Iraq policies of the Bush administration, with probably only minor variations. It would also maintain the Bush tax cuts that mostly benefited wealthy individuals and have resulted in huge annual federal deficits and a mountain of federal debt (now nearly $9 trillion).

A vote for the Democrats would result in a shift in Iraq policy and, at the least, a significant reduction in U.S. involvement in that troubled country. It would also mean some tax shifts that would benefit middle-income tax payers, and probably a movement toward universal health care.

In other words, if the Democrats win, you will see change. The country is ready for and needs some change. As Benjamin Disraeli said, “Change is inevitable. In a progressive country change is constant.”

And that’s why it’s not a great time to be a Republican. The political pendulum of change is swinging away from the GOP.

Kadlecek has lived in Doña Ana County since 1996, served in the Colorado Legislature and holds a doctorate in public administration. He’s the author of the book “Capitol Rape.” His column runs on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month and other times that he gets fired up about something.