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Republicans Hope for 1994 All Over Again

But Dems are in a better position than they were under Clinton

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 23, 2009 2:25 PM CST

(Newser) – Barack Obama is banking on change, but Republicans are betting things haven’t changed much at all. They’re hoping to bounce back from the political wasteland using the same playbook that swept them into power in 1994, Jeanne Cummings writes in Politico. The strategy: Unite against Democrats' economic policy, and campaign against health care reform and spending scandals.

Democrats doubt the strategy will work. “We are in a different game, and they are playing by the old rules,” said one strategist. Health care reform, for example, is much less controversial now, with a recent poll showing it as the public’s third-highest priority.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

With a copy of the stimulus legislation seen on the podium, House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio, gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill, Feb. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)

Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist speaks at an immigration reform rally and news conference on Capitol Hill June 27, 2006. (Getty Images)

Newt Gingrich delivers remarks to the National Rifle Association in Washington, Friday, Sept. 21, 2007. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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What the Democrats have done is set up a minefield that they aren’t in charge of. For two years, they will have to wander in it and wonder if they are going to step on some boondoggle, some corrupt contract. - Grover Norquist, on the stimulus

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 15 comments

Guest

Feb 24, 2009 6:43 AM CST

Bush had 6 of 8 years in total control and you want to blame a democratic Congress that couldnt get anything done for the country without Bush using the veto power that he didnt use in his 1st 6 years as dictator. Blame everyone else but the GOP,,,,thats why you losers are out,,,sit back, and enjoy the ride forward instead of looking back,,,,

AdaptAndOvercome

Feb 24, 2009 6:35 AM CST

The younger generation is becoming aware. They have much more access to information than we use to years ago. Republicans need to focus on Americans, which they won't--they are so "party" oriented that they can't see past it. and look at the reason behind the seat they have been elected to. Proving once again, they just don't get it. Has anyone noticed how much hate John Boehner has towards Obama. I have yet to see a photo where he isn't looking like at Obama with pure hate.

Guest

Feb 24, 2009 5:49 AM CST

Their motto: "We've got nothing against Black folks, we think every home should own one."

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Politics • Health

Barack Obama • Newt Gingrich • health insurance • Bill Clinton • health care reform • Grover Norquist • economic stimulus package • political strategy • Republicans

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Republicans Hope for 1994 All Over Again