Republican Surveys

I'm a registered Republican, so occasionally, I get mail from the National Republican Senate Committee, begging me for money (I have very little, of course). But I like the idea that I get to participate in the system in some way.

Today, I received a survey in the mail, essentially asking me what I think about various Republican talking points. I suspect that they are going to use the results of these surveys to streamline their message for the fall campaign. Personally, I think this is a great idea: see what issues matter to your core voters, and work from there.

I was interested mainly in the "Red Meat" nature of the phrasing. You can see that on some of these points, they want to see how much specific talking points can rile up the base.

On the survey, you can answer, "Agree Strongly," "Agree Moderately," "Disagree Moderately," "Disagree Strongly," or "Uncertain."

1. I do not believe our government should raise our taxes.
2. The Federal tax system is too complex.
3. Americans are overtaxed.
4. I favor a flat tax.
5. Our government has grown too large.
6. The Federal government is too wasteful.
7. My family and I are benefiting from the Bush tax cuts.
8. Balancing the budget should be an important goal for Congress.
9. In order to balance the Federal budget we should
a) increase taxes.
b) decrease government waste and spending.
10. I believe special interests have too much influence in Washington.
11. Democrats are catering to Big Labor and other liberal interests at my expense.
12. I support policies that encourage small business development and investment.
13. Our government should make securing our borders and ports a top priority.
14. More needs to be done to protect Americans from uncontrolled immigration.
15. Lawmakers should work with President Bush to find a solution to our nation's entitlement crisis.
16. I am concerned about the rising cost of healthcare in America.
17. I DO NOT believe our healthcare system should be socialized.
18. I believe frivolous lawsuits are driving up the cost of healthcare.
19. Ensuring the long-term fiscal stability of Social Security should be a top priority.
20. Halting the proliferation of nuclear arms worldwide should be a top priority for Congress and this Administration.
21. It's important we give our men and women of our Armed Services the resources they need to get the job done in Iraq.
22. I believe cutting funding for our military compromises our troops.
23. Setting timetables for withdrawing our troops in Iraq is not in our nation's best interest.
24. Republicans have a stronger record on national defense and foreign policy than Democrats.
25. The U.S. depends far too much on foreign oil.
26. Our country should follow the Reagan conservative principles of lower taxes, limited government, and a strong national defense.
27. I support President Bush's ban on human cloning.
28. I believe gays should not be permitted to openly serve in the military. (split infinitive here, guys...)
29. There should be a Constitutional Amendment to prevent the desecration of the American flag.
30. I support a Constitutional Amendment to protect traditional marriage between a man and a woman.
31. English should be made the official language of the U.S.
32. I believe Democrats' efforts to resurrect the Fairness Doctrine would restrict my right to freedom of speech.
33. I believe our lawmakers and our President have a responsibility to promote traditional moral values.
34. Other issues of importance to me include: _________________________