ARE the Republicans really fiscally conservative? Nationally, their bluff has been called. Locally it is time the Democrats called the ‘local bluff’ as well.
GOP senators lie to say they are fiscally conservative and at times do not even have to say it as it has been ingrained into the electorate’s psychic courtesy of right-wing media for over a quarter of a century. But look at their record. Their spending record will make even Sunshine Democrats blush with envy since the Republicans can actually spend and get away with it as was evidenced in the last election cycle.
Democrats should be so lucky. The only truly fiscal conservative in the 28th was Bob Klitzkie, agree with him or not, like him or not. It is funny that those who want to keep running and have aspirations for higher office just cannot “afford” to actually be conservative for fear of alienating the electorate. Who says pork barrel spending does not win you votes?
Republicans on the mainland just got carried away with the power trip and I suspect they would have maintained their congressional majorities if not for one little detail: Iraq.
The longer the war goes on ironically it will be to the benefit of the Democrats who are trying to stop the war because they can say they tried to stop the war and “folks must realize that they voted for G.W. Bush, twice to office.” (Exact quote from some new Dems who come from conservative districts. Basically saying that if you want real change, put a new commander-in-chief in office. If only the local Dems could be so lucky.
On a related note, the age-old tussle between labor unions, traditionally a Democratic ally and corporations and free-market economics, ingrained into the electorate’s mind as Republican allies and ideals, will value the advocacy of the unions and is not just an outright victory for labor even if it might be at times, but serves as a wake up call and a warning to outfits that they better treat their workers with dignity and respect.
It is a “tangential benefit” that is often overlooked as business supporters was to believe that all businessmen are inherently good which is like saying all are both not sinners. It is nice to believe that even if it is not true.

MATT PHILIPS
Mangilao, Guam