(Washington, D.C.) – “The Republican Main Street Partnership applauds President Bush’s focus on the critical needs of all Americans during his State of the Union address. From greater access to health care to energy independence to immigration reform to educational excellence to sound fiscal stewardship, the President laid out an aggressive agenda for the 110th Congress that addressed some of the most important issues facing our nation,” said former U.S. Representative Charles F. Bass (R-NH), President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization.
“It is now Congress’ turn to answer his challenges and provide leadership in Washington with more ideas, more progress, and less grandstanding now that the legislative session will begin in earnest,” stated Bass. “Members of the House and Senate who are sincerely interested in working across the aisle, such as the Republican Main Street Partnership’s elected officials, can seize upon this opportunity and bring responsible, centrist leadership forward.”
“Although the ongoing violence in Iraq is foremost on the minds of many Americans and a thoughtful debate that includes the Administration, the Congress and the Pentagon regarding future military action is needed, I am glad the address tonight also included significant action items for right here at home,” added Bass. “Each of the agenda items can be addressed by proposals supported by Main Street Partnership members. These independent thinkers have been among the national leaders on energy security, economic competitiveness, fiscal discipline and budget process reform, workforce development, and healthcare modernization.”
“Our ideas and values represent progress that is achievable under our current system of divided government,” concluded Bass. “We have a long track record of building consensus based upon the hard work of dialog, compromise, and innovation. The Republican Main Street Partnership and our elected members look forward to working with the President and members of both parties to find practical solutions to the challenges facing America.”
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The Republican Main Street Partnership (RMSP) is dedicated to promoting and building a pragmatic, thoughtful, fiscally conservative, and inclusive “Governing Majority,” where political debate is encouraged to promote solutions to improve the lives of all Americans. Embracing the full spectrum of center-right ideologies and values in order to build coalitions, RMSP is the largest organization of elected leaders who are in the mold of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan. For more information on RMSP, visit our website at www.republicanmainstreet.org.
