Republican Party Ninth District
Bobby Valentine

In the 2006 congressional elections Republicans were punished for squandering the best opportunity in decades to "fix" government. Because the Republican leadership failed to secure the borders, reform Social Security, reform the tax code, and cut spending, they lost their majority in Congress. This punishment was deserved and quite possibly necessary to bring many in Republican leadership positions back to their conservative roots. Ronald Reagan conservatism is what built the party, and Newt Gingrich's "Contract" is what initially placed Republicans in control of the Congress.

Many of the Republicans in leadership positions, although strong with protecting our country from terror threats, have not performed up to the high expectations of the many grass roots activists, campaign contributors, and voters that placed them in power. As a result voters punished the Republicans, and Democrats now control Congress.

Almost every week a left wing liberal Democrat presents a new spending program, a new tax increase, or both. Many Democrats are using tax and spend ideas to garner votes. In a classic example of proposing tax increases on wealthy people and new entitlement programs for the under privileged Democrats are trying to 'buy' the votes of one group of people at the expense of people that traditionally won't vote for them anyway.

It is hard to believe that many Democrats either don't understand basic economic principles or understand the principles and ignore the macroeconomic consequences of their power grab. Maybe it's the lack of understanding the economics or just plain not caring about the consequences; either way Americans cannot afford Democrats in control of Congress and the White House.

Suppose the Democrats' plan for power is successful. What can Americans expect? We know the Democrats want to raise the upper echelon of the tax from 35% to 40% on high income earners. This would be tragic for middle and low income Americans because a majority of Americans are employed by small businesses, many of which operate as sole proprietorships, partnerships, or S-Corps. In all of these business entities, the business' income is reported on the individual owners' tax returns. Thus an increase in personal income taxes translates into an increase in these businesses' tax liability. With the increase in taxes, many businesses may be forced to raise consumer prices, lay off workers, or postpone capital improvements; all of which have a broad impact on the economy. In addition to this notable increase, the Democrats plan to increase the 'death tax', raise capital gains taxes, and raise FICA taxes. Each of these individual tax increases has a large impact on the economy as a whole and on individual families. Combined these tax increases could be potentially devastating for the American economy.

Voters have punished Republicans for getting off track. The losses in 2006 have brought many in Republican leadership back to true conservative principles. The lesson has been learned, and now America needs conservative Republicans back in control. The American economy and Georgia families cannot afford to be controlled by tax and spend liberal Democrats.

Bobby Valentine completed his BBA at North Georgia College, MBA at Georgia State University is a partner in his family's small business in Cleveland, Georgia. Bobby is the former Chair of the White County Republican Party and the current Treasurer of the Ninth District Republican Party.