Republicans need to show backbone, 'return to core principles'
Editor:
//
Will the Republican Party please step up, display evidence of vertebrae and return to its core principles of minimal spending, limited government and standing with conviction?
One would think that the 2006 and 2008 thrashings would be enough to wake it up. However, that does not appear to be the case, and Georgia needs to step up if we are to remain overwhelmingly red and have the Congressional numbers to defeat Barack Obama's radical agenda.
U.S. Sens. Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson are enormous disappointments. Both flirted with amnesty for illegal aliens until we sent a loud message. Both voted for the bank bailout so that the banks awarding eight-figure bonuses and severance packages for pathetic performance and purchasing private aircrafts and going on spa and five-star junkets can be reimbursed.
Both let Sen. Richard Shelby insert an 11th-hour provision into a spending bill (something that he has been trying to do for years) that impacts our water supply via the Tallapoosa River Basin, which originates in north Georgia and runs southwest through Alabama. Both admitted knowledge of the provision, but did not think that it would pass. Military folks would call that, "dereliction in the performance of duty."
Chambliss had an electoral scare against Jim Martin, a man many local Democrats laugh at. One would think that it would serve as a wake-up call for Chambliss and Isakson. Boy were we wrong. Both voted to confirm Eric Holder as attorney general. Both voted to confirm Hillary Clinton for secretary of state. Hillary Clinton, America's top diplomat?
Both were asked to explain their votes. Both demurred from doing so. Both give the impression that they have more to do with the earth spinning than they actually do. Both need a wake-up call.
Will someone please step up to challenge Isakson for the Republican nomination in 2010? If Martin made it to a runoff with Chambliss, then a Democrat with a brain will defeat Isakson if his trend of irresponsible liberalism continues. Do we really want Obama to have 60-plus Democratic senators when he puts forth record spending and health care legislation and judicial nominees?
Lee Benedict
Martinez