Chat with Ken Mehlman

Chairman Ken Mehlman is currently taking questions on the direction of the Republican party, including changing technology, issues, and voter groups.  Some highlights (this post will update as the conversation continues):

On lobbying reform:

Lobbying reform should be a key GOP issue in 2006.  The key is fuller and quicker disclosure.

On border control:

1) Need more people guarding the border.  2) Need more interior enforcement.  3) Need to meet economic goals without creating magnets for illegal immigration.

On fiscal policy and global competition (I asked how the party is preparing to communicate an agenda of pro-growth, business-friendly tax policy, given criticism of lack of fiscal discipline among GOP incumbents):

Balancing the budget does not necessarily make you a fiscal conservative.  Balanced budget liberals (including Fidel Castro) seek balanced budgets too, they just do it by raising taxes.  Long-term, our challenge is to reduce entitlements, reduce taxes, reduce litigation, and reduce regulation in order to live within our means and maintain a pro-growth stance.  A family with money in the bank, but 3 kids about to enter college, and no plan to pay for it, is broke.  Entitlement reform (including social security reform) recognizing the beauty of markets, which offers more for less.  Tax-funded government spending crowds out private sector spending and takes money families.

On Judge Alito:

Democrats (Nan Aron, Chuck Schumer, et al) have smeared the most qualified Supreme Court nominee in 80 years.  "Extreme left wing puppet masters" are trying to tell people in the Senate what to do about this nomination.  The Vanguard ethics issue is a red herring.  Alito's well-qualified ABA rating is based not only on qualifications, but on ethics.

On the Governator (Susan Kennedy, budget expansion):

Kennedy is a professional with free market credentials.  Overall, what Arnold is doing in California is good stuff.  They dealt with excessive regulations.  Investment in state infrastructure is more than simple financial transfers.