GOP Gathers to Celebrate Proven Record of Failure

GOP Gathers to Celebrate Proven Record of Failure

This weekend, the Wisconsin Republican Party is gathering in Stevens Point to celebrate the GOP’s proven record of failure on everything from health care to Iraq to the economy. High points include standing in the way of health care access, backing President Bush’s failed strategy in Iraq and ensuring tax cuts to the wealthy while middle class families suffer.

“Whether it’s the rising costs of health care or ongoing war in Iraq, it looks like Wisconsin Republicans have a lot to be proud of going into convention,” Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chairman Joe Wineke said. “This weekend, they’ll gather to celebrate Bush’s disastrous administration while they rally around his successor, John McCain.”

Proven Failure on the Economy

Nearly eight years of failed Bush policies have pushed the unemployment rate in Wisconsin up to 4.8%. In the fourth quarter of 2007 alone, 32,887 families were unable to pay their mortgages. But despite these hardships, John McCain said as recently as last month that, "you could make an argument that there's been great progress economically.”

Proven Failure in Iraq

Since the war began, over 4,000 American lives have been lost, including 87 brave soldiers from Wisconsin. Five years ago, President Bush assured the country that major combat operations were over, as he stood beneath the “Mission Accomplished” banner. Around the same time, John McCain agreed, saying, “it’s clear that the end is very much in sight.” Now, even as Americans overwhelmingly favor brining our troops home, John McCain said he is “fine” keeping them there…for 100 years.

Proven Failure on Health care

Under President Bush’s administration, over half a million people are uninsured in Wisconsin. McCain supported President Bush’s Veto of SCHIP, and has no plan to help those who don’t have health insurance. McCain’s health care plan lacks any details on how to get more people health insurance or bring down costs.

“As Wisconsin Republicans gather this weekend, their proven record of failure could not be clearer,” Wineke said. “And John McCain’s out of touch policies are just more of the same.”

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