House Republican Report Card
Now that we are in the first recess of the 110th Congress, let’s take a moment to reflect on how House Republicans have performed in the first three months of this year. Fill out the report card after the flip.
We’d like you to give us a grade in the subjects below and then add your comments.
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House Floor
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| House Republicans have successfully passed more meaningful amendments in the first three months on 2007, than the Democrats were able to pass in the past 12 years. One prominent analyst remarked that House Republicans are creating "a series of substantaive wins" through effective use of procedural rights on the floor. |
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Taking on the Democrats on the House Floor
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Communication
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| House Republicans are reaching out to the online community more aggressively than ever before; Rep. Cantor is proud to be a part of this effort. In the past three months, House Republicans have held a successful blog row, produced several online web ads, been in constant communication with the blogs, among other ideas. How successful do you feel these efforts have been? |
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Communicating Online
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Defining the Stakes
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| House Democrats are making a lot of legislative mistakes; in just their first three months of holding power, they have passed the largest tax hike in American history, failed to fund America’s troops, and increased the federal budget by billions with pork projects. How effective do you feel House Republicans have been in highlighting these errors? |
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Showing that the Democrats Are Wrong for America
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April 11th, 2007 at 1:18 pm Great idea, guys!
April 11th, 2007 at 1:44 pm Great Idea. But, I am tired of our representatives adding their own pork and increasing the size of government too much.
April 11th, 2007 at 1:47 pm Haha, I don’t see “Click F for all” option…
http://www.americanlegends.blogspot.com
April 11th, 2007 at 1:50 pm So far so good. A lot of work to do yet… the mass electorate isn’t paying attention, so the game to be played through so that the war is won not just the battle.
April 11th, 2007 at 1:55 pm NO AMNESTY!!!
April 11th, 2007 at 2:06 pm If I’m still relatively in the dark with what is going on in the House, the average American is in a black hole. House Republicans have to take on the leftist media, and if that means refusing interviews of the most biased reporters, networks, or papers, then so be it. The message being reported and printed is not the message being stated by the Republicans. It’s long overdue for Republicans to take the media to the mat and allege destructive bias and put them on the defensive for a change. It’s time to play the same hard ball that the Democrats play every waking moment of their day.
April 11th, 2007 at 2:17 pm Don’t let my lack of A’s be a downer. (I’m one of those who likes to combat complacency…) House Republicans have achieved a LOT so far in this Congress. I’m looking forward to MUCH more. To be honest, as much as the relationship between House Republicans and the blogosphere has improved, there is still plenty of room for improvement. I get regular contact from leadership types, but how many of the ‘back benchers’ are engaging the blogs directly? Not near enough…
April 11th, 2007 at 3:21 pm I think the performance of the House Republicans has been dreadful. No one would know they were there if they didn’t show up on the cable news shows every now and then. I’ve been a Republican all my life and these guys are killing me.
April 11th, 2007 at 4:09 pm We’ve got to step it up, or the dems will continue to win!
April 11th, 2007 at 5:17 pm Love the new web site
April 11th, 2007 at 5:23 pm With the exception of ‘White Flag Republicans’, the grade would be ‘A’ or ‘B’. Those ‘White Flaggers’ will hopefully be defeated in state primaries/caucuses, and not be returned to Congress. They are a disgrace to the Party and to America.
April 11th, 2007 at 5:27 pm I’m a dedicated conservative, but you are giving off too much partisan rancor. ENOUGH ALREADY! UNITE! DO SOME GOOD BEFORE YOU LOSE MY VOTE!!
April 11th, 2007 at 7:09 pm I’m going F, F & D because the first two questions are about the black box workings of Congress which the public doesn’t care about and the last question is about the practicing the politics of response. Republicans need to play the politics of winning new voters and my recommendation is to focus on home, job and car. Use these words: Home, Job, and Car.
It is highly probable our country is going to face both an economic recession and an energy crisis in the near future and the Democrats need to take the blame. The vast apolitical American citizenry is going to get scared if incomes fall and gasoline gets hard to find at any price. Democrats are going to offer government to the rescue solutions and Republicans need to be very vocal that ALL THREATS to Home, Job and Car are due to Democrats preventing America from taking the steps needed protect Home, Job and Car. The voters rejected Jimmy Carter the last time this situation existed and they will again reject socialist solutions if Republicans have the courage to denounce that pathway.
April 11th, 2007 at 7:15 pm I believe that Republicans are trying too hard to appease Democrats. It is time to expose their mistakes and make their lives difficult. They’d do the same to us.
April 11th, 2007 at 8:20 pm Because we are in the minority, we have very little power in the House, however, we are not working together and we are definetly not conservative. We need to listen to people like Mike Pence, Steve Buyer and Duncan Hunter and be more agressive about OUR agenda.
April 11th, 2007 at 9:15 pm House Republicans have continued to fail miserably. You all are allowing the Democrats to drive absolutely everything. Stand up and start exposing their corruptness, and anti-democratic ways.
April 11th, 2007 at 9:24 pm Unfortunately with the little ’sound bites’ you are allowed, House Republicans are coming off as whining. A new approach by turning their goals on them may reach further. A look at their goals in each state as they took elections from each member. Are they reaching these goals?? Are they keeping the promises to their constituency?? These must be made on a state by state basis. Your local papers, radio stations, speaking engagements, must direct these issues – not the national press. You will never get the attention, but you can do it locally. A large reason we lost in November was the approach used. ‘Vote for us or Nancy Pelosi will be your next Speaker of the House. What were we to vote on – a scare tactic. Pull the House together, reach a common goal, test it locally to make sure you are not missing the mark, and bring it to us…. Thank you for the opportunity to voice an opinion. Many times I called and wrote during last years election to the RNC to no avail. The ears were deaf
April 11th, 2007 at 9:29 pm Take a play from the pundits, keep your comments pithy so they’ll fit in the average sound byte.
April 11th, 2007 at 10:12 pm Love the idea! Keep communicating with bloggers.
April 11th, 2007 at 10:16 pm [...] latest innovation is a report card that allows you to grade House Republicans on their performance so far in the minority. It asks questions about the GOP’s tactics on the [...]
April 11th, 2007 at 10:30 pm No policy other that Dems are wrong. Republicans not offering solutions of their own — only a little less than the Dems.
April 11th, 2007 at 10:40 pm It is still way too quiet. Where is the investigation of the Pelosi trip?
April 11th, 2007 at 10:42 pm You’re not being confrontational enough. Look at the dems; meet force with force.
April 11th, 2007 at 10:45 pm be much more vocal and aggressive.
April 11th, 2007 at 10:52 pm Your third point shows why your whole outlook is flawed. You can’t win your way back to the majority just by attacking Nancy Pelosi & co. You have to articulate a different vision for America. Until you start articulating a real vision of limited government you will remain in the minority.
April 11th, 2007 at 10:59 pm You’re still not getting ‘the message’ out on the mainstream media (which unfortunately is what most voters tune in to). You need to stand up to the libs and GET ACROSS all the ways they are ruining America. AND DON’T CAVE ON IMMIGRATION – NO AMNESTY!!!
April 11th, 2007 at 11:55 pm You mention that you have a few blog and online ads. If the 110th congress would like to maintain an interest in reacihng out to the youth, who are a growing mass in the voting community, then use of the internet as a medium needs to be increased.
April 12th, 2007 at 12:55 am We would not be in this position had the House Republicans of previous years stood by their conservative, small government ideals. I am pleased to see some Republicans returning to their senses after getting beat. Now lets get back to our roots, and regain the majority.
April 12th, 2007 at 1:28 am Maintian the goal of doing what is best FOR THE UNITED STATES, and all this policial party BS would be gone.
April 12th, 2007 at 1:32 am not too bad but you need to go after the Dems just like they go after you.
April 12th, 2007 at 1:36 am Reactive rather than helpful. Too many eyes on 2008.
April 12th, 2007 at 7:14 am I cannot believe sometimes how quiet Republicans are when I can remember the Democrats in the minority having a press conference every day to highlight the agenda the Republicans were pushing, please get in front of the camera’s and tell American’s what these traitorous Dems are doing. Mr Cantor it is your responsibility to do so.
April 12th, 2007 at 7:18 am Much work continues to be required on communications skills. If you are not in to politics, you never hear Republican leadership.
April 12th, 2007 at 8:23 am The Republican Party’s greatest failure is its unwillingness to defend itself against viscious Democrat party attacks or the remarkable bias of the press. Their next greatest failure is their refusal to stand for something.
April 12th, 2007 at 8:24 am All F’s from me. House Republicans have failed in all areas. They are allowing Madame Pelosi and her corrupt bunch to drive absolutely everything. Stand up to those schmucks and start exposing them for what they truly are. Read very carefully what D-Three has to say. It’s about the media stupid. Start using it to your advantage.
April 12th, 2007 at 8:33 am House Republicans are using they’re tools and standing together – that’s great. Keep up the great work. But your efforts need to be shouted loud and far. Republicans have to speak out against Nancy Pelosi’ traitorous trip to Syria, speak loudly against the massive amount of corrupt democrats – William Jefferson, Monahan, Pelosi, Reid, Rockerfeller, Feinstein, and on and on. There is a real need for loud leadership on the radio/blogs/TV from the Republicans. You need to get your voices heard. The leadership is not showing. You are up against a one sided media and must be louder and stronger. We want to hear someone on the right condemning Nancy Pelosi tratious behavior, condeming William Jefferson serving on the Homeland Security committe, condeming the Democrats embrassing of terrorist groups – CAIR, Hoyers meeting with Muslim Bortherhood in Egypt, Pelosi’s meeting with Syria – who support Hezbullah, and on & on. We want to see the Republicans hammer the Democrats for not supporting victory for our military
April 12th, 2007 at 8:38 am FairTax now!
http://www.fairtax.org
April 12th, 2007 at 9:02 am In the war of ideas the democrats still look like the combined American military force, opposing Saddam’s republican guard. The democrat’s first three months record is appalling, but no one other than a hard core republican info junkie is getting the message. And ME you don’t have to convince. D’s around, but I guess that is a vast improvement over November’s report card. Now put some effort into time is not on your side.
April 12th, 2007 at 9:14 am We need to fight back whenever they attack us, more eloquently, of course. President Bush sits back and takes it all to often when Pelosi and Reid are out of line.
April 12th, 2007 at 9:18 am Better than when the GOP controlled the House, but a long way to go. Focus on growing the economy, lowering taxes, reducing the federal budget, debt and deficit, reducing the trade imbalance.
April 12th, 2007 at 9:36 am i think this is a great idea. You need to know what we feel.We need to find a new leader. someone to lead a new generation with real ideas.Someone that will attack when necessary even if the MSM ignores them.a few thoughts so you know……no amnesty….build the fence or shout loud that it was passed but not being done……continue the war efforts…….continue to speak out when we need to do so
April 12th, 2007 at 9:53 am Poor job taking on the media…..
April 12th, 2007 at 10:03 am You’re off to a good start, but there’s always room for imporvement. Don’t rest on your laurels and keep working. Up until now, the Dems have been giving you guys a pretty easy time of it with their absolute buffonery. They’re bound to get better. You guys need to keep on your A game. Good work so far.
April 12th, 2007 at 10:04 am Over all I think their preformance has been good, but I must say I have been disgusted by those Republicans who have sided with the Democrats in passing some legislation that directly disses our President. I want to see more support for our troops and more support for winning the war on terror in Iraq, Afganistan and around the world. I support the President and I believe that defeat in Iraq would enhance every terrorist organization in this world.
April 12th, 2007 at 10:18 am I rate your efforts to show the Dems as failing to be effective as an F because thats what it is. Flat out the Republicans have shown little committment or desire to make note in the public media to embarass or show the hipocrisy of the liberal democrats. More should have been made of the pork that they put into the defense supplemental bill and the fact that they had to buy votes from their membership by comitting to pork. Where is the outrage from the Republicans to call for ‘Cold cash Jefferson’ to resign? The Democrats are very effective in pointing out the flaws of the Republicans but the Republicans simply just take it and dont hit back. I understand the point of playing nice, but how much can you take? If it weren’t for the conservative blogs and Foxnews, the Republicans would have no voice in the media.
April 12th, 2007 at 10:20 am Get tougher. The dems are handing you your heads in the PR war. You look like wimps. Sorry, but that’s the way it is. Stand up for yourselves and what is right. FIGHT !
April 12th, 2007 at 10:22 am You are not agressive enough. Especially at portratying the Defeatocrats betrayal of American security and undermining the American troops.
April 12th, 2007 at 11:45 am House Republlicans are performing better in the the minority than they did in the majority. We are trying to get our messages out, but we need to do better. Keep up the good work!
April 12th, 2007 at 11:56 am Time to get tough with the Democrats. We need more Republicans who are willing to stand up and be counted instead of counting political points.
April 12th, 2007 at 12:07 pm Better than before but still burying good anti-pork ideas which may bring them close to a D next time. Thanks for your web site.
April 12th, 2007 at 12:13 pm No one there seems to have a backbone. Everyday on every show possible the Democrates present their positions, stretch the truth and downright lie. What do we see from Republicans? Deers caught in the headlights. If Global warming is a crock, say so. If Pelosi and crew are undermining the war effort, then say so. And question their patriotism. Make the Democrates define who the rich are. Make them defend the wacko judges they appoint and do it every time one of their strange decisions are made. And will you please go after the media and Hollywood. Man up, will ya.
April 12th, 2007 at 12:21 pm I don’t even know the names or faces of the Republican House minority leader(s). I heard from Nancy Pelosi every day when she was the minority leader. She spoke her mind every day and her message was heard and she acted like she was in charge. What is the message from the Republican leadership and who are they?
April 12th, 2007 at 12:29 pm Our President needs the visual and vocal support of the Republicans in Congress. We are not seeing it in the Heartland.
April 12th, 2007 at 12:30 pm Don’t be scared. Take the fight to them.
April 12th, 2007 at 12:34 pm they are getting better.
April 12th, 2007 at 12:55 pm Can’t just say the Democrats are wrong… We need to publicize our own ideas in the form of bills and offer up alternative solutions left and right. Moreover we need to highlight the differences between the bills in every news source possible. We’ll win the debate of ideas- so long as the American public is confronted with those ideas. Passing amendments is good- you water down their bills- but they’re still THEIR bills… therefore a year down the line if any of their legislation has success (be it from our amendments or not) they’ll be able to take the credit for it. We need to showdown not just against them- but infront of the American people. We painted the Liberal Democrats as the ‘Party of No’, but we’ve also lost our mantle as the ‘Party of Ideas’… we need to get it back! (submitting Republican bills for every Democrat Bill would do that)
April 12th, 2007 at 12:56 pm They seem to be trying to come back from where we banished them in 2006, but they are still feeble and constricted and finger-to-the-wind. Very few statesmen in the Republican party (none in the Democrat). I really think Congress should meet only six months of the year and the rest of the time they should have other paying jobs in the private sector. They really do not earn anything they’re being paid. There’s too many of them, and they all think they’re playing dress-up at a big party.
April 12th, 2007 at 1:07 pm Why are there no national ads like the RJC has put out there showing Pelosi in Damascus? I would think you should have national ads slamming the libs…
April 12th, 2007 at 1:43 pm I know that the House rules limit the actions available to the minority, therefore it is crucial that the minority act together and aggressively use the media – all the media, online, talk radio, tv, newsletters, community meetings, etc. As your question ‘Defining the Stakes’ shows, you realize the opportunities and need to bring this info to the voters.
April 12th, 2007 at 1:56 pm The Republicans have let me down on many issues. I just came from a forum with Briggitt Gabriel, the best-selling author of ‘Because They Hate’ and a survivor of Islamic terror. We need out representatives and senators, from both sides, to act more like her. We need to the truth to be highlighted, repeated, yelled, and plastered on every bill-board in America until people understand it. Our government officials have failed, usually allowing Madame Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Reid set the issues of discussions. I want more fight for truth from our officials.
April 12th, 2007 at 2:33 pm There are some good signs. But more aggression is needed, especially to drive wedges between red-district freshmen democrats and the leadership
April 12th, 2007 at 4:27 pm The report card idea is good. However, it must be more extensive and updated more often. Furthermore, it cannot address the Jackass Party’s agenda items -e.g., the tax increase – as “legislative mistakes.” This is an assault on the US taxpayer which the Jackass Party passed over Republican objections, and it should be presented just that way.
April 12th, 2007 at 10:19 pm I think they have worked hard, but they need to keep it up and come up with a vision to take this country forward.
April 13th, 2007 at 8:18 am Fair, hope you don’t get used to the minority
April 13th, 2007 at 9:58 am This is great. your e-team is blowing me away.
April 13th, 2007 at 1:29 pm nice site.
April 13th, 2007 at 3:20 pm Mr. Cantor, I’d be happy if they all approached their work like you do. Thanks for asking.