OPINION:
Republicans have every right to take a moment and bask in the glory of their congressional success on Nov. 4. However, only two truths emerged from the elections: Voters are disgusted with Democratic (Obama) policy, and at the moment Republicans are likely to win most elections, except in New York and California.
In order to win a national election in 2016 Republicans will need to inspire white voters to come out in record levels and take 70 percent of the white vote, or else find a way to increase their share of the black and Hispanic vote to 20 percent and 40 percent, respectively. Both of these scenarios are possible if Republicans can show leadership and enact legislation that improves job numbers and wages over the next two years. While many voters are uninformed about national policy, they are all smart enough to know when they have more money in their pockets because the economy has improved.
To that end, here are some ideas for immediate improvement:
Give us an energy bill that includes more fracking, more drilling on public lands, more authorization to ship liquefied natural gas offshore and gives passage of the Keystone XL pipeline. This will create thousands of jobs, reduce energy costs, lead to energy independence and reduce spending on foreign oil.
Allow companies to repatriate the $2-trillion-plus being held offshore at a tax rate of less than 10 percent. While it may be nice to mandate how some of the money is spent, having the money here at home should provide incentive enough for new capital spending and job creation.
Pass legislation to secure our borders. All reasonable people understand that you patch the hole before deciding what to do with the water that has seeped in.
Amend Dodd-Frank so that small banks can compete.
Propose legislation to replace Obamacare.
Replace the current tax code to lower corporate and individual tax rates.
While there are many more issues to deal with, sending legislation to the president’s desk on these key issues will not only improve the country if enacted, it will also provide much positive fodder for the GOP’s 2016 campaign.
MIKE FERREER
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
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