Republicans should have plenty of wishes for '07


The year 2006 will be one to remember in the political arena.

But for most Republicans, it was a year to forget.

The party came under scrutiny for several controversies, including the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal and the revelation of Congressman Mark Foley's inappropriate relationships with a handful of congressional pages.

All the while, a Republican-led congress failed to effectively tackle the important domestic issues facing America, including illegal immigration, social security and health care reform.

Abroad, violence rose in Iraq and the American people grew increasingly opposed to the Bush-led war in the Middle Eastern nation.

The public's discontent finally was realized on Nov. 7 when a landmark election propelled Democrats into control of both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.

Yes, it wasn't a banner year to be a Republican.

Even in Michigan - where by many indicators the state had the worst economy in the nation - voters elected the Democratic incumbent over a proven jobs maker.

Considering the events of 2006, many Republicans probably had lengthy holiday wish lists along with a few resolutions for the new year.

So here are my guesses of what several Republicans leaders want, and what they should resolve to do so 2007 is nothing like 2006.

George W. Bush: The president undoubtedly wished for Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and the Iraqi military to take a more active role in defending their country.

Bush's New Year's resolution should include being more flexible in Iraq, yet he should still stand by his commitment not to pull out of the war before the job is done.

Mitch McConnell: The new Senate Minority Leader from Kentucky probably wished for one Democratic senator to turn from their party - much like Vermont Sen. Jim Jeffords did to the Republicans in 2001 - so McConnell could be Majority Leader.

Since that is a long shot, McConnell should resolve to work with Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Democrats on fixing our nation's problems - something Reid didn't exactly do with Republicans during his time in the minority.

Mike Bishop: Unfortunately, the new Michigan Senate Majority Leader probably wished for Washington to raise the federal minimum wage. That way, Michigan would be more economically competitive on a national scale since the state already has a high rate.

If these Republican leaders keep their goals in mind, it will go a long way toward getting the party back on track.

While 2007 might be a year of transition, by the elections of 2008 I bet the elephants will once again be on top.

Phil Wagner can be reached at pwagner@cm-life.com

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