Bauer Cautions That GOP Election 'Doldrums' Could Result in More Policy Defeats
by Jim Brown and Jody Brown
January 3, 2007
(AgapePress) - - A former presidential candidate says conservatives face tough political battles over issues like immigration and taxes early in the new congressional session. American Values president Gary Bauer predicts there will be an effort by liberals in Congress working with President Bush to develop an amnesty program for the 12-million-plus illegal immigrants already in the country. Bauer, who served as Ronald Reagan's chief domestic policy advisor, is also concerned the White House has signaled it is prepared to consider raising either social security or income taxes.
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Gary Bauer |
"Tantalizing or more heavily taxing people who have been successful, and then second of all an amnesty for illegal immigrants," says Bauer. "I think both of those ideas go against the conservative philosophy." Not only do those ideas go against conservative philosophy, but Bauer expects conservatives to respond less than enthusiastically. "I think on both of those scores there's going to be a very negative reaction from the conservative grassroots," Bauer adds.
According to the American Values president, hiking social security taxes "would hit small-business owners and entrepreneurs the hardest, and [would] probably guarantee Hillary and Bill's return to the White House in 2008."
If that's not disconcerting enough for conservatives, NewsMax.com is reporting another likely scenario during the upcoming congressional session that ought to deeply concern them: the possibility that soon-to-be House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her fellow Democrats may ram through new laws placing restrictions on conservative groups who encourage ordinary citizens to deal directly with Congress.
Restrictions on Conservative 'Lobbying'
According to the report, priority legislation intended to curb the power of lobbyists would impose reporting requirements on grassroots groups similar to those imposed on special-interest lobbying groups on Capitol Hill. Those writing the legislation are pushing lawmakers to adopt the IRS's definition of "lobbying" -- which includes communication encouraging individuals to contact a member of Congress regarding pending legislation or public policy.
Conservative direct-mail guru Richard Viguerie describes the plan as "perhaps the most comprehensive regulation of political speech every proposed ...." Communications to as few as 500 citizens would trigger reporting under lobbying laws, he warns.
"The reporting requirements ... would apply to those who have no Washington lobbyists, who make no political contributions, and who do not provide gifts, travel, or anything of value to politicians," he explains.
In response to the pending liberal legislative attack on the conservative movement, Viguerie has launched GrassrootsFreedom.com.
