What Now, Republicans?

Dear Mark: The Republicans were victorious on Tuesday, taking over the House of Representatives and cutting into the Democrat's majority in the Senate. I believe a strong message was sent to Washington. What should the Republicans do now? — Gloating Glen in Kansas

Dear Gloating: Before making any plans, Republicans better make sure they read the results of Tuesday's elections correctly and not overstep their mandate. Tuesday was not a warm fuzzy bear hug for Republicans. On the contrary, the shellacking given to Democrats was a repudiation of backroom deals, class warfare, higher taxes, wasteful spending and overall big government. The electorate jerked the car keys out of President Obama's hand and reluctantly gave them to the Republican Party for one last driving lesson.

Republicans today remind me of the guy who was born on third base and thought he hit a triple to get there. Much to President Obama's dismay, Republicans now officially have a seat at the adult table, and they better not forget who put them there.

Here is what I believe Republicans should do in order to be successful.

Don't gloat. Nobody likes a sore winner, and besides, there is no time to waste, as the economy needs help immediately.

Prove to the country that conservatism is not radical and that conservatives simply want lower taxes and smaller, less intrusive government.

Produce meaningful legislation with measurable results. No more "hope and change" crapola.

Stick to basic principles that ordinary citizens understand, such as don't spend more money than you take in. If these principles are good enough for families, they are good enough for government.

Produce simple bills that do not require a legion of lawyers to interpret. No more 2,000 page monstrosities that easily hide pork and burdensome regulations. For example: If Republicans want to secure the border, pretend the United States is your house — get three bids on a fence, and then take a vote. Even if it fails in the Senate, the American people will know precisely where each party stands on the issue.

Be prepared with alternative plans. If you are going to repeal Obamacare, then have your own health reform plan ready to propose. If you are going to repeal cap-and-trade, then have a Republican energy policy waiting.

Follow through on Obama's campaign promise of more transparency in government. Call for a vote mandating that all bills must be made public for at least one week before a final vote can be taken.

Do not fear Obama's veto pen — in fact, dare him to use it. Force the president to take a stand on important issues right before his campaign for re-election in 2012. Let's see if he is truly a tough Chicago politician.

Do not compromise. Two plus two equals four and only four. All American businesses need tax relief — no compromise. (See the previous point.)

Finally, Republicans need to be strong in the face of an onslaught of personal attacks and misrepresentations from the mainstream media and liberal pundits. I guarantee that Republicans will be labeled as obstructionists and accused of starving children, firing teachers and gutting Social Security, while dramatically cutting funds for police and fire departments. Ignore the criticism, and persevere.

Republicans should remember that doing the right thing always cost something — but not as much as doing the wrong thing.

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