They are too principled to let Obama save the country they wrecked.
That's how principled they are, and you have to admire that. On a principle scale from 1 to 10 that's about a 25.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090217/ap_on_go_co/republicans_stimulusGOP tries to restore image of fiscal discipline
WASHINGTON – Seeking political traction, Republicans are using the economic stimulus package to try to restore an image of fiscal discipline tarnished by a free-spending GOP Congress under former President George W. Bush.
The GOP's strategy of emphasizing its so-called bedrock principles — restrained spending, limited government and deep tax cuts — comes as the party works to rehabilitate itself after eight years of Bush's leadership and rebound from back-to-back elections that saw Republicans lose their grip on Congress and the White House.
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But once the economy turns around, Republicans could easily be cast as modern-day Herbert Hoovers who wanted to do nothing — even though the GOP presented its own stimulus plans, which were heavier on tax cuts and lighter on government spending.
Republicans also leave themselves vulnerable to criticism that tax cuts on the GOP's watch contributed to the recession. And they could invite charges of hypocrisy, given that government spending ballooned when Bush and his GOP were at the helm.
Nevertheless, House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio downplays any notion of a political risk.
"Standing on principle and doing the right things for the right reasons, on behalf of your constituents, will never get you in trouble," he said.
But Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y., predicted the GOP will be punished.
"I really don't think that the position that they've taken politically is good for the nation — and I think the nation will speak out against it," he said.