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Going Rogue, by Sarah Palin

Lessons Learned the Hard Way, by Newt Gingrich

2011 Republican primary debate on Twitter.com, July 21, 2011

Do the Right Thing, by Mike Huckabee

FactCheck.org analysis of 2007 primary debates

To Renew America, by Newt Gingrich

Liberty Defined, by Ron Paul (April 19, 2011)

Leadership and Crisis, by Bobby Jindal

The Natural, by Joe Klein

Rediscovering God in America, by Newt Gingrich

Living History, by Hillary Rodhan Clinton

Washington Post, "The Fact Checker"

FactCheck.org analysis of 2008 primary debates

To Save America: Stopping Obama's Secular-Socialist Machine, by Newt Gingrich

Seven Principles of Good Government: Gary Johnson

Governor Tim Pawlenty: The Sam's Club Republican, by J. A. McClure

No Apology, by Gov. Mitt Romney

Freedom Under Siege, by Ron Paul

Courage to Stand, by Tim Pawlenty (Jan. 11, 2011)

The Contenders, by Laura Flanders et al.

Living Beyond Your Lifetime: How to be Intentional about the Legacy You Leave, by Mike Huckabee

The America We Deserve, by Donald Trump

America by Heart, by Sarah Palin

Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics, by Joe Biden

Obama: From Promise to Power, by David Mendell

Obamanomics, by John R. Talbott, published July 1, 2008

Madame Hillary, by R. Emmett Tyrell of The American Spectator

A Life of Trial and Redemption, by Jules Witcover

Bill sponsorship archives from the Library of Congress

Leadership, autobiography by Rudolph Giuliani

Barack Obama: This Improbable Quest, by John K. Wilson

End the Fed, by Ron Paul

Character Makes a Difference, by Mike Huckabee

Character IS the Issue, by Mike Huckabee

The Audacity of Hope, by Barack Obama

Survey of 2012 Presidential contenders' campaign websites

Why She Will Win, by Ron Paul Jones (May 21, 2011)

Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy, by Amanda Carpenter

The Unique Voice of Hillary Clinton

Turnaround: Crisis, Leadership, and the Olympic Games

Third World America, by Arianna Huffington

The Promise: President Obama, Year One, by Jonathan Alter

The Tea Party Goes to Washington, by Rand Paul (Feb. 22, 2011)

2010: Take Back America, by Dick Morris & Eileen McGann

Suicide of a Superpower, by Pat Buchanan

Should Barack Obama Be President? by Fred Zimmerman, published Oct. 2006

A Senator Speaks Out, by Rick Santorum (June 8, 2005)

Mitt Romney: An Inside Look, by R.B. Scott

The Revolution: A Manifesto, by Ron Paul, published April 2008

Real Change, by Speaker Newt Gingrich

Barack Obama in His Own Words, by Barack Obama, edited by Lisa Rogak

Obama-Biden vs. Romney-Ryan On The Issues:
Side-by-side stances on the issues, by Jesse Gordon of OnTheIssues.org

Newt! Leader of the Second American Revolution, by Dick Williams

The Myth of a Maverick, by Matt Welch

Hillary Clinton: The Inside Story, by Judith Warner

What Every American Should Know, by the American Conservative Union

Her Way, by Jeff Gerth & Don Van Natta

Slouching Towards Gomorrah, by Supreme Court Nominee Robert Bork

Gold, Peace, and Prosperity, by Ron Paul

God and Hillary Clinton: A Spiritual Life, by Paul Kengor

A Foreign Policy of Freedom: Peace, Commerce, and Honest Friendship

Giuliani: Flawed or Flawless?

Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance

Do Not Ask What Good We Do, by Robert Draper

Change We Can Believe In

The Case for Gold, by Ron Paul and Lewis Lehrman

The Battle for America 2008, by Dan Balz and Haynes Johnson

The Art of the Deal, by Donald Trump

America's Mayor, America's President?, by Robert Polner

Agenda For America, by Gov. Haley Barbour (R, MS)

63 Documents, by Gov. Jesse Ventura

FactCheck.org analysis of 2010 political speeches

FactCheck.org analysis of 2008 campaign ads

FactCheck.org analysis of 2007 campaign ads

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Democratic
Incumbents:

Pres.Barack Obama
V.P.Joe Biden
Secy.Hillary Clinton

GOP
Challengers:
Gov.Mitt Romney (MA)
Rep.Paul Ryan (TX)
Rep.Ron Paul (TX)

Third-Party Challengers:
Gov.Gary Johnson (L)
Dr.Jill Stein (G)
Rocky Anderson (J)

GOP Primary Candidates:

Gov.Sarah Palin (AK)
Gov.Buddy Roemer (AE)
Rep.Virgil Goode (C)

Joe Biden on Government Reform

Vice President; previously Democratic Senator (DE)

Click here for 29 full quotes by Joe Biden OR click here for Joe Biden on other issues.

1987: Bork fight changed rules of nomination process. (Oct 2010)
1973: Senators deserve more than $42,000 salary. (Oct 2010)
Led fight against Bork based on ideology. (Oct 2008)
Countries without state-church separation are in turmoil. (Oct 2008)
Transparency on earmarks: $250B earmarked for Del. In 2009. (Sep 2008)
Radical change to preserve family farmers. (Dec 2007)
As Judiciary Chair, rejected Bork and supported Thomas. (Nov 2007)
Would consider a Republican for head of DHS or Pentagon. (Aug 2007)
Pledges to stop no-bid contracts. (Aug 2007)
1988: led fight against nomination of Robert Bork. (Jul 2007)
The greatest sin is abuse of power. (Jul 2007)
Roberts & Alito have turned Supreme Court upside down. (Jul 2007)
History of racism was keeping black Americans from voting. (Jul 2007)
Modern Congress is much cleaner than in 1970s or 1950s. (Feb 2003)
Campaign reform in 1980s made more problems than it solved. (Feb 2003)
Disallowed bringing pornography issues into Thomas hearing. (Feb 2003)
Voting Record
1987: Rejected Bork on grounds of too-strong originalism. (Nov 2009)
Voted YES on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
Voted NO on requiring photo ID to vote in federal elections. (Jul 2007)
Voted NO on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006)
Voted YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity. (Mar 2006)
Voted YES on banning "soft money" contributions and restricting issue ads. (Mar 2002)
Voted NO on require photo ID (not just signature) for voter registration. (Feb 2002)
Voted YES on banning campaign donations from unions & corporations. (Apr 2001)
Voted YES on funding for National Endowment for the Arts. (Aug 1999)
Voted YES on favoring 1997 McCain-Feingold overhaul of campaign finance. (Oct 1997)
Voted YES on Approving the presidential line-item veto. (Mar 1996)
Voted NO on banning more types of Congressional gifts. (Jul 1995)
Establish the United States Public Service Academy. (Mar 2007)

Jeb Bush on Government Reform

Republican FL Governor; V.P. prospect

Click here for 19 full quotes by Jeb Bush OR click here for Jeb Bush on other issues.

Legislative term limits strengthened Bush's executive power. (Dec 2009)
OpEd: Foundation for Florida's Future hides campaign donors. (Dec 2009)
Refused to fund state agency requests for specific services. (Dec 2009)
Mature society can empty government buildings of workers. (Dec 2009)
Judges should respect primacy of Legislature & Executive. (Dec 2009)
Asked judicial candidates: Are you a God-fearing churchgoer? (Dec 2009)
2004: Purged felons list from eligible voters. (Dec 2009)
2005: Achieved goal of restraining growth in spending. (Dec 2009)
Longer time and more fees to see public records. (Feb 2007)
Scrubbed voter registration rolls to eliminate felons. (Feb 2007)
Government is an obsolete dinosaur. (Feb 2007)
Challenge relying on government for satisfaction. (Nov 2006)
Even private citizens have a public service role. (Nov 2006)
Keep legislation small and focused: no mammoth �train� bills. (Jun 2001)
Reform Civil Service: �Service First�. (Mar 2001)
Privatize & outsource govt; fee holidays for contractors. (Jun 2000)
No campaign spending limits; no public financing. (Nov 1998)
Proper role: public order & general welfare. (Nov 1995)
Reforms must respect state's rights to select electors. (Aug 2001)

Hillary Clinton on Government Reform
Secretary of State; previously Democratic Senator (NY)
Click here for 48 full quotes by Hillary Clinton OR click here for 4 older headlines OR click here for Hillary Clinton on other issues. FactCheck: Yes, more legislation & sponsorships than Obama. (Apr 2008) Get D.C. full voting rights, plus more direct federal funds. (Feb 2008) It took a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush. (Jan 2008) Stand for public financing and getting money out of politics. (Jan 2008) Transparent government includes federal agency blogs. (Jan 2008) Never abuse the purpose of signing statements. (Dec 2007) Change system from the inside, not from the outside. (Nov 2007) HILL-PAC is one of politics biggest money-raisers. (Nov 2007) McCain criticized 26 pork-barrel defense projects by Hillary. (Oct 2007) Public financing would fix campaign donor problems. (Sep 2007) Presidents should reveal donations to their foundations. (Sep 2007) Move to public election financing, not banning lobbyists. (Aug 2007) End no-bid contracts, end revolving door in government. (Aug 2007) 1978: chaired Legal Services Corp. while at Rose Law Firm. (Jul 2007) Same-day voter registration; no oppressive ID requirements. (Jul 2007) Create a public service academy, like military academy. (Jun 2007) 1970s: Worked on 18-year-old voting Amendment. (Jun 2007) Cut gov�t contractors and end privatization of government. (Feb 2007) Verified paper ballot for every electronic voting machines. (Nov 2006) $5M in New York state �pork barrel� bills thru 2004. (Oct 2006) Right to vote is precious & needs protection. (Sep 2005) HILLPAC raised $31M through 2002. (Feb 2004) Only explicit felonies should trigger impeachment. (Feb 2004) Triangulation replaces partisanship with a dynamic center. (Nov 2003) Defined appropriate high crimes for impeaching Nixon in 1973. (Nov 2003) Visited many non-governmental programs on India trip. (Feb 2003) Whitewater investigation ends; Hillary questions $52M spent. (Sep 2000) Soft money ban & independent ad ban for Senate campaign. (Feb 2000) New Democrat: Government is not the solution to all problems. (Feb 2000) Give big states a big slice of federal pie. (Aug 1999) We need strong and efficient governments. (Jun 1999) Government should help people, not support bureaucracy. (Feb 1997) 1973: Researched Nixon's White House tapes. (Aug 1993) Voting Record Count Every Vote Act: end voting discrimination by race. (Jun 2007) Voted YES on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007) Voted NO on requiring photo ID to vote in federal elections. (Jul 2007) Voted NO on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006) Voted NO on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity. (Mar 2006) Voted YES on banning "soft money" contributions and restricting issue ads. (Mar 2002) Voted NO on require photo ID (not just signature) for voter registration. (Feb 2002) Voted YES on banning campaign donations from unions & corporations. (Apr 2001) Voluntary public financing for all general elections. (Aug 2000) Criminalize false or deceptive info about elections. (Nov 2005) Reject photo ID requirements for voting. (Sep 2005) Post earmarks on the Internet before voting on them. (Jan 2006) Establish the United States Public Service Academy. (Mar 2007) Prohibit voter intimidation in federal elections. (Mar 2007) Prohibit 'voter caging' which intimidates minority voting. (Nov 2007)

Andrew Cuomo on Government Reform

Democratic Governor

Click here for 10 full quotes by Andrew Cuomo OR click here for Andrew Cuomo on other issues.

Adopt NYC's public campaign finance system statewide. (Jan 2013)
Create early voting system for one week, including weekend. (Jan 2013)
Public Integrity Reform Act: state ethics disclosures. (Jan 2012)
Supports campaign finance reform as fair to all candidates. (Jan 2011)
Tough new ethics standards & expand disclosure requirements. (Nov 2010)
Admit when programs become wasteful, and reform them. (Oct 2003)
10% consolidation tax credit for merging counties. (Oct 2003)
Free air time for all candidates, to level the playing field. (Oct 2003)
End �government for sale� with public financing of campaigns. (Mar 2002)
Cannot be both a state vendor & campaign donor. (Mar 2002)

Newt Gingrich on Government Reform

Former Republican Representative (GA-6) and Speaker of the House

Click here for 37 full quotes by Newt Gingrich OR click here for Newt Gingrich on other issues.

1990s: Fund federal projects in vulnerable GOP districts. (Apr 2012)
Historically ignorant leaders make suicidally stupid policy. (Oct 2011)
Press corps focuses on campaign minutia & not basic ideas. (Aug 2011)
The era of big government is over, and I mean it. (Jul 2011)
Abolish all White House Czars. (Jul 2011)
Supported Citizens United; opposed McCain Feingold. (May 2011)
Constitution begins "we the people" not "we the government". (Nov 2010)
Passing massive debt to next generation is immoral. (May 2010)
Replace Washington controls with American ideals. (May 2010)
Democrats say they oppose earmarks, but proposed 8,000. (Feb 2009)
GOP wins election and then loses the government. (Feb 2008)
End judicial supremacy; preserve our Godly heritage. (Dec 2007)
Replace bureaucratic mindset with Entrepreneurial Management. (Sep 2007)
Insist on judges who understand our rights come from God. (Dec 2006)
Supreme Court has become permanent Constitutional Convention. (Dec 2006)
Insist on judges who understand our rights come from God. (Dec 2006)
Our rights come from God, not from government. (Dec 2006)
Contract With America: deep cuts in Medicare/Medicaid/taxes. (Nov 2003)
Increase federal limits on individual campaign contributions. (Nov 1998)
Established systems are inherently hostile to change. (Jul 1998)
Press plays �gotcha�; limit press briefings. (Jul 1998)
1995 government shutdown from GOP underestimating Clinton. (Jul 1998)
1994 GOP victory destroyed bipartisanship. (Jul 1998)
Elected on anti-corruption platform in 1978. (Jul 1998)
Government should take management lesson from private sector. (Jul 1998)
Rethink every aspect of bureaucracy. (Jul 1998)
Big Government is a 20th century idea; let it die. (Jul 1996)
Devolve power first to states, then to cities & families. (Jul 1996)
Monthly "Corrections Day" to remove destructive rules. (Jul 1996)
12-year term limits ok; 6-year limits empower bureaucrats. (Jul 1996)
Class mobility is key part of America�s genius. (Jul 1995)
Wrote "Contract with America" as conservative platform. (Jun 1995)
Identify constitutionality in every new congressional bill. (Jul 2010)
Audit federal agencies, to reform or eliminate them. (Jul 2010)
Moratorium on all earmarks until budget is balanced. (Jul 2010)
Limit punitive damages; term limits on Congress. (Sep 1994)
Government is too big, too intrusive, too easy with money. (Sep 1994)

Nikki Haley on Government Reform

Click here for 10 full quotes by Nikki Haley OR click here for Nikki Haley on other issues.

Legislative mission: get "voice votes" on the record. (Apr 2012)
Real-time online check registers for government spending. (Apr 2012)
Term limits force real change in leadership. (Apr 2012)
Weakened governorship today set up in Reconstruction. (Apr 2012)
Fought S.C. House leadership for roll-call voting. (Apr 2012)
Good old work replaces pork-barrel politics. (Apr 2012)
Voter ID is a no-brainer to protect election integrity. (Apr 2012)
We capped lawsuit damages; next tort reform is loser-pays. (Jan 2012)
Endorsed as commonsense conservative "Mama Grizzly". (Nov 2010)
Strongly in favor of term limits at all levels of government. (Nov 2010)

Mike Huckabee on Government Reform

Former Republican AR Governor; possible draft candidate

Click here for 28 full quotes by Mike Huckabee OR click here for Mike Huckabee on other issues.

Shelves of law books means absence of moral behavior. (Nov 2008)
Red tape increases more than taxes--but costs just as much. (Nov 2008)
Self-government by Golden Rule is ideal best. (Nov 2008)
Roach Motel: DC supposedly place to serve, not to be served. (Nov 2008)
Elections by E-Bay? Media focuses on money over ideas. (Nov 2008)
Raise donor limit to largest self-donation, even if $5M. (Nov 2008)
Fundamental difference with McCain on campaign finance. (Feb 2008)
States should be laboratories of good government. (Jan 2008)
Transparency on spending will prune back Congress� earmarks. (Jan 2008)
Focus on uniting the country. (Dec 2007)
Allow DC residents to vote on getting Representatives. (Sep 2007)
Require photo ID for voting, to avoid fraud. (Sep 2007)
Ok if church identifies candidates who favor its principles. (Sep 2007)
Attacking others� integrity reflects people�s own immorality. (Jun 2007)
Govern by �Regnat Populus,� AR�s motto �The People Rule�. (Jun 2007)
Honor the Tenth Amendment & strengthen the states. (May 2007)
Supports term limits for state legislators. (Nov 2002)
Limit campaign contributions, but no public funding. (Nov 2002)
Not more government, but more efficient government. (Jan 2001)
Disclose political gifts, but don�t prohibit them. (Oct 2000)
Negative campaigning works with some voters but not with God. (Oct 2000)
Decide based on next generation, not next election. (Oct 2000)
As governor, recognize God's moral authority. (Sep 1997)
Pastors & politicians both need communication & volunteers. (Sep 1997)
Term limits counter election skewed laws toward incumbents. (Nov 1992)
Change House terms to 4 years, to avoid constant campaigning. (Nov 1992)
Won�t vote for pay raise for myself as member of Congress. (Nov 1992)
Reforms must respect state's rights to select electors. (Aug 2001)

Bobby Jindal on Government Reform

Republican Governor; previously Representative (LA-1)

Click here for 15 full quotes by Bobby Jindal OR click here for Bobby Jindal on other issues.

If it's worth doing, then block-grant it to the states. (Mar 2013)
Federal government has become too expensive & too expansive. (Nov 2010)
Make being a Congressman a part-time job. (Nov 2010)
Full financial disclosure for both legislators & lobbyists. (Nov 2010)
Line-item veto & single-item legislation. (Nov 2010)
Fighting big government is conservative missionary work. (Nov 2010)
Strength of America is not in government but in our citizens. (Feb 2009)
Legislator salary increase should be smaller & post-election. (Jun 2008)
Voted YES on requiring lobbyist disclosure of bundled donations. (May 2007)
Voted NO on granting Washington DC an Electoral vote & vote in Congress. (Apr 2007)
Voted YES on protecting whistleblowers from employer recrimination. (Mar 2007)
Voted YES on requiring photo ID for voting in federal elections. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on restricting independent grassroots political committees. (Apr 2006)
Voted YES on prohibiting lawsuits about obesity against food providers. (Oct 2005)
Voted YES on limiting attorney's fees in class action lawsuits. (Feb 2005)

Gary Johnson on Government Reform

Libertarian presidential nominee; former Republican NM Governor

Click here for 14 full quotes by Gary Johnson OR click here for Gary Johnson on other issues.

Should government be doing this policy in the first place? (Aug 2012)
Won 1994 with $510K of own money & not beholden. (Aug 2012)
750 vetoes & contentious relationship with legislature. (Aug 2012)
OpEd: managed to improve the state while slashing the budget. (Nov 2011)
Vetoed more bills than all other governors combined. (Sep 2011)
As governor, vetoed 750 bills. (Jul 2011)
Government creates jobs by reducing its role, not expanding. (Jul 2011)
"Governor No": 742 total vetoes of bills over two terms. (Jul 2011)
1996 tort reform: limit punitive damage awards. (Jul 2011)
Unlimited campaign contributions by corporations. (Jul 2011)
Cost benefit analysis on all government spending. (May 2011)
Full disclosure, but no limits on campaign donations. (Jan 2001)
Term limits let politicians focus on issues, not re-election. (Jan 2001)
Reforms must respect state's rights to select electors. (Aug 2001)

Martin O`Malley on Government Reform

Democrat

Click here for 2 full quotes by Martin O`Malley OR click here for Martin O`Malley on other issues.

Implement a system of open and transparent administration. (Jan 2007)
Voluntary public financing for all general elections. (Aug 2000)

Barack Obama on Government Reform

Democratic incumbent President; IL Senator (2004-2008)

Click here for 76 full quotes by Barack Obama OR click here for Barack Obama on other issues.

Waiting 6 or 7 hours to cast a ballot betrays our ideals. (Feb 2013)
OpEd: 2010 federal pay freeze was all smoke and mirrors. (Oct 2011)
Open Government Initiative on first full day in office. (Apr 2011)
OpEd: Broke promise to pay for every dime of new spending. (Jan 2011)
Constitution says what states CAN'T do to you. (Nov 2010)
Transition team ethics statement: "No Ego, No Glory". (May 2010)
Used signing statements, like Bush, 17 times in 2009. (May 2010)
OpEd: shunning Fox News is like Nixon's 1960s Enemies List. (Apr 2010)
We face a deficit of trust, not just a budget deficit. (Jan 2010)
FactCheck: Yes, set up first reverse-revolving door policy. (Jan 2010)
Economic agenda builds new foundation for lasting prosperity. (Feb 2009)
Eliminate government programs that no longer work. (Aug 2008)
FactCheck: Worked with McCain on ethics, but bill fell apart. (Aug 2008)
Cabinet members should hold national town hall meetings. (Jul 2008)
Need a government that listens to the people again. (Feb 2008)
Give D.C. the opportunity to elect its own representatives. (Feb 2008)
Bad idea to over-classify information. (Dec 2007)
Bush�s signing statements are a clear abuse of prerogative. (Dec 2007)
Public submits policy ideas on Obama�s �My Policy� website. (Oct 2007)
Prayer can�t prevent disasters; good policy can handle them. (Aug 2007)
Registered 150,000 new minority voters in Chicago in 1992. (Jul 2007)
Half of us don�t vote; time for taking it back. (Jun 2007)
Bush administration has done �great damage� to U.S. (Mar 2007)
Filibuster has long tradition, but used to harm civil rights. (Oct 2006)
Electing US Senators empowers people: keep 17th Amendment. (Oct 2004)
People are really ready for a message for change. (Jul 2004)
Campaign race baiting works in both directions. (Aug 1996)
Campaign Finance Reform
Constitutional Amendment to overturn Citizens United. (Aug 2012)
Ban insider trading by members of Congress. (Jan 2012)
Citizens United decision: major victory for Big Oil. (Sep 2010)
Only a few waivers on lobbyists in senior positions. (Jan 2010)
Post all earmark request online before each vote. (Jan 2010)
FactCheck: Yes, agreed to public financing, then declined it. (Oct 2008)
GovWatch: Promised public financing, and then retreated. (Jun 2008)
AdWatch: I opt out of broken public campaign finance system. (Jun 2008)
GovWatch: No, McCain & RNC don�t get much money from PACs. (Jun 2008)
Lobbyists & special interests have strangle-hold on agenda. (Feb 2008)
Ended corporate jet travel subsidized by lobbyists. (Feb 2008)
Never took money from federal lobbyists or their companies. (Jan 2008)
No lobbyist money; no PAC money; fund campaigns instead. (Jan 2008)
Money is the original sin in politics and I am not sinless. (Nov 2007)
Reduced cost TV ads for candidates; $85M presidential limit. (Oct 2007)
Ok to take $5 donations from drug company employees. (Sep 2007)
Public campaign financing with free television & radio time. (Aug 2007)
1998: First law passed, 52-4, stripping legislator perks. (Aug 2007)
2004: Used state money for seemingly political mailing. (Aug 2007)
No �bundled� money from federal-registered lobbyists. (Aug 2007)
Campaigns last too long & cost too much. (Aug 2007)
Doesn�t take PAC money or federal lobbyists� money. (Jul 2007)
People know his �bundlers� because he pushed disclosure law. (Jul 2007)
FactCheck: no lobbyist money; yes from bundlers who lobby. (Jul 2007)
First bill ever passed was campaign finance reform. (Apr 2007)
FactCheck: no lobbyist money, yes from lobbyist spouses. (Apr 2007)
Hopefund PAC pushes government to honor sacred commitments. (Nov 2006)
Lobbyist influence comes from access, not money. (Oct 2006)
Earmark Reform
Would love line-item veto, but start with earmark reform. (Jan 2010)
Freeze discretionary government spending for 3 years. (Jan 2010)
FactCheck: Yes, earmarks total $18B in this year�s budget. (Oct 2008)
Eliminating earmarks isn�t enough; but I�ll check every line. (Sep 2008)
Google for Government: let public track federal grants. (Jul 2008)
Use technology to shine a light on spending. (Jun 2008)
Consistently in favor of more disclosure around earmarks. (Feb 2008)
Created a publicly searchable database on earmarks spending. (Feb 2008)
Shine light on federal contracts, earmarks, & proposed bills. (Feb 2008)
Create �Google for Government� to track government spending. (Aug 2007)
Sponsored bill to disclose earmarks on Internet. (Oct 2006)
Voting Record
FactCheck: Yes, Obama cast 130 �present� votes in IL Senate. (Jan 2008)
Voted YES on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
Voted NO on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006)
Voted YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity. (Mar 2006)
Election reform is #1 priority to prevent disenfranchisement. (Jan 2001)
Sponsored bill criminalizing deceptive info about elections. (Nov 2005)
Sponsored resolution rejecting photo ID for voting. (Sep 2005)
Sponsored bill to post earmarks on the Internet. (Jan 2006)
Prohibit voter intimidation in federal elections. (Mar 2007)
Prohibit 'voter caging' which intimidates minority voting. (Nov 2007)

Sarah Palin on Government Reform
Republican Governor (AK); 2008 nominee for Vice President
Click here for 43 full quotes by Sarah Palin OR click here for Sarah Palin on other issues. Cut funding for "fluffery" like the NPR and NEA. (Jan 2011) 1950s push for AK statehood based on lack of representation. (Nov 2010) Transparency meetings should not be held behind closed doors. (Feb 2010) Get people in government who seek divine intervention. (Feb 2010) Conflict of interest in fellow Councilor's garbage proposal. (Nov 2009) 2006: Small donors;returned checks with conflict of interest. (Nov 2009) Refused per diem expenses for housing and First Family. (Nov 2009) As Gov., avoided "high-end, robe-and-slippers" hotels. (Nov 2009) 1996: Promised to cut her own pay as mayor; then did so. (Nov 2009) Resigned as AOGCC chair to protest its corruption. (Nov 2009) Ran 2006 campaign against "Corrupt Bastards Club". (Nov 2009) Put state checkbook online, for budget transparency. (Nov 2009) Criminal penalty if vote traded for campaign contribution. (Nov 2009) Complaint filed about kids' travel; all dismissed or settled. (Nov 2009) FactCheck: Yes, usually chose frugal travel, but not always. (Nov 2009) FactCheck: Over half of her campaign funded by large donors. (Nov 2009) FactCheck: Criticized conflict of interest, but did the same. (Nov 2009) Often cites Exxon Valdez Supreme Court case. (Aug 2009) Overall reduction of 7% spending, plus state hiring freeze. (Jan 2009) Agrees with Cheney that VP as executive is flexible. (Oct 2008) Many Supreme Court rulings are better addressed by states. (Oct 2008) No state-mandated religion, but public faith is ok. (Oct 2008) McCain is maverick who wants to reform government. (Sep 2008) Alienated legislators by line-item-vetoing their projects. (Sep 2008) Regulate for people & against cronyism & lobbyists. (Sep 2008) Only independent mavericks can reform Washington. (Sep 2008) Small town mayors are on front lines of accountability. (Sep 2008) Never been part of an Alaska secessionist party. (Sep 2008) Shook up the good-ol� boys network with major ethics reform. (Sep 2008) Vetoed nearly half a billion dollars in wasteful spending. (Sep 2008) 1996 mayoral election focus: ideology, term limits, religion. (Sep 2008) McCain: She�s a soul-mate who implemented ethics reform. (Aug 2008) Individuals make better decisions than government. (Aug 2008) VECO scandal & Stevens indictment shows need for GOP cleanup. (Jul 2008) Comprehensive ethics reform: change politics as usual. (Jul 2007) Presented comprehensive ethics bill in early 2007. (Mar 2007) Sell previous governor�s jet on eBay--it�s impractical. (Dec 2006) Attended numerous debates & did not avoid any unnecessarily. (Oct 2006) Bridge to Nowhere Replaced �Bridge to Nowhere� with improved ferry system. (Sep 2008) Killed �bridge to nowhere� project as unneeded. (Aug 2008) Supported infamous �Bridge to Nowhere�; now criticizes it. (Aug 2008) Fight �bridge to nowhere� and all earmarks. (Jul 2008) Supports state funding for Gravina Island bridge. (Oct 2006)

Ron Paul on Government Reform

Republican Representative (TX-14); previously Libertarian for President

Click here for 57 full quotes by Ron Paul OR click here for Ron Paul on other issues.

If Congress doesn't earmark, the Executive Branch decides. (Feb 2012)
Preach the gospel of liberty. (Jan 2012)
All spending should be designated by earmarks. (Jan 2012)
Veto every single bill that violates the 10th amendment. (Sep 2011)
Some Executive Orders are legal; but power has been abused. (Sep 2011)
I believe in market regulation, but not federal regulation. (Sep 2011)
Everything government does is a mandate. (Sep 2011)
Don't use Executive Orders for controversial laws. (Sep 2011)
FEMA just conditioned people to build where they shouldn't. (Sep 2011)
Government investment in ANY business is malinvestment. (Jun 2011)
Enough bipartisanship; gridlock can be the friend of liberty. (Apr 2011)
Tax-funded elections are worse than campaign finance reform. (Apr 2011)
People shouldn't be able to vote to take away others' rights. (Apr 2011)
Government "insurance" is really just a transfer payment. (Apr 2011)
I vote for term limits, but they won't solve anything. (Apr 2011)
Lobbyists shouldn't see bills before Congressmen. (Feb 2011)
Paper money makes Congress believe it has no spending limit. (Sep 2010)
Introduced Federal Reserve Transparency Act with Sen.Sanders. (Sep 2010)
The �living Constitution� is the death of democracy. (Apr 2008)
Constitution defines much smaller government. (Feb 2008)
Received the most campaign contributions from the military. (Feb 2008)
Dismantle agencies that have no Constitutional role. (Dec 2007)
Supports compulsory term limits, not voluntary for himself. (Dec 2007)
DC voting representation should be determined by Amendment. (Sep 2007)
No federal voter ID card; but state ID cards ok. (Sep 2007)
Constitution was written to restrain the federal government. (Sep 2007)
We are drifting rather rapidly into a totalitarian state. (Sep 2007)
Disallow lawsuits that stop public officials invoking God. (Sep 2007)
End government secrecy; restore openness of information. (Aug 2007)
With neocon philosophy, Cheney is more powerful than Bush. (Aug 2007)
Signing statements erode constitutional balance. (Jul 2007)
Conservatives support big government war policies. (Jun 2007)
Close departments of Energy, Education & Homeland Security. (May 2007)
Judges have become legislators by de-emphasizing juries. (Dec 1987)
Our government routinely lies to us. (Dec 1987)
Federal abuses today worse than King�s in 1776 revolution. (Dec 1987)
Politicians dislike gold standard--it disallows dishonesty. (Jul 1982)
Spending without taxation causes inflation. (Dec 1981)
Voting+Sponsorships
Put 65 projects into 2006 bills, worth $4B to his district. (Dec 2007)
No on all earmarks, even those he proposes for his district. (Dec 2007)
Voted NO on Senate pay raise. (Jun 2009)
Voted NO on requiring lobbyist disclosure of bundled donations. (May 2007)
Voted NO on granting Washington DC an Electoral vote & vote in Congress. (Apr 2007)
Voted YES on protecting whistleblowers from employer recrimination. (Mar 2007)
Voted YES on requiring photo ID for voting in federal elections. (Sep 2006)
Voted NO on restricting independent grassroots political committees. (Apr 2006)
Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits about obesity against food providers. (Oct 2005)
Voted YES on limiting attorney's fees in class action lawsuits. (Feb 2005)
Voted YES on restricting frivolous lawsuits. (Sep 2004)
Voted NO on campaign finance reform banning soft-money contributions. (Feb 2002)
Voted NO on banning soft money and issue ads. (Sep 1999)
Limit federal power, per the 10th Amendment. (Dec 2000)
Unlimited campaign contributions; with full disclosure. (Dec 2000)
Reduce the salary of Members of Congress. (Jan 2011)
No recess appointments without Congressional approval. (Jan 2012)
Require all laws to cite Constitutional authorization. (Jun 2009)
Repeal automatic Congressional pay raises. (Jan 2009)

Rob Portman on Government Reform

Republican Jr Senator; previously Representative (OH-2)

Click here for 7 full quotes by Rob Portman OR click here for Rob Portman on other issues.

Voted YES on limiting attorney's fees in class action lawsuits. (Feb 2005)
Voted YES on restricting frivolous lawsuits. (Sep 2004)
Voted NO on campaign finance reform banning soft-money contributions. (Feb 2002)
Voted YES on banning soft money donations to national political parties. (Jul 2001)
Voted NO on banning soft money and issue ads. (Sep 1999)
Limit punitive damages; term limits on Congress. (Sep 1994)
Government is too big, too intrusive, too easy with money. (Sep 1994)

Mitt Romney on Government Reform

Former Republican Governor (MA); presidential nominee-apparent

Click here for 29 full quotes by Mitt Romney OR click here for Mitt Romney on other issues.

Regulation is essential; but it's excessive and outdated. (Oct 2012)
Regulatory cap: Repeal outdated regulations to make new ones. (Sep 2012)
FactCheck: Ryan more liberal than Romney on campaign finance. (Aug 2012)
Earmark system is broken; ban them with line-item veto. (Feb 2012)
Make government simpler, smaller, and smarter. (Jan 2012)
2004: Disallowed from appointing Kerry's Senate successor. (Nov 2011)
I didn't inhale while governor; government is too big. (Sep 2011)
1994: campaign spending limits and the abolition of PACs. (Jun 2011)
2002: publicly fund campaigns; 2008: repeal McCain-Feingold. (Jun 2011)
Measure American success by series of cyclical indicators. (Mar 2010)
Dynamic regulations: forward-looking & consistently applied. (Mar 2010)
1960s large donors avoided union influence in politics. (Mar 2010)
GovWatch: 1994: advocated spending limit on elections. (Feb 2008)
Washington thinks �action� means committee meetings & Bills. (Feb 2008)
Must know how America works, not just how Washington works. (Feb 2008)
Use my own money in a campaign to try and change the US. (Jan 2008)
Not concerned about voters on his campaign self-contribution. (Jan 2008)
Washington is broken due to insider lobbyists & politicians. (Jan 2008)
McCain-Feingold hurt our party and hurt the First Amendment. (Jan 2008)
Signing statements are an important presidential practice. (Dec 2007)
Focus on global Jihad, immigration, tax cut, and healthcare. (Dec 2007)
Line-item veto can & should pass constitutional muster. (Oct 2007)
FactCheck: 844 line item vetoes; but over 700 overridden. (Oct 2007)
FactCheck: Romney had 700 line-item vetoes, President cannot. (Jun 2007)
Never pardoned anyone as governor, but might pardon Libby. (Jun 2007)
McCain-Feingold law prevents free speech in campaigns. (May 2007)
Open document policy overcame SLOC obfuscation & scandal. (Aug 2004)
Balanced budget amendment and line-item veto. (Mar 2002)
Trickle-down government is not the answer. (Oct 2012)

Paul Ryan on Government Reform

Republican nominee for Vice President; U.S. Rep. (WI-1)

Click here for 26 full quotes by Paul Ryan OR click here for Paul Ryan on other issues.

We don't belong to government; the people are sovereign. (Sep 2012)
End the supervision and sanctimony of the central planners. (Aug 2012)
Budget Boondoggle Award: expose worst wasteful spending. (Aug 2012)
Limited government has evolved into centralized solutions. (Aug 2012)
Pledges no new earmarks; and Line Item Veto against them. (Aug 2012)
Government should not solve every social problem. (Feb 2011)
FactCheck: all-time high government was 1943, not 2009. (Jan 2011)
Individual liberty requires limited government. (Jan 2011)
1990s Republican majority succumbed to the earmark culture. (Sep 2010)
Create a constitutional version of the line-item veto. (Jan 2010)
Voted NO on Senate pay raise. (Jun 2009)
Voted YES on requiring lobbyist disclosure of bundled donations. (May 2007)
Voted YES on granting Washington DC an Electoral vote & vote in Congress. (Apr 2007)
Voted YES on protecting whistleblowers from employer recrimination. (Mar 2007)
Voted YES on requiring photo ID for voting in federal elections. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on restricting independent grassroots political committees. (Apr 2006)
Voted YES on prohibiting lawsuits about obesity against food providers. (Oct 2005)
Voted YES on limiting attorney's fees in class action lawsuits. (Feb 2005)
Voted YES on restricting frivolous lawsuits. (Sep 2004)
Voted NO on campaign finance reform banning soft-money contributions. (Feb 2002)
Voted YES on banning soft money donations to national political parties. (Jul 2001)
Voted NO on banning soft money and issue ads. (Sep 1999)
Prohibit non-legislated earmarks. (Jul 2005)
No recess appointments without Congressional approval. (Jan 2012)
Restrict campaign donations from foreigners or 3rd parties. (May 1999)
Require all laws to cite Constitutional authorization. (Jun 2009)

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