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http://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/GOP_Contenders_/2007/12/12/56450.html
GOP Contenders Say Cut Federal Spending
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
JOHNSTON, Iowa -- Republican presidential rivals called Wednesday for deep
cuts in federal spending, and said the reductions need not require painful
sacrifice by the millions of Americans who receive government services.
"The sacrifice we need from the American people is saying, 'Let the programs
go that don't work. Don't lobby for them forever," said former Massachusetts
Gov. Mitt Romney, one of nine GOP presidential hopefuls sharing an Iowa
debate stage little more than three weeks before the state's caucuses
provide the first test of the campaign.
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani called for across-the-board cuts of up
to 15 percent, including reduced federal spending on health care. "Rather
than relying on a nanny government, let's rely on people to decide their own
health care," he said.
The debate was the last before the Iowa caucuses on Jan 3, and came in the
midst of a remarkable period of turmoil in the race for the Republican
presidential nomination.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has eroded Giuliani's lead in nationwide
polls, and he has overtaken Romney in public surveys of likely caucus goers
in Iowa. The result has been an increase in testiness - Romney on Tuesday
became the first candidate to assail another in a TV ad, hitting Huckabee
for his position on immigration.
But all nine men on the debate stage were on their best behavior in the
opening moments of the 90-minute event, and the format offered little or no
opportunity for a spirited exchange on immigration or any other issue.
Carolyn Washburn, the editor of The Des Moines Register, presided over a
debate that was more like a recitation of long-held positions by the
candidates than an attempt to highlight differences.
Former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee was an exception on the question
about spending cuts and sacrifice. "We've got to spend more for the military
as a matter of fact, but we've got to look at Social Security and Medicare
and do some things that won't hurt anybody badly," he said. Thompson, alone
among the White House contenders in both parties, has called for steps to
reduce the benefits promised to future retirees.
Washburn brought about a mini-revolt at one point when she asked all the
candidates to raise their hands if they thought global warming was a serious
threat caused by human behavior. "I'm not doing hand shows today," said
Thompson.
Ultimately, no one disputed that it was a problem and humans at least
contribute to it.
"I know it's real," said Sen. John McCain of Arizona, who advocates
legislation to tackle the problem.
"Climate change is real. It's happening. Human beings are contributing to
it," agreed Giuliani.
GOP Contenders Say Cut Federal Spending
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
JOHNSTON, Iowa -- Republican presidential rivals called Wednesday for deep
cuts in federal spending, and said the reductions need not require painful
sacrifice by the millions of Americans who receive government services.
"The sacrifice we need from the American people is saying, 'Let the programs
go that don't work. Don't lobby for them forever," said former Massachusetts
Gov. Mitt Romney, one of nine GOP presidential hopefuls sharing an Iowa
debate stage little more than three weeks before the state's caucuses
provide the first test of the campaign.
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani called for across-the-board cuts of up
to 15 percent, including reduced federal spending on health care. "Rather
than relying on a nanny government, let's rely on people to decide their own
health care," he said.
The debate was the last before the Iowa caucuses on Jan 3, and came in the
midst of a remarkable period of turmoil in the race for the Republican
presidential nomination.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has eroded Giuliani's lead in nationwide
polls, and he has overtaken Romney in public surveys of likely caucus goers
in Iowa. The result has been an increase in testiness - Romney on Tuesday
became the first candidate to assail another in a TV ad, hitting Huckabee
for his position on immigration.
But all nine men on the debate stage were on their best behavior in the
opening moments of the 90-minute event, and the format offered little or no
opportunity for a spirited exchange on immigration or any other issue.
Carolyn Washburn, the editor of The Des Moines Register, presided over a
debate that was more like a recitation of long-held positions by the
candidates than an attempt to highlight differences.
Former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee was an exception on the question
about spending cuts and sacrifice. "We've got to spend more for the military
as a matter of fact, but we've got to look at Social Security and Medicare
and do some things that won't hurt anybody badly," he said. Thompson, alone
among the White House contenders in both parties, has called for steps to
reduce the benefits promised to future retirees.
Washburn brought about a mini-revolt at one point when she asked all the
candidates to raise their hands if they thought global warming was a serious
threat caused by human behavior. "I'm not doing hand shows today," said
Thompson.
Ultimately, no one disputed that it was a problem and humans at least
contribute to it.
"I know it's real," said Sen. John McCain of Arizona, who advocates
legislation to tackle the problem.
"Climate change is real. It's happening. Human beings are contributing to
it," agreed Giuliani.
