House Minority Leader John A. Boehner on Friday hammered President Obama and Democrats for what he called their “job-killing policies,” saying that next month’s midterm elections would be a “referendum” on the nation’s economy and a chance for a fresh start.
During a midday campaign speech at a small manufacturing company in West Chester, Ohio, the Republican implored voters to support his party’s quest to regain control of Congress from the Democrats.
“We need a new majority in Congress that will stand up to President Barack Obama and insist that he start listening to the people,” Mr. Boehner said.
Mr. Boehner emphasized the need for change and chastised Congress and the White House for “disrespecting” the wishes of average Americans, calling them a government “out of control.”
“Do you have to accept it? Do you have to take it? Of course you don’t. That’s what elections are for,” he said.
“The government our children deserve is within our grasp. It starts next month – and it starts with throwing out the politicians who aren’t listening and giving a chance to a new Congress that will.”
Mr. Boehner also touted House Republicans’ recent “Pledge to America,” an action plan that would cancel unspent stimulus funds, repeal the administration’s health care law and cut lawmakers’ budgets, among other things, to help rein in spending.
“The very structure of Congress right now is rigged in favor of spending,” he said. “If we’re going to confront the massive challenges that lie ahead for our country, the American people understand this has to change.”
The minority leader, in line to replace Nancy Pelosi as speaker of the House should the GOP regain power, promised that Republicans have learned from their mistakes that led the party to lose its majority status in the House to Democrats after the 2006 election.
“I can promise you: if we’re entrusted with the opportunity to govern, we are going to do things differently,” he said. “The American people deserve nothing less, and we will accept nothing less. I will accept nothing less.”
Mrs. Pelosi’s office issued an immediate statement challenging Mr. Boehner’s comments.
“The speech today by Mr. Boehner demonstrates that when Republicans pledge to go back to the ’same exact’ failed policies, their leader can only resort to empty rhetoric,” the statement said
The speaker’s office also dismissed the House Republicans’ “Pledge to America,” which was released last month, as nothing more than a hollow promise filled with old failed ideas.
“The congressional Republicans are still championing policies that put the corporate special interests ahead of the middle class, destroyed our economy, and put us in the ditch,” the statement said.
• Sean Lengell can be reached at slengell@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.