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Republican Legislative Agenda, September 1975
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White House Special Files Unit Files
Issue Decision Papers for the President
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Republican National Committee (U.S.)
U.S. House of Representatives. 3/4/1789-
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The original documents are located in Box 7, folder "Republican Legislative Agenda,
September 1975" of the White House Special Files Unit Files at the Gerald R. Ford
Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
REPUBLICAN
CONGRESSIONAL
COMMITTEE
NEWSLETTER
300 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
Number 11
Washington, D.C. 20515
94th Congress, First Session
September 1975
SKYLINE of Kansas City, Mo., in this night photo, shows
approved the recommendation of the Site Selection Com-
an area that will become familiar to delegates and others
mittee and set the dates for August 16-19. For more on the
during the Republican National Convention of Bicen-
city and a picture of its Kemper Arena where the
tennial-year 1976 held there. The National Committee has
convention will be, see page 3.
By GOP House Members
GERALD ORD LIBRARY
LEGISLATIVE PLAN UNVEILED
A major legislative program agreed
assume the function of the great
revenues with a systematic reduction
upon by House Republicans and their
tinkerer, but can, and should, help
of the public debt. The public debt
Policy Committee was made public
promote prosperity. It can best do this
must be restructured. Trust fund sur-
September 8. It shows the world -
by not hindering the course of com-
pluses, which by statute can only be
and the voters - some of the specifics
merce, by minimizing regulation, by
invested in government obligations,
of what they would do as the majority
allowing the time-tested laws of supply
tend to distort the real picture and
party in Congress.
and demand to work with maximum
should not be included in considering
About 15 members attended the
freedom, by encouraging healthy com-
the overall public debt ceiling
We
press conference in the Capitol at
petition and the enforcement of anti-
propose that the limit of the public
which the plan was announced. They
trust laws that protect the consumer
debt be set concurrently with the
included House GOP Leader John J.
and fledgling businesses.
adoption of the Federal Budget.
Rhodes; Rep. Bob Michel, Republican
PUBLIC DEBT
GOVERNMENT REFORM
Whip; Rep. John B. Anderson, Repub-
lican Conference Chairman, and Rep.
During the past 40 years excessive
In recent years, an entrenched, bur-
Barber B. Conable Jr., Policy Com-
appropriations by Democrat-
geoning bureaucracy has developed in
mittee Chairman.
controlled Congresses have created
the Federal Government. Federal
Here are excerpts of the program:
massive deficits and forced the Federal
agencies have proliferated and become
Government to borrow heavily. This
fragmented, inefficient, duplicative
PRIVATE ENTERPRISE
competition with the private sector
and wasteful. Regulatory agencies have
Our 200-year-old system of private
has caused interest rates to rise and, as
overstepped their authority in the pro-
enterprise, working within a free and
a result, funds for private capital in-
mulgation of rules and regulations.
competitive economy, has produced
vestment which are needed to create
They have usurped authorities which
the highest living standard in the
new jobs have become scarce and
rightfully belong to the States, and
world. This private sector production
expensive. Massive deficits will re-
ultimately to the people. Return of
has been and is the only creator of our
kindle double-digit inflation and pre-
power to the States, as well as strict
national wealth, with government
vent the expansion of business needed
Congressional oversight of agency
merely redistributing wealth it has
to pull our economy out of the re-
compliance with the letter and spirit
acquired through taxation
Any
cession
of the law, are urgently needed to
broader effort by government to con-
The Budget Committees of the
preserve personal liberty, improve ef-
trol or direct our huge trillion-and-a-
Congress, in conjunction with the Ex-
ficiency, and eliminate waste. We rec-
half-dollar economic machine could be
ecutive Branch, must establish spend-
ommend a bipartisan commission be
a disaster. Government should not
ing priorities consistent with Federal
(Continued on page 5)
Digitized from Box 7 of the White House Special Files Unit Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Newsletter Analysis
SINAI PLAN TO CLEAR AS IT IS?
Defending the interium peace agreement between Egypt
installations, a process to "begin within two weeks from the
and Israel, Secretary of State Henry Kissinger spent the
signature of the protocol with the introduction of the
entire first week of his Mideast return reassuring various
necessary technicians, and completed no later than eight
Congressional committees and diplomatic correspondents
weeks after it begins."
that stationing U.S. civilians in the Sinai is in no way
The U.N. mandate shall be extended annually.
analgous to the American entrance in Vietnam. Administra-
The parties establish a joint commission to "consider
tion Reason No. 1: The 150 to 200 American monitors
any problem arising from this agreement and to assist the
will be civilians, limited to a technical surveillance role in
U.N. Emergency Force in the execution of its mandate."
the 20-mile stretch bounded by the Mitla and Gidda Passes;
Israeli nonmilitary cargoes shall be permitted through
No. 2: They will be in the United Nations buffer zone
the Suez Canal.
between the two armies, accompanied by thousands of
Within the areas of limited forces and armaments,
United Nations personnel; and, No. 3d The technicians will
limitations shall be: eight standard infantry battalions, 75
serve an impartial role between the two sides - at the
tanks, 72 artillery pieces, both parties agreeing not to
request of the two sides. Further, the United States has
station or locate in the area weapons which can reach the
protected itself in written agreement by the unilateral right
other side.
to withdraw such personnel "if it concludes that their
Beyond areas of limited forces and armaments, limita-
safety is jeopardized or that continuation of their role is no
tions shall be: no antiaircraft missiles within 10 miles of
longer necessary."
designated boundaries, neither side to station or locate in
Bowing to doubters, Kissinger agreed in Senate hearings
the area weapons which can reach the other side. U.N.
to support forthcoming legislative proposals to require
troops may conduct inspections to insure maintenance of
withdrawal of the American presence "in the event of
agreed limitations.
hostilities." As negotiated, the existing agreement leaves the
Aerial reconnaissance missions by the United States
sensitive withdrawal decision to President Ford.
over the areas covered by the agreement shall continue
Rep. William S. Broomfield, ranking Republican of the
following the same procedures already in practice, ordi-
House International Relations Committee, said the GOP
narily one mission every seven to 10 days.
expects the accord to receive sanction by Congress virtually
Not more than 200 U.S. civilian technicians shall be
as it is. Siding with the President, Broomfield indicated he
stationed in five early-warning sites, previously described.
would support an American presence in the Sinai because
"The significance of the agreement," Kissinger told
KEMPER ARENA in Kansas City,
"I am convinced that it is indispenable to the success of the
reporters, "is that it defuses tensions in the area and, if it is
Mo., site of the 1976 Republican
accord. The alternative to this agreement, in my opinion, is
implemented properly, will open a door to general peace in
National Convention, is pictured above
Kansas City in B
a return to confrontation in the area and the distinct
the area."
while a hockey game was in progress.
possibility of renewed warfare. The risks for the United
The crucial test of that belief, according to area experts,
Population: (1973 estimates): Kansas City, Mo
States are tolerable; a refusal to take them would be
will come at the end of November when Syrian President
The Debt-ocratic
metropolitan statistical area, consisting of Cass, Cla
irresponsible and contrary to our national interests."
Assad must decide whether to renew the United Nations
Ray Counties in Missouri, and Johnson and Wyando
Kissinger's Congressional appearances coincided with
observer force on the Golan Heights. Kicking out the troops
Convention?
1,323,800.
discussions between Egypt and Israel on a number of
would signal a return to the war of attrition waged between
House GOP Leader John J.
Transportation: Kansas City International Airport,
protocols for implementation of the agreement. It is the
Syria and Israel in 1974, but the hope is that Assad would
Rhodes and his Democratic
1972, is served by eight scheduled airlines with
Administration's hope that Congress will approve deploy-
not want to take on the full brunt of Israeli forces.
counterpart, Majority Leader
arrivals and departures daily. The city has 12 trunk
ment of American technicians within the projected two-
Thomas P. O'Neill, had a brisk
passenger trains and 176 freight trains arriving
week negotiating period, since Israel has said it would not
debate September 10 on the
Highway network centering on the city includes si
implement the agreement unless that approval is given.
House floor partly on party
Federal routes. The Metro, the bus system for the
Soviet officials boycotted the brief ceremonial signing in
REPUBLICAN
principles, partly on choice of
basic fare in Kansas City, Mo., of 40 cents.
Geneva September 4. The agreement heightens American
CONGRESSIONAL
national convention sites for
Climate (mean data for August): temperature, 79.8
influence in the Mideast by, among other things, licensing
COMMITTEE
1976. Quipped Rhodes, in the
3.77 inches.
the continued operation of a strategic early-warning station
NEWSLETTER
high point of exchange:
at Um Khushaibb by the Israelis and granting Egypt the
Religion: Greater Kansas City Area includes more
It is perhaps appropriate
right to build one of its own nearby. Roughly 10 Americans
over 69 denominations.
The Newsletter is published monthly while Congress is in
that the party that ran New
would be assigned to each major installation, in what Under
session by the Public Relations Division of the National
Republican Congressional Committee, 300 New Jersey
York into the hole should meet
Media: Area has four daily newspapers: Kansas
Secretary of State Joseph Sisco called a "custodial" role.
Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20515. Telephones (all area
there amid the governmental
Kansas City Kansan, Independence Examiner, and
(
The essential American job would be the manning of three
code 202): Executive Director, 225-1832; Art Depart-
ruins of their operation. The
six TV stations are: ABC (KMBC), channel 9; CB
small tactical early-warning stations in the Mitla and Gidda
ment, 225-1813; Broadcast Services, 225-1806; Cam-
paign, 225-1816; Public Relations, 225-1800.
city's dilemma is illustrated by
NBC (WDAF), channel 4; KQTV, channel 2; educa
Passes. In support of these, the proposal calls for the
Committee Chairman
the fact that the Statue of
KCPT, channel 19, and KBMA (UHF), channel 41
establishment of three unmanned electronic sensor fields at
Rep. Guy Vander Jagt of Michigan
Liberty is now holding a tin cup.
stations and 15 FM stations. AP, UPI and Reut
both ends of each pass close to roads leading to and from
Executive Director: Steven Stockmeyer: Public Relations
The Democrats should feel right
bureaus there.
the American watch teams.
Director: L. David LeRoy; Contributing Editors: Sandy
at home. They have run Uncle
Bass, Ed Blakely, Shirley M. Hartman.
Recreation: Kansas City, Mo., maintains 113 park
The highlights of the package:
Sam a half-trillion in hock, and
including Swope Park, second-largest city park in
The parties shall continue to observe cease-fire on
Permission to use material in this publication is granted
they have made New York into
team (American Football Conference) is Kansas Cit
land, sea and air, and refrain from all military or para-
with or without credit to the committee. The Newsletter
sad city. Perhaps, in all honesty,
is sent to contributors of $25 or more, of which $2.50 is
(American League Baseball), Kansas City Royals
military actions against one another.
since the purveyors of fiscal ir-
All military forces shall withdraw behind lines created
for a one-year subscription. Second-class postage paid at
Basketball Association), Kansas City Kings. Hoc
Washington, D.C. When changing address, please send us
responsibilities will be gathering
League), Kansas City Scouts. Harry S. Truman Sp
in the agreement, creating a buffer zone in which United
both old and new. IMPORTANT: Include old address
there - they should really call
Nations Emergency Forces will continue to function as
twin stadiums. City is noted for jazz, outdoor
label from Newsletter.
this the Debt-ocratic Con-
on thick Midwestern steaks. Harry S. Truman Li
under the Egyptian-Israeli Agreement of January, 1974.
vention."
Independence, are only 10 miles from downtown K
Egypt will reassume control of Abu Rudeis oilfields and
2
RCC Newsletter/September 1975
RCC Newsletter/September 1975
Why a GOP
from page 1
Legislative
GOP PROGRAM: LOTS OF SPECIFICS
established to review present govern-
curity and a high standard of living for
We believe the Federal Government
Program?
'76 REPUBLICANA
mental performance, administrative
all Americans is a comprehensive na-
must meet its commitments to finding
Features return to BASICS
costs, proliferating federal programs;
tional policy that will produce an
solutions and facilities to help meet
without expensive OPTIONS
redefine national goals and recom-
adequate supply of energy for an
their needs. Needed is "catastrophic"
By Rep. John J. Rhodes
Wide-track stance insures
mend legislative revisions to enhance
expanding economy.
health insurance that will cover the
House Republican Leader
BROAD SUPPORT
the capability of government to meet
We believe the current lack of
medical needs of those who experience
the challenges of the coming
direction by the Democrat majority in
long, serious illnesses. We support a
A Congressional minority, in my
GOP
Congressmen
decade
Congress poses grave economic peril
nutritional supplement system and a
judgment, has two main responsi-
proudly present the
TAX REFORM
for the future.
comprehensive program of nutrition
bilities. The first is to do what it can
LEGISLATIVE VEHICLE
of the FUTURE
We propose that all Federal regu-
education for needy older citizens.
to improve the program of the ma-
The past four decades have seen
lations, programs and policies that
Inadequate housing and transportation
jority. Despite a 2-to-1 numbers dis-
Promotes DEFENSIVE
Democrat Congresses increase the tax
directly affect energy be reviewed,
must receive our undivided attention
advantage, House Republicans have
driving while protecting the
REPUBLICANA)
burden on the average working Ameri-
FREE SPIRIT in all of use
and ineffective programs be eliminated
and affirmative action.
labored to fulfill this duty with
can not only through additional taxes
or replaced.
Goes
farther,
but with the approval of built-in in-
HEALTH CARE
definite success. Because of a President
does
We propose a windfall profits tax
who is adamant in his desire to hold
COSTS LESS to operate. more,
equities and loopholes.
program with a plowback provision to
There is an urgent need to review
the line against large Federal expendi-
We propose that Congress begin
encourage reinvestment of energy
Federal involvement in health care.
tures, and a Republican Congressional
work immediately on revision of Fed-
earnings and eliminate windfall pro-
Not only Government spending, but
minority willing and able to back him
eral taxation:
fits.
regulations and guidelines have had
up, the Nation has been spared some
to simplify tax preparation
We propose that Congress' com-
great impact on national health-care
truly bad legislation.
-Newsletter cartoon by Harvey Simon
to discourage tax evasion
prehensive energy package provide
delivery.
At the same time, we have not been
to bring equity to the tax system
strong legal authority to allow de-
Under our present system, we have
"
insensitive to the legitimate needs of
And while it's custom-designed for you,
to provide incentives for eco-
velopment of natural resources with
one of the best health-care delivery
the country and have remained willing
there's plenty of room for your friend."
nomic growth.
full recognition of the need to provide
programs in the world. There are some
to compromise in the interests of
safeguards for the protection of the
gaps that need filling to assure our
getting things done. For example,
lection of legislative specifics.
select energy committee. In addition, a
WELFARE REFORM
environment.
people the quality of services nation-
while the so-called "jobs bill" was in
Secondly, since we do not have the
Republican Congress would look
We believe that society has the
We propose that Congress provide
wide that we are capable of providing.
the main poorly conceived, it did
votes, there is no way that we can
toward the private sector to carry the
We believe that our nation needs a
responsibility to assist those who can-
incentives for exploration and develop-
contain some badly needed provisions
enact this program at the present time.
ball as far as development of new
not provide for themselves. The pres-
ment of more American-owned oil and
National Health Policy, which would
for summer jobs for young people.
What is important is that we articulate
energy sources is concerned. Among
ent welfare system falls far short of
natural gas. A full-scale effort must be
balance health systems supply and
Most House Republicans voted to sus-
our basic goals to the American people
other things, we would establish a
this goal due to mismanagement and
made to develop our oil-shale re-
demand with financing. In addition
tain President Ford's veto of the bill
so that they can come to understand
windfall profits tax to protect the
abuses. The $5.2 billion food-stamp
there is a need for emphasis on educa-
sources.
and then voted for a compromise that
what it is we stand for. The specifics
consumer against possible "rip-offs" as
program has grown 14,203 percent in
We propose that Congress require
tion, environmental improvement,
encompassed nearly all of the
can come later on.
well as a plowback provision to en-
the past decade. Recipients have in-
that new Federal structures, where
better housing and nutritional gains,
summer-jobs-for-youth proposals. This
The House GOP program represents
courage reinvestment of energy-related
creased from 500,000 in 1965 to
practical, be heated and cooled with
all of which affect the general health
compromise was signed by the Presi-
our best recent effort to take a
profits.
nearly 20 million, and under present
solar systems.
of the American public
dent.
realistic look at where America should
The chief purpose of this exercise is
regulations an estimated 57 million
We propose a stepped-up program
SOCIAL SECURITY-RETIREMENT
The second responsibility of a Con-
strive to go during the coming critical
to provide the American people with a
people are eligible
for coal gasification, geothermal and
gressional minority is to strive to
years. We recognize, for example, that
rationale for electing a Republican
Controlling inflation is the most
We propose Congressional action:
nuclear power production.
become the nucleus of a new majority.
the transition from a deficit of $80
Congress next year. The people are
important way to insure the retire-
to provide adequate living stand-
A strong program of research and
In order for this to happen, it takes
billion to a balanced budget in the
apparently disenchanted with the past
ment security earned by American
ards for the truly needy
development should be continued for
more than simply saying "no" to
space of one year is impractical. How-
and recent performance of Congress,
workers. Congress must give top pri-
to eliminate ineligible recipients
the fusion process to unlock the un-
things. It is incumbent upon any
ever, we feel that balance could and
as well they should be. According to
ority to maintaining the integrity of
from the welfare rolls
limited potential of the hydrogen
minority seeking majority status to
should - be achieved within a three-
the polls, public confidence in the
the Social Security trust funds and
to establish effective regulations
atom.
give the people a positive notion of
year period.
Congress has slipped to its lowest
must revise retirement programs to
to prevent future welfare fraud
We propose that Congress provide
what it would attempt to accomplish,
Some of the proposals are inno-
point in history. It is only logical and
more nearly meet the needs of older
to strengthen and enforce work
practical incentives:
had it the votes.
vative. To help provide retirement
fair that the party that controls Con-
Americans. Adequate funding that will
requirements
1 - for conservation of energy by
It was with this in mind that I
income security, for example, we have
gress be held accountable for Con-
provide benefits in constant value
to provide educational and voca-
the public
established a mechanism early this
called for an expanded Keogh-type
dollars should be assured from a self-
gress's poor record. The Democratic
tional incentives to allow recipients to
2 to increase the utilization of
year to put together a legislative pro-
plan which would provide special tax
Party has run Congress for 20 straight
adjusting formula of contributions by
become self-supporting
waste materials in energy production
gram for House Republicans.
incentives for workers to invest volun-
years (and 38 of the last 42 years).
employees and employers. Unlimited
to increase penalties for welfare
3 for production by industry of
The document is purposely general.
tarily in a private retirement fund that
But Republicans cannot expect the
outside earnings should be allowed
fraud to discourage abuses
more energy-efficient products.
Early in our deliberations, the 33-
would supplement both Social Se-
people to give us control of Congress
without benefit penalties.
to coordinate Federal reforms
member drafting committee faced a
curity and company pension plans.
wholly on the basis of the poor record
All Americans deserve the oppor-
with State and social welfare agencies
procedural decision: whether to pre-
This is no greater failure of the
of the Democrats. Public dis-
OLDER AMERICANS
tunity to provide their own additional
to strengthen State and local ad-
pare a detailed legislative package con-
Democratic Congress than in the
appointment with the failure of Con-
ministrative functions
Many older Americans live on rela-
retirement security. The Individual Re-
ducive to immediate implementation
energy area. Congress has been strug-
gressional Democrats to act on key
to transfer administration of the
tively fixed, limited incomes, and in-
tirement Account (IRA) has extended
or to put together a more general
gling in vain since December of 1973
issues should only serve to make the
food-stamp program from the Depart-
flation has hurt them cruelly. The
this opportunity to an additional seg-
statement of principles which could
to enact a comprehensive energy bill.
voters receptive to a potential alterna-
ment of our working force. We pro-
ment of Agriculture to HEW
rapidly rising cost of living is caused in
serve as a framework for specific bills
The major roadblock to energy success
tive. By developing a legislative pro-
to tighten eligibility requirements
substantial measure by the profligate
pose that Congress expand this
later on.
is an insane maze of overlapping com-
gram of our own, House Republicans
for food stamps.
spending of the Federal Government.
Keogh-type supplemental retirement
We opted for the latter course. In
mittee jurisdictions. A Republican
have demonstrated to the people that
To protect the purchasing power of
plan to make it available to all
ENERGY
the first place, few people would take
Congress would end this internal con-
the income and savings of our older
workers.
there is a desirable alternative. It is to
the time to read a voluminous col-
fusion by establishing one joint or
elect a Republican Congress in 1976.
The key to future economic se-
people we must stop inflation,
(continued on page 6)
4
RCC Newsletter/September 1975
RCC Newsletter/September 1975
5
from page 5
OLSEN BIDS
GOP PROGRAM HAS
FOR HOUSE
LOTS OF SPECIFICS
Republicans will seek another vic-
EDUCATION
pecially those that prey on young boys
tory in this year's special Congres-
and girls.
sional elections when voters of the 5th
We insist that Congress review, eval-
uate and consolidate the more than
We propose Congress enact man-
District of Tennessee go to the polls
400 Federal education programs and
datory minimum sentences for persons
November 25 to elect a new member
assign priorities to those that are effec-
convicted of Federal crimes involving
of the House of Representatives.
tive. Federal support to reduce finan-
violence, use of firearms, trafficking in
Bob Olsen, a 43-year old former
hard drugs and habitual offenses
television newsman in Nashville, has
cial barriers to students in post-
ILLEGAL ALIENS
filed for the Republican nomination
secondary education and to encourage
and will be the nominee of the party
vocational education and job training,
An estimated 10 million citizens of
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of the Re-
as he is the lone filer.
compensatory education for the dis-
foreign countries now live illegally in
publican National Senatorial Com-
PRESIDENT FORD speaks to guests
-staff photo by Bob Brockhurst
Olsen completed his law degree at
advantaged, and special education for
the United States and actively com-
mittee is Mrs. Glee Gomien, recently
at Capitol Hill Club reception, joined
Vanderbilt University this year and is
the physically and mentally handi-
pete with American workers for avail-
named to the post by Committee
on the dais by Vice President and Mrs.
GOP HUMOR
awaiting the results of his bar exam.
capped should supplement resources
able jobs. Congress must insist on
Chairman Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska.
Nelson Rockefeller, Mrs. Ford and
The vacancy resulted from the res-
provided by State and local programs.
enforcement of existing laws which
She had been assistant director since
Charles Marck, reception chairman.
BOOK COMING
ignation, effective August 14, of the
Administration of educational pro-
establish a legal yearly entry rate,
1969. She joined the Senate campaign
Vice chairman of the event was Libby
seven-term Democrat incumbent
grams is the responsibility of State
increased border control and more
unit that year after the death of
Powell.
The Republican National
Richard Fulton, who had earlier been
government and local institutions, and
effective apprehension and deporta-
Senate GOP Leader Everett M. Dirk-
Committee plans to publish a
elected mayor of Nashville. The dis-
Federal intrusion cannot be
tion of people living illegally in the
sen, whom she had served for years as
book, "Republican Humor,"
trict is composed of three counties in
allowed
United States. Social Security require-
executive secretary and later as execu-
early in 1976, it announced last
middle Tennessee, the largest of which
ments for all workers must be enf-
tive assistant. Stevens also named
Purchase of
week. Said National Chairman
is Davidson County, the location of
MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY
orced and participation by illegal
William L. Collins as the Committee's
Mary Louise Smith: "We hope
Nashville, the State capital.
HANDICAPPED
aliens in federally funded welfare pro-
director of political activities. Collins
joined the staff last March after work-
Its Building
this will bring a little levity to
While the Republican primary will
grams must be stopped.
the political scene."
not be contested, the Democrats will
Those among us who are handi-
DEFENSE
ing for Rep. Lawrence Hogan of Mary-
Is Club's Plan
Co-authored by Stephen J.
capped face difficult challenges every
have a four-man primary struggle on
land from 1971 to 1974 and managing
Skubik and Hal E. Short and
day while trying to cope with a physi-
The first, and major, responsibility
October 9 and it is expected to be
the Congressional campaign of John
cal environment designed for the act-
of government is to provide for the
The President and Mrs. Ford and
published by Acropolis Books
hotly contested. In a district where 61
Burcham in Maryland last fall. The
ivities of the non-handicapped. We
common defense. Recent world events
Vice President and Mrs. Rockefeller
Ltd. of Washington, the 196-
percent of the 1972 Presidential vote
two have their work cut out for them:
have demonstrated that until we can
exchanged pleasantries and friendly
page book will appear in Janu-
believe that strong efforts should be
went to Richard Nixon, this Congres-
there are 33 Senate seats up in 1976,
made to assist the handicapped to
safely disarm, we must continue to
of which 11 are now held by Repub-
quips with guests from 50 States in
ary. It will sell for $4.95 in soft
sional race will be worth watching.
improve our military capability to
licans.
what was billed as "one of the high-
cover, and the RNC will receive
function in our society - to have
access to education, medical care, eco-
defend the United States and honor
lights of the fall social season in
royalties.
President Ford has written
nomic security, equal treatment from
our commitments to free-world na-
Washington" September 10.
the foreword which notes:
our institutions, improved transporta-
tions. A strong military is essential to
Award Goes
The occasion was a $1,000-per-
"When we are able to look at
tion and protection from ex-
the balance of power on which our
couple fund-raising reception staged
ploitation
safety rests. Congress must con-
To Hanrahan
by the National Republican Club of
the brighter side that lies just
CRIME
tinue to provide adequate funding to
Capitol Hill, the party's national social
below the surface of our neigh-
sustain volunteer manpower levels,
Former Rep. Robert P. Hanrahan
club. The approximately $90,000 in
bor's face, we Americans are at
our best."
A fundamental responsibility of
equip our forces and conduct vital
of Illinois, now Deputy Assistant Sec-
net proceeds, said reception chairman
One of Vice President Rocke-
government is to protect the lives and
research and development.
retary of HEW for Education, received
Charles Marck, will go solely toward
property of its citizens. We believe the
It is also the imperative responsi-
the "Friend of Lithuania" award of
starting to buy the building from its
feller's favorite jokes submitted
thrust of justice must be to protect the
the Knights of Lithuania at their 1975
owners and to reducing outstanding
for "Republican Humor" is his
bility of Congress to eliminate frills
law-abiding citizen against the crimi-
and waste and to ensure a lean,
national convention held in August in
obligations, and will not in any way be
quip that "The best part about
nal.
efficient and mobile military to meet
New York City.
considered a political or political cam-
being Vice President is presiding
To combat crime:
paign contribution.
over the Senate. Where else
the challenges of the 1970's.
The award recognizes the leadership
We support the continuance of
Hanrahan gave, while a GOP member
In a short speech which Mrs. Ford
could I have Barry Goldwater
Federal grants to States, cities and
AGRICULTURE
jestingly offered to deliver, President
addressing me as 'Mr. Presi-
of the House, to the successful move
dent??"
towns to strengthen local law enforce-
Overregulation by the Government
to gain freedom for Simas Kudirka.
Ford expressed gratitude to the na-
JAN BARAN has joined the staff of
ment.
must not be allowed to hamper the
tionwide group, many of whom
Many of the stories have a
Kudirka, a Lithuanian sailor serving
the Republican Congressional Com-
We support court-system reform
most vital and efficient segment of our
on a Soviet vessel, jumped ship off
traveled long distances for the chance
sharp partisan tone. Rep. Guy
to increase efficiency, eliminate ex-
society - agriculture. Production of
Martha's Vineyard in 1970 and made
to shake his hand. Mr. Ford thanked
Vander Jagt of Michigan tells
mittee as its attorney specializing in
cessive case loads, reverse the present
food and fiber satisfies not only our
it to a U.S. Coast Guard vessel that
them for "decontolling their wallets"
one about the time Chicago
problems relating to the new campaign
practice of "turnstile justice" and keep
domestic needs, but is also the key-
picked him up. The Coast Guard,
on behalf of the Club, which he
Mayor Richard Daley, the Late
law. He will advise Republican House
the criminal off the streets.
stone of our export program and our
however, permitted Soviet sailors to
himself had frequented only a few
Sen. Everett Dirksen and Presi-
incumbents, candidates and staffs on
We support reform of our penal
balance of payments. Agriculture poli-
come aboard and forcibly retrieve him.
dent Lyndon Johnson were try-
the complicated compliance pro-
times in its new location.
system to correct the failure of our
cies should be designed to operate
He spent the next four years in prison,
"I think the future of this club is
ing to make a tough political
cedures the law entails. Baran, 27,
decision, and decided to take a
graduated from the Vanderbilt Uni-
present policies of punishment and
within the free-market system
but was released and came to the U.S.
extremely important to the Repub-
rehabilitation.
Federal estate and gift-tax provisions
vote by secret ballot. The result:
versity law school in 1973. He served
after Hanrahan, President Ford and
lican family," the President told out-
"One for Dirksen, one for John-
on the staff of Gov. Winfield Dunn of
We support redoubled efforts
should be reviewed and reformed in
others pressed claims for American
of-towners. "And by the Republican
against the hard-drug traffic to arrest,
order to preserve the ability of families
citizenship for him deriving from his
family, I mean that encompasses
son and 28 votes for Mayor
Tennessee in 1971 and 1972, and has
Daley."
done campaign work in that State and
prosecute, and convict pushers es-
to retain ownership of farm land.
mother.
everybody in the Republican Party."
in Maine.
6
RCC Newsletter/September 1975
RCC Newsletter/September 1975
7
WHAT'S YOUR QUESTION?
Have you seen recently a copy of
early October, and staffers report the
something known as The Republican
chances are "very good" that the
Creed?-T.L., Washington, D.C.
Administration-favored version will
From time to time over the years,
reach the Senate floor for probable
the Newsletter has published a creed
passage by mid-November.
which always seems to attract much
interest. We think it should be called A
How does Russia pay for its huge
Republican Creed rather than The
purchases of grain? Does she pay in:
Republican Creed, since we know of
(1) manufactured goods? (2) raw
no official status for it. Also, its
materials? (3) precious metals?-
author is unknown to us.
A.S., Davenport, lowa.
Here it is in full:
According to the Department of
Agriculture, the U.S.S.R. does not use
I AM A REPUBLICAN BECAUSE
any of the above mentioned items to
pay for its grain. It pays cash, and the
.I believe that faith in individual
deals are made between private com-
people is the only true foundation of
panies and the Russian Government.
our national strength.
The Soviets did once receive a Govern-
.I believe that our national sta-
ment loan from the U.S. to help pay
bility can stem only from the basic
How near do you believe the U.S.
for part of the sales. We loaned them
constitutional principles that unite us.
is to converting our measurements
549 million dollars (about 460 million
.I believe that free enterprise and
to the metric system?-L.D., Arl-
in fiscal 1973 and 89 million in fiscal
encouragement of individual incentive
ington, Va.
1974). As of Aug. 28, 1975, the
have given this Nation an economic
Since the early days of the Repub-
Russians had repaid about 344 million
system second to none on earth.
lic, the United States has repeatedly
dollars in principal and about 54.3
.I believe, as Lincoln did, that
considered going metric and now,
the proper function of government is
on the eve of the Bicentennial, it looks
million in interest. The loan-making
to do for the people only those things
like we may be going to make it
policy, by the way, is no longer in
effect.
that have to be done, but cannot be
official. On September 5, a bill pro-
done by individuals for themselves.
posing a national policy of voluntary
I believe that sound economic
Where can the coins shown in the
conversion to metric over the next
growth can be generated only by
several years passed the House by a
July, 1975, Newsletter be purchased?
sound money and avoidance of infla-
vote of 300 to 63. The conversion act
I would appreciate any information
tionary deficits.
calls for the establishment of an inde-
if it is available.-A.F.F., Plymouth,
I believe in equal rights and
Mich.
pendent United States Metric Board,
equal justice for all, regardless of race,
broadly representative of American
The new Bicentennial coins, dated
creed or color.
society, to perform three major func-
1776-1976, and whose backs celebrate
.I believe Americans have an in-
tions: 1) to develop a program of
scenes for the observance, are now
available at most banks. The half-
ternational kinship with peoples every-
planning and coordinating the use of
where who seek the extension of
the metric system; (2) to conduct
dollar and quarter have been distri-
freedom and human rights.
research and submit recommendations
buted, and the dollar will make its
.I believe that Americans have an
to the President and the Congress; and
appearance within the next month. If
enduring capability of making hard
(3) to conduct a program of public
these coins are wanted in sets, they
decisions unflinchingly when the se-
education at all levels in order to
may be inquired about and obtained,
curity of the Nation and our free-
familarize the American people with
along with any desired information
the meaning of metric terms and mea-
about them, from:
world allies is threatened by aggres-
sion.
sures in their daily lives.
Bureau of the Mint
.I believe the party is a party of
Supporters were quick to point out
55 Mint Street
vision, retaining those things from the
that though many U.S. industries are
San Francisco, Calif. 94175
past that are worth retaining and
now well into the early stages of
always receptive to new ideas in the
metric conversion, the process is
task of building a better America.
taking place in an entirely un-
.I believe our mission is to win
coordinated fashion and that, in fact,
Got a question that's been
on merit as we appeal to all segments
the U.S. is the only major non-metric
bothering you? Send it to
of the population - not as separate
country in the world which has not
"What's Your Question," GOP
groups but as part of the whole, with
formed an official mechanism for co-
Newsletter, 300 New Jersey
equal but never superior claims on the
ordinating a change to the metric
Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C.
progress we can generate.
system.
20515. Priority will be given to
Finally, I believe that only
The House bill now joins two
answering questions of general
through the Republican Party can
Senate-introduced measures for con-
interest to a political audience.
these ideals become active and success-
sideration by the Senate Commerce
No questions can be answered by
ful principles of government.
Committee. Hearings are scheduled in
mail.
Y FRY 315E
MR. & MRS. EDWARD F. FRY
5315 FIRST ST. N.W.
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20011
RCC Nowsletter/September 1975
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 25, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JIM CONNOR
FROM:
DONALD RUMSFELD
Attached is the Republican Legislative Agenda that
Congressman Rhodes and his group presented to the
President yesterday. If you have not already done so,
please have it staffed out and prepare a report for the
President indicating what the Rhod es proposal was and
then briefly what we are doing and then whether or not
what we are not doing is an area that we probably ought
to look into. In other words, are there initiatives in
here that we ought to consider undertaking.
MEMORANDUM
To: Rumsteld
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Ste H doe
From: MAX F
September 8, 1975
got Reft free
MEMORANDUM FOR:
MAX FRIEDERSDORF
FROM:
DON RUMSFELD
I would like a copy of the Republic Legislative Agenda
that they published today for the House Republicans.
Thanks.
Su attached
THE WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGTON
LOG NO.:
Date:
September 25, 1975
Time:
FOR ACTION:
CC (for information):
Phil Buchen
-Jack Marsh
-Jim Cannon
Bill Seidman
Max Friedersdorft
Brent Scowcroft
Jim Lynn
Frank Zarb
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Wednesday, October 1
Time:
12 Noon
SUBJECT:
Republican Legislative Agenda
"A Program for Progress"
9/8/75
FORD s LIBRARY GERALD
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
X For Your Recommendations
Prepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
We have been requested to prepare a report for the President
on the Republican Legislative Agenda presented to him by the
Republican Leadership. This report should cover:
1) What is being proposed.
2) What are we doing in the areas mentioned in report.
3) What are we not doing that we should be looking into
In other words, any initiatives in the report we should
consider undertaking?
Domestec Counal asked for
extension to 10/3 - promised
now for
marsh - no comments
wed 10/15
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you anticipate a
Jim Connor
delay in submitting the required material, please
For the President
telephone the Staff Secretary immediately.
Democrats Win By Standing For Nothing;
Republicans Risk Losses By Being Right
September 23, the Chicago Tribune
carried the following column by
Chicago Tribune, Sept. 23. 1975
Michael Kilian. The RNC Communi-
Michael Kilian
cations Division saw need for a re-
sponse. It follows:
Dear Mr. Kilian:
Why the Republicans
Your column of September 23 is
the type of analysis for which we
almost always lose
were braced in the wake of the New
Hampshire election.
Well, what should we do with the Re-
Business and America are not neces-
It is to be expected that political
publican Party? Should we take it out
sarily bad things. Even the Democrats
pundits throughout the land who ig-
behind the barn and shoot it, or let it
need business to provide jobs for Demo-
nored Republican victories in Cali-
linger on a while in all its wretched pain
cratic voters and to provide taxes for
fornia and Louisiana special elections
and misery?
Democratic Great Society programs.
would jump at the opportunity to cite
It cannot linger on too much longer.
And, the American Way is certainly
New Hampshire as a death knell. One
As last week's special election in New
preferable to, say, the French Way or
factor not underlined in your column,
Hampshire attests, it is now about as
the Yugoslavian Way.
however, is the impact of hordes of
viable a political force as its onetime
wonder boy, Harold Stassen [or was it
But these things hardly enable the
labor political operatives who were
Charles Stassen?]. Soon it must go the
typical Republican to cope with the
poured into the state to help in the
ignominious way of the Federalists, the
Democrats, who have no typical candi-
voter turnout operation. Three
Whigs, the Free-Soilers, and the Anti-
date and whose only political philosophy
thousand was one reporter's esti-
Masons.
is "to win!"
mate. One Durkin worker boasted
It has been more than 20 years since
For example, in a black ghetto con-
more than 1,200 telephones in opera-
the Republicans last controlled Con-
gressional district, the Democratic can-
tion on election day, as opposed to
gress. There was talk of their recaptur-
didate is likely to be a mod black whose
ing the Senate in 1970 [much like the
campaign slogan is "Down with Whitey!"
less than 400 by Republicans. Tele-
talk you used to hear about the Confed-
phones equate directly into voter
Yet, down in George Wallace's reddish
erates recapturing the South], but they
neck of the woods; the Democratic
turnout statistics on election day.
couldn't even manage to defeat Sen.
What labor did was legal under the
Vance Hartke. Gads.
standard bearer is likely to have a polit-
1974 campaign spending law. The
And it has gotten steadily worse. With
ical philosophy of "segregation now,
segregation forevah!"
Republican National Committee par-
or without Watergate, war, peace, reces-
sion, or happy times, the Republicans
In big states like New York, Demo-
ticipated to the fullest extent that is
have kept losing and losing.
cratic leaders love big budget deficits.
legal, but labor unions have an ad-
The New Hampshire thing was like a
In backwoods states like Wisconsin,
vantage under the law that permits
last futile game in a Chicago Cubs or
Democratic leaders hate budget deficits.
them (and corporations, should they
San Diego Padres baseball season-
In working-class districts, Democratic
be so organized) a unique leeway in
made all the more depressing by the
candidates quickly learn to love George
realization that the next season is going
Meany and hate Gore Vidal and Bella
effort and manpower to influence a
to be even worse.
Abzug. In New York's Greenwich Vil-
federal election. This may not have
There is, of course, a reason for this
lage, Democrats do just the opposite.
been the sole reason for the Durkin
Republican decline: the typical Republi-
And, in the ethnic neighborhoods, Re-
victory, but its net effect on the out-
can candidate.
publican candidates pushing the Ameri-
come was massive.
True, there are some shrewd left-wing
can Way are forever being steamrol-
Nonetheless, your observations re-
Republicans like Charles Percy who get
lered by Democrats pushing the Polish,
Italian, and Israeli Ways.
garding the party's future admittedly
along by passing themselves off as well-
could have merit even without New
dressed Democrats-and zany right-wing
Indeed, the Democratic Party is the
Republicans like Barry Goldwater who
only party which is both fervently for
Hampshire. You envision a demise of
and against detente, forced school bus-
survive by running in states where the
the party because it stands for some-
ing, tobacco subsidies, and homosexuals
Gun Reigns Supreme.
thing while Democrats, as you phrase
in the military. If it has any national
But most Republican candidates come
it, recruit candidates whose only
party slogan, it's: "Whoever you are,
from a similar mold. Wherever you go
we're with you!"
political philosophy is to win!" I
in the country you find them the same-
But, tho this will entirely cleanse the
think you're right.
middle class and not overly brilliant
Congress of all Republicans, there still
If Republican victories require that
mopes like Gerald R. Ford who espouse
may be hope for the G. O.P.
philosophy, I for one, prefer to sus-
the virtues of cleanliness, thrift, loyalty,
Every four years, as they did in 1968
football, reverence, decency, George S.
tain the losses. Most Republicans
and 1972, all those disparate Democrats
Patton, and free enterprise.
will have to gather together and try to
feel it is far more important to be
No matter where they're running,
arrive at a consensus choice for a Presi-
right and to stand for something than
their political philosophies and campaign
dential candidate.
it is just to win. I agree with that
slogans are invariably the same: Hur-
That means the Republicans can at
philosophy, and I hope if the day
ray for business and the American Way.
least keep the White House.
[Continued on page 13]
First Monday
11
Coalitions:
Ford Tells RNC
$2 million.) The President has spoken
at party fund raisers "from Cuyahoga
Kilian
County, Ohio, to Newport, Rhode
Republican
Party Building
[Continued from page 10]
Island," she said.
Education: Favor development of
Winning Edge
Priority Of '76
"President Ford has done more
quality day care centers, locally con-
than any other single individual in
trolled and administered.
Vigorous organizing and adherence
1975 to lift our spirits, to restore our
to basic principles can build a stronger
sense of mission, and to get the Re-
Mentally and physically handi-
With a base of about 20 per cent of
Republican Party all across the
publican Party back on the road to
capped: Strong efforts to help the
the vote nationwide, Republicans can
country, President Ford told members
victory," Mrs. Smith said.
handicapped function in society.
often win only by building coalitions of
of the Republican National Committee
disparate groups, including people
Crime: Federal grants to help
last month at a reception at the White
The National Committee meeting,
who aren't generally thought of as
House.
strengthen local law enforcement,
attended in person or by proxy by 148
Republican prospects. Such a coali-
court and penal reform, mandatory
"I would hope that every Republi-
of the 152 members, approved the
minimum sentences for certain fed-
tion can often be the winning edge for
can state organization could enter
selection of Kansas City as the site of
a Republican candidate.
1976 with a balanced budget and
eral crimes, including use of firearms.
the 1976 National Convention. They
some money in the bank so we can go
also elected William McManus of
Illegal aliens: Border control and
That will be the topic of three sem-
out and work together for the party
Washington, D.C., as treasurer. Mc-
law enforcement to stop the flood of
inars this month designed for Repub-
and the principles for which we
Manus is a retired telephone company
persons entering the country illegally.
licans working with such groups as
stand," the President said.
executive.
senior citizens, young people, labor
He noted that some 50 million
Defense: Continued strong na-
union members, blacks, women, eth-
Americans of voting age are unreg-
Mrs. Smith announced that she has
tional defense. "We deplore the atti-
nics and Hispanics. Entitled "The
istered and said millions of them could
appointed Jeremiah Milbank, Jr. as
tude that the military budget repre-
Winning Edge Seminars," they will
be signed up as Republicans.
chairman of the Republican Natonal
sents a readily available source of
Taking the government to the people at the local level has been a basic credo of the Repub-
explore various techniques of political
Finance Committee. Milbank, who
federal money which can be diverted
lican Party since its inception. The Republicans of Iowa have just finished a two-month
organization intended to increase the
The President's own party-building
held the position previously in 1969-
to other programs without dangerous
Republican vote.
effort was pointed up by National
72, is an industrialist from Greenwich,
program of implementing this philosophy--a case of putting their money where their
consequences."
Chairman Mary Louise Smith, who
Conn. He succeeds Dr. Oliver C.
mouths are-with a statewide tour of the Republican Van. The Van, a 9-passenger Club
Wagon manned by county chairmen, party officials and area legislators and filled with in-
Among the topics are the Republi-
said that Mr. Ford has raised about
Carmichael of South Bend, Ind., who
Agriculture: Reliance on the free
formational brochures, "opinionnaires" and registration materials, traveled more than
can National Committee's overall
$1.7 million for the national and
served as both treasurer and finance
market system and removal of barriers
4,000 miles, visited all of lowa's 99 counties and some 120 communities. lowa State Chair-
plan for winning in 1976, delegate se-
state parties. (The figure is now over
chairman.
to family farm ownership.
man John C. McDonald described the Van as "an effort to show that the Republican
lection for the National Convention,
Party is the party of the people and the party of opportunity."
coalition-building, communications by
listening, involvement of volunteers
and targeting.
Progress
This entire process has engendered
cal realist. I realize that despite all I
an insidious corruption of the political
have said, a lot of people will be
CMC Delayed To Include Data
Members of the RNC's Washing-
[Continued from page 11]
system that gives us a system of gov-
elected to Congress because they of-
On Campaign Act, FEC Rulings
ton staff will conduct most of the ses-
ernment frantically doing "patch-
fer a lot of special groups, big and
sions. Audrey Rowe Colom, chair of
comes that I accept the other view,
work" operations to meet suddenly
little, favored treatment or something
the National Women's Political Caucus
circumstances or my conscience force
perceived crises, rather than govern-
for nothing. They will adapt their
The opening date for the Republi-
The College will run in 17 weekly
ing effectively and providing perm-
sessions held in Washington begin-
and a Republican from the District of
me out of the political arena. In my
rhetoric and their philosophy to what-
can National Committee's Campaign
Columbia, will speak on coalitions.
own terms, "win at any cost" philoso-
anent solutions. It has failed at prob-
ever is expedient at the time. A
Management College has been pushed
ning in January with 12 students in
each class. It is designed for the seri-
Either Republican National Chairman
phy represents real corruption.
lems with committees, bureaus,
benevolent Democrat party will em-
back about eight weeks to allow time
Mary Louise Smith or Co-Chairman
forms, paperwork and money in
brace them all, demagogue about an
for shaping the program to fit the lat-
ous managers of Republican sena-
Richard D. Obenshain will address
Much of what you say is directly on
amounts too staggering for the aver-
"all-embracing philosophy," and con-
est twists in the federal campaign law.
torial, congressional, gubernatorial or
each luncheon session.
target. It points up the bedrock
age American to even comprehend.
tinue as the champions of the muddled
other statewide campaigns. Full tui-
causes of what is wrong with politics
The end result is that the working,
bureaucracy produced by Great Soci-
The College will begin after the
tion scholarships will be offered to the
The seminars will be held Oct. 6 in
and government in this country today.
producing, taxpaying American has
eties and New Frontiers.
first of the year instead of Nov. 9 as
persons who qualify for the course.
the San Francisco Hilton; Oct. 8 in the
taken it on the chin time and time
Hopefully, they will be as inef-
previously announced. RNC Execu-
Seminars on public relations and
Chicago Sheraton; and Oct. 10 in the
For 38 of the past 42 years, Demo-
again, and will continue to until a
fective as the 94th Congress.
tive Director Eddie Mahe, Jr. ex-
research scheduled for Denver on
Sheraton-Park Hotel in Washington.
crats have dominated Congress. To-
Congress with a different philosophy
Fortunately, there are likely to be
plained that the delay will permit Col-
November 12-14 and Washington on
Anyone who has not registered for
day's federal government is their
replaces the present menagerie.
fewer of them.
lege planners to take into account the
November 19-21 have been postponed
a seminar may register at the hotel
unique legacy. It's a government
Government has an inherent re-
Your article adequately captures
latest interpretations of the cam-
until early next year, National
the day it is held. The fee is $14.75,
whose spending has given us infla-
sponsibility to protect its citizens
the spirit and integrity of the Demo-
paign reform law, especially the re-
Committee officials said, because of
which covers registration and lunch.
tion; a government that is not trusted
against foreign enemies, punish
crat party. I hope it is widely read.
cent decisions of the Federal Election
conflicts with previously scheduled
by the people; and a government that
Commission.
events. The seminars will cover
crimes, and provide a system to pro-
(Certainly, I shall help in circulating
in many instances just plain doesn't
campaign communications and press
tect the individual against concen-
it.) You suggest appropriately that
work. It is a government which, fol-
trated power from government, big
the national Democrat slogan should
relations as well as issue and opposi-
He added that the College will make
Quote!
lowing the philosophy you so well de-
tion research. How to target media for
labor and big business. Given this
be, "Whoever you are, we're with
use of a model campaign, complete
scribe, has sought to buy off every
test, our current Democrat-designed
you.''
maximum effect will be one of the
with carefully designed voting, demo-
Des Moines Register, Sept. 15,
unique special interest group that
and orchestrated government is a
I guess that's pretty good politics.
major objectives of the seminars.
graphic and media characteristics.
1975, Charles Grassley:
came down the pike, and which has
miserable failure in fact an embar-
It is certainly bad Democracy.
The process through which students
Further information on the seminar
"You can lead a Democrat
featured greedy, ambitious politicians
rassment.
Sincerely,
will be expected to make decisions
and the College is available from the
to Washington, but you can't
buying their success with the dollars
based on the model data will be great-
Training and Programs Division of
make him think."
of American taxpayers. They have
More than a dozen years in poli-
ly affected by the FEC rulings, he said.
the RNC.
been terribly wrong.
tics, however, has made me a politi-
Youar Bilp
12
First Monday
13
Bentsen's Balancing Act Is Getting Tricky;
Trouble In Texas And No National Support
Relax, Unwind
"It Is Our Unwritten Rule"
Harris Survey shows him re-
It would be suicide in Texas to be
ceiving only 2 per cent of Demo-
totally against oil, just as it would be
crat and Independent vote.
poison on the national level to be tot-
On a storybook isle nestled in the
cussion on delegate selection to the
ally for it. So Bentsen took the easy
Michigan Mackinac Straits, one of the
National Convention, candidate re-
The odds appear to be increasing
way out and came up with a comprom-
nation's more unusual political events
cruitment and the important role
that Sen. Lloyd Bentsen of Texas may
ise that seems to favor the little guys
took place recently as more than 850
fall flat on his face in his effort to run
these groups can play in the party's
of the oil business, although some of
Republicans gathered to attend the
success next year.
both for re-election and for the Demo-
the "independents" are pretty large
10th Biennial Mackinac Island Re-
crat nomination for President.
corporations.
publican Leadership Conference.
With his national support close to
The Conference, held Septem-
the vanishing point and his sources of
Bentsen's amendment also may
have something to do with the fact
ber 19-21, is a different blend of poli-
money drying up, Bentsen seems un-
tics, recreation and plain old-fashioned
able to carry out the delicate balanc-
that he has received thousands of dol-
fun. According to State Chairman Bill
lars in campaign contributions from
ing act needed to appeal to voters out-
McLaughlin, "It is our unwritten but
side Texas without losing support in
persons associated with independent
his home state.
oil companies. He himself has inter-
very strict rule that everyone is to re-
Bill McLaughlin
lax, have a ball, unwind."
ests in firms that either drill for oil or
Eroded support in Texas could be
provide allied services.
The Conference, traditionally held
in off years, is not only one of the
doubly fatal. Losing the Texas Demo-
Another oil bill provides an embar-
rare experiences in political gather-
crat Presidential primary to Gov.
rassing example of Bentsen oppor-
ings but it also provides an unusual
George Wallace or, even worse, to a
liberal, would wreck whatever thin
Sen. Lloyd Bentsen
tunism. He voted to support Presi-
opportunity for Michigan Republicans
hopes Bentsen has of actually winning
dent Ford's veto of a bill restoring oil
to gather together for a weekend of
camaraderie and relaxation before the
enough delegate votes to mean some-
price controls, and told potential sup-
thing at the national convention. Ali-
so bad even Bentsen supporters fav-
porters later that a major reason for
hard tasks of an election year begin.
ored a "self-destruct" clause render-
his vote was that the State of Texas
Wandering through the elegant
Transportation Mackinac Style
enating too many Texans could also
cost him re-election to the Senate,
ing it null and void after 1976.
would reap as much as $200 million in
Grand Hotel, conference site and
A well-attended discussion of the
increased tax revenues if oil produc-
focal point of the historic island, one
which Bentsen appears to view as a
Jerry Roe
Federal and State election laws started
sort of fall-back position. A vicious
The legislature also thoughtfully
tion went up. He may have a hard
feels the spirit and enthusiasm that
off the weekend which also featured
Democrat primary battle (and Texas
tacked on an amendment allowing
time explaining that in say, New
characterize this tremendous con-
addresses by James Lynn, Director of
Bentsen to run for re-election to the
Hampshire, when there's snow on the
ference. The "Grand," host of many
Democrats specialize in vicious prim-
the Office of Management and Bud-
U.S. Senate at the same time he is
aries) could either defeat Bentsen or
ground and heating oil costs more.
important visitors and conferences in
Some of the more hardy Michigan
get, Mary Louise Smith, National
running for President.
its 88-year history, stands proudly
leave him stunned and bleeding to
Republicans braved a Sunday morning
Committee Chairman and Governor
Bentsen's drive for support out-
with its famous white-pillared porch
face the Republican candidate.
drizzle to participate in the dedication
William Milliken.
The primary bill and Bentsen's
side Texas seems to be stuck in low
surveying the small, picturesque
of a state historical marker commem-
manueverings in support of it out-
As Conference Director Jerry Roe
As long as Bentsen could avoid mak-
gear. The Harris Survey last month
island noted for its horse-drawn car-
orating the 1943 Mackinac Confer-
ing any hard choices, he carried off
raged Texas liberals, who responded
puts it, "The real purpose of the Con-
showed him as the first or second
riages and abundance of bicycles. No
ence. It was at this conference, the
by meeting to plan ways to defeat
ference is to give Republicans the op-
the balancing trick pretty well. The
choice of a grand total of 2 per cent of
motor driven vehicles are allowed on
Post War Advisory Council, appointed
him in both the senatorial and presi-
portunity to hear prominent speakers,
folks back home liked him well
Democrat and independent voters. A
Mackinac.
by Republican National Chairman
dential primaries. The State's estab-
meet other Republicans and get new
enough, except for the liberals, who
Gallup Poll in May showed that only
It is this rustic setting and the dis-
Harrison Spengler, drew up a foreign
ideas and to build enthusiasm."
have never forgiven him for beating
lishment, on the other hand, is cool-
15 per cent of Democrats had ever
tinct feeling of stepping back in time
ing toward Bentsen because of his
policy plank for the 1944 Party plat-
On all three counts, the Mackinac
Sen. Ralph Yarborough, and the hard-
heard of Lloyd Bentsen.
that draws Michigan Republicans to
form. This platform cleared the way
support of the Voting Rights Act, a
Republican Leadership Conference
core Wallace people, who don't like
punitive piece of legislation loathed by
The Senator also seems to be hav-
Mackinac every two years. This year's
for later Republican congressional
succeeds with ease. It is a trip into the
anybody who runs against their man
conference, under the direction of
on his Deep South turf. But then Bent-
ing trouble raising money outside his
support of the United Nations and the
Southern state officials. He voted to
past that builds a sense of teamwork
home state. He has qualified for fed-
Chairman McLaughlin and Jerry Roe,
North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
and mission.
sen began moving to nail down the
include Texas in the act, despite im-
Texas delegate votes. He did it by
pressive arguments by state voting of-
eral matching funds by raising $5,000
Executive Director of the Michigan
pushing hard for a bill in the Texas
ficials that no discrimination exists in
in contributions of no more than $250
Party, sported not only Governor Bill
Milliken's Tennis Tournament and Lt.
Bentsen
claims to have no ideological blinders,
legislature to provide for what
their state. The vote was an obvious
in each of 20 states, but the great
approaching each issue on its merits.
Governor Jim Damman's Touch Foot-
[Continued from page 14]
bulk of his money has been raised in
That is precisely what bothers many
amounts to a winner-take-all primary,
bid for black and liberal support be-
which is specifically banned by Demo-
yond the Lone Star State, but so far
Texas. Approximately 95 per cent of
ball game, but also the Senator Bob
posted the staggering total of $220,300
people about Bentsen. He seems to
Griffin Golf Tournament and State
in contributions on Dec. 31, the very
crat Party rules.
the only noticeable effect has been
his contributions of $500 or more come
lack a guiding philosophy, blowing
rumbles of repressed fury from the
from Texas. That is because his
Senator Dick Allen's Bike Rally.
last day before the new law took ef-
with the wind of public opinion, un-
The effective winner-take-all prim-
friends back home had been contri-
Undertaking more serious business,
fect.
steadied by the ballast of principle.
statehouse in Austin.
ary was obscured by awarding dele-
buting in bundles of $1,000 at a crack.
the State Central Committee met to
Bentsen tries to get people to see
He is indeed a contrast to Morris
gates on the basis of vote by state sen-
A typical Bentsen compromise was
nominate Peter Fletcher to succeed
Bentsen scrambled to raise money
his opportunism as pragmatism. His
Udall on the one hand and George
ate districts, but opponents easily saw
his amendment repealing the oil de-
late last year because contributions
Creighton Holden as Michigan Na-
hopes of winning the Democrat nom-
Wallace on the other, but there is
through the deception and fought the
pletion allowance for major oil com-
before Jan. 1, 1975, didn't fall under
tional Committeeman as well as to
ination for President are founded on
little evidence that the people prefer
bill. Bentsen pulled out the stops to
panies while retaining it for small
the new campaign reform law. It must
hear from several Republicans con-
his belief that the people are tired of
the lukewarm to the hot or the cold. It
get it passed, personally telephoning
"independent" oil firms, the differ-
have seemed to Bentsen that Christ-
sidering possible bids in the '76 Mich-
ideological division and will support
seems likely that Lloyd Bentsen will
legislators to promise jobs and favors
ence measured by the amount of oil
mas 1974 came several days late--he
igan Senate race. The Black Council,
a candidate who brings a cool, almost
suffer next year the same fate as be-
in exchange for their votes. The bill is
they produce.
Nationalities Council and Youth Coun-
detached attitude of pragmatism to
fell that other great pragmatic cen-
[Continued on page 15]
cil, also meeting, centered their dis-
the problems of government. He
trist--Edmund Muskie.
14
First Monday
15
Bob Olsen Announces Candidacy
For Tennessee Special Election
Fifth District Republicans in
to finish his studies at Vanderbilt and
Tennessee have what they consider
received his law degree in May 1975.
the best chance in many years to gain
"I became turned on to the prob-
a seat in the United State Congress, a
lems of the consumer in 1970 and I
seat that has not been occupied by a
consider this opportunity to run for
Republican since before the turn of the
Congress a way to further my com-
century. Their candidate, former tele-
mitment. As Congressman from the
vision newsman and consumer advo-
Fifth District I would be able to use
cate Robert J. "Bob" Olsen, has a
strong appeal to not only the Repub-
"As Congressman. would be
lican voters, but also to a sizeable
able to use the influence of the
group of independents as well as con-
office to continue helping
servative and moderate Democrat
people."
voters.
The race is a special election set for
Nov. 5, to fill the vacancy left by the
the influence of the office to continue
resignation of former Congressman
helping people," Olsen said.
Robert J. "Bob" Olsen
Richard Fulton, a Democrat, who was
elected Mayor of Nashville in August.
Four major Democratic hopefuls
failed to come out of the shadows and
Olsen will be unopposed in the prim-
are jockeying for their party's nomina-
is given little chance of winning.
ary.
tion. At this point observers say Metro
Olsen, 44, is a former television
Tax Assessor Clifford Allen is leading.
All of the Democrat candidates are
newscaster who began his television
However, some believe Allen's dem-
trying to disassociate themselves from
career in Columbus, Miss., in 1959
agogic campaign has peaked and he's
the administration of Democratic
after serving for five years in the U.S.
going down hill. Former U.S. At-
Governor Ray Blanton. Blanton is
Marine Corps. The candidate went to
torney Gilbert Merritt has taken Allen
under investigation by a Federal
Their schools are witness to riots, strikes and turmoil; we ask, what has happened to discipline?
Nashville, Tenn. in 1960 when he be-
on directly and is thought by some to
Grand Jury.
gan his work as a television an-
be running second. His strong liberal
nouncer. In 1970 Olsen was named di-
identification makes it unlikely he'll
Whichever Democrat is the nomi-
rector of Action News, a feature de-
win. If Allen fades fast enough, the
nee, he will have to handle a liberal
Republicans It's Question
signed to solve consumer problems.
most likely to come on is state legis-
identification. Olsen's success will
He became deeply involved with the
lator Mike Murphy. Murphy, too, is
come from staking his rightful claim
problems of consumers and later
considered a liberal, but he is mod-
early to those conservative and mod-
entered Vanderbilt University Law
erating his positions in an effort to
erate voters from the Democratic
School intent on making a career of
win. The fourth candidate, District
Party as well as Republicans and
consumer affairs. Olsen left tele-
Attorney General Tom Shriver, has
many independents.
First
Republican National Committee
Monday
310 First Street, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003
POSTMASTER: Send Form 3579 to above address.
Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Fry
5315 First St NW
Washington, D. C. 20011
Republicans
NFRW
Offer
Picks Hutar
As President
"Program
OFFICIA!
The opening volley of the 1976 cam-
For Progress"
paigns may have been heard last
month in Dallas as the Republican
Party's superstars attacked Democrat
A congressional minority, in my judgment, has two main
fall profits tax to protect the consumer against possible "rip-
irresponsibility and called for restor-
responsibilities: The first is to do what it can to improve the
offs" as well as a plowback provision to encourage reinvest-
ing freedom to the individual.
program of the majority; the second responsibility is to
ment of energy-related profits.
Among the speakers at the 18th Bi-
strive to become the nucleus of a new majority. In order for
The chief purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate to the
ennial Convention of the National Fed-
this to happen, it takes more than simply saying "no" to
American people why they should elect a Republican Con-
eration of Republican Women were
things. It is necessary for any minority seeking majority
gress next year. The people are apparently disenchanted
President Ford, Vice President Rocke-
status to show what it would attempt to accomplish, had it
with the past and present performance of Congress, as well
feller, Sens. Barry Goldwater and
the votes.
they should be. According to the polls, public confidence in
John Tower, Gov. Kit Bond of Mis-
It was with this in mind that House Republicans decided
the Congress has slipped to its lowest point in history. It is
souri, Republican National Chairman
to break with tradition this year and come out with a pro-
only logical and fair that the party that controls Congress
Giving proof to the adage that it's "not quantity but quality that counts," Republicans won
Mary Louise Smith, Mississippi Re-
both the team and individual competition in the "King of Capitol Hill" contest held on
gram of our own for the future. This "Program for Pro-
be held accountable for Congress' poor record. The Demo-
publican Chairman Clarke Reed, and
Sept. 20 and 21 to raise funds to benefit the District of Columbia's Special Olympics. Two
gress" is aimed at providing the American people with a
cratic Party has run Congress for 20 straight years (and 38
former Govs. Ronald Reagan of Cali-
governors, 17 U.S. Senators and 25 Congressman competed in 13 athletic events for the
solid notion of what they could expect from a Republican
of the last 42 years). Common sense alone dictates the need
fornia and John Connally of Texas.
title. Republicans scored victories in the bike race [above], swimming relay and tie-break-
Congress. It is also meant to let them know that they have a
for a change.
They struck a common note: gov-
ing tug-of-war. Rep. H.J. Heinz, III [R-Pa.], 36, was named the "King" after scoring 10
choice as far as congressional leadership is concerned.
But we cannot expect the people to give us control of Con-
ernment spends too much money try-
points in the swimming competition. Rep. Robin L. Beard, Jr. [R-Tenn.], [center] was a
Republicans stand in stark contrast to the policies and per-
gress wholly on the basis of the poor record of the Demo-
ing to do too many things and doing
member of the winning bicycle team and won his heat in the swimming competition.
formance of past and present Democratic Congresses. Dur-
crats. Public disappointment with the failure of congres-
them badly. The theme is expected to
ing nearly 40 straight years of Democrat control of the legis-
sional Democrats to act on key issues should only serve to
be important in 1976.
quality education than by forced bus-
lative branch, the Federal budget has gone through the roof.
make the voters receptive to a potential alternative. By de-
ing," Ford said. The NFRW later ap-
Massive deficits were created, forcing the Government to
veloping a legislative program of our own, House Republi-
proved a resolution opposing compul-
borrow heavily. This borrowing has caused interest rates to
cans have demonstrated to the people that there is a desir-
sory busing and calling for "quality
go up, limiting the amount of money available to individual
able alternative. It is to elect a Republican Congress in 1976.
education opportunities for all."
citizens and restricting funds which private industry needs
The President was full of optimism
for capital investments necessary to create new jobs. A Re-
for the party's future. He predicted
publican-controlled Congress would reverse this dangerous
that 1976 will be "a year all Republi-
trend of fiscal irresponsibility. We have committed our-
cans and independents will remember
selves to achieving balance in no more than three years after
and Democrats may never forget."
In This Issue
gaining control of Congress.
Another result of the years of Democratic Congressional
The Honorable John J. Rhodes, [R-Ariz.]
Ford also rejected gloomy pre-
control is the unwieldy Federal bureaucracy. Congress has
Minority Leader, U.S. House of Representatives
dictions about the future of the Re-
On the cover Re-establishing a
enacted program after program with almost no oversight to
public itself.
sense of order and responsibil-
determine how these programs are functioning after they are
in place. A Republican Congress would establish a special
First
"I've had it with that attitude," he
ity in our society must begin
Monday
declared. "I did not take the sacred
with the beginning--our children.
bipartisan commission to review present government per-
Republican National Committee
310 First Street, SE
oath of office to preside over the de-
formance and national goals and recommend legislation re-
Washington, D.C. 20003
cline and fall of America."
RNC Chairman Mary
visions to make government more responsive. In addition, a
Louise Smith discusses her
Republican majority would dedicate its first year entirely to
FIRST MONDAY, Vol. 5, No. 10 Published monthly by the
The convention elected Pat Hutar
first year in office.
4
legislative oversight. We would review all that Congress has
Republican National Committee and mailed to all contribu-
of Glenview, III., as its president to
done in the past and redirect the operations of government
tors of at least $15, of which $5 is for subscription to FIRST
take office in January. She has been
toward efficiency and economy.
MONDAY per annum. When changing address, please send
First Vice President of the Federation
us both the old and the new. NEWSPAPER. Second class
Big Labor a major factor in
Many of our proposals are innovative. To help provide re-
postage paid at Washington, D.C.
since 1973 and a Republican activist
New Hampshire Senate
tirement income security, for example, we have called for a
Pat Hutar
since 1955. Hutar is a leading mem-
race.
6
plan which would provide special tax incentives for workers
Mary Louise Smith Chairman
ber of the U.S. Commission on the Ob-
to invest voluntarily in a private retirement fund that would
Richard D. Obenshain Co-Chairman
President Ford called for a third
servance of the International Women's
supplement both Social Security and company pension plans.
Jeremiah Milbank, Jr. Chairman
century of American independence in
Year and is a former co-chairman of
Dates changed for Cam-
This proposal would not only provide greater retirement se-
Republican National Finance Committee
which "the individual, not the govern-
the Young Republican National Fed-
paign Management College
curity, it would aid in the critical area of capital formation.
Norman Bishop
ment, makes personal decisions."
eration and a former Assistant Chair-
to accomodate new cam-
There is no greater failure of the Democrat Congress than
Director of Communications
The President received what the
man of the Republican National Com-
paign laws,
12
in the energy area. Congress has been struggling in vain
J. Bruce Hildebrand Editor
mewspapers called "wild cheering"
mittee.
since December of 1973 to enact a comprehensive energy
Richard Lobb
Joseph Wiedenmayer III
and "waves of applause" when he
Betty Heitman of Baton Rouge, La.,
bill. The major roadblock to energy success is an insane maze
Reporter
Chief Photographer
criticized the busing of children ord-
former president of the Louisiana Fed-
Sen. Lloyd Bentsen strad-
of overlapping committee jurisdictions. A Republican Con-
Bill Fleishell Design
Elizabeth Burke Art
ered by federal judges to achieve racial
eration and currently the state's Re-
dies the fence in an effort
gress would end this internal confusion by establishing one
Pam Pitzer Production
balance in the public schools.
publican National Committeewoman,
to gain votes.
14
joint or select energy committee. We would establish a wind-
"There is a better way to achieve
was elected first vice president.
First Monday
3
Chairman Ends First Year
and being party chairman are not mu-
Both the Site Committee and the Na-
phasis on youth, blacks, ethnics,
Democrats think the nation's prob-
tually exclusive. The emphasis now is
tional Committee were unanimous in
labor--on a broad range of special
lems can be solved by more govern-
turning to my role as chairman and
Predicts Victory In 1976
the decision. It was a difficult choice
groups and not just where the con-
ment, more money, more regulation.
some of our efforts here are begin-
because there were many good cities,
vention is concerned but in overall
As long as the Democrats control the
ning to show concrete results. Obvi-
but Kansas City came out on top in
participation within our party. It is the
Congress, the personalities may
Republican National Committee
upgraded our communications divis-
ously, I have not done this by myself.
terms of facilities and concrete plans.
responsibility of Republican leaders in
change, but the direction will remain
Chairman Mary Louise Smith cele-
ion. In short, we've focused our en-
My staff here has been superb--Re-
That coupled with the built-in advant-
every state to encourage wider par-
the same. We need a new approach to
brated the anniversary of her first year
tire program for 1975 on helping state
publicans across the country have
ages of a Midwest location in the
ticipation than we have ever had be-
problem solving--a different rationale.
in office on Sept. 16. In a First Mon-
and local Republican organizations
praised their work. And I must give a
central time zone, less travel for dele-
fore. Millions of Americans will be
Republicans can and will provide that
day interview she discussed the
strengthen themselves.
great deal of credit to members of the
gates, and good old-fashioned hos-
watching the convention on television,
new approach.
Party's new momentum, its new pro-
Q. What remains to be done in
National Committee, members of Con-
pitality tipped the balance.
and I want to make it clear to them
grams and the future of the GOP.
1975?
gress with whom I've worked very
Q. When will you actually begin
through what they see and hear that
A. Currently, more than half the
closely, other elected officials
Re-
convention planning?
the Republican Party represents them.
Q. Looking back over your first year
as Republican chairman, what do you
states are holding identification and
publicans at every level who have
A. It's under way now--remember,
Q. What is your assessment of Re-
registration drives in an effort to reach
given me assistance and strong sup-
the convention is less than a year
publican chances in 1976?
see as your most significant achieve-
ment?
millions of potential Republicans who
port.
away. In just a few months, the dele-
A. There is no question that we can
A. We've established a new mo-
can't vote because they aren't reg-
Last month, the Republican Na-
gate selection process will begin. And
achieve a significant Republican
mentum. Let me add that this ac-
istered. In the future, we will hold
tional Committee chose Kansas City
there is a point I want to make here.
victory in 1976. Many top candidates
complishment is not mine alone--we
special voter group seminars, public
as the 1976 convention site. Were
It is very important to the Republican
already have come forward, and we're
relations and research seminars, and
see renewed vigor and enthusiasm in
there any major disagreements over
Party that the delegates be a good
working nationwide to identify others.
Republican organizations across the
our Campaign Management College
the choice?
representative cross-section. I want
Republican organizations in the pre-
country. We're back on the track and
for persons who will be managing fed-
A. No. There was open discussion;
our 1976 convention to reflect this
cincts, the counties, the states, all
moving again.
eral or top-level state campaigns.
there was thoughtful questioning;
party in the very broadest terms. We
have started earlier and have been
Q. Republicans were pretty dis-
Q. If we may ask you a personal
there were certainly differences of
need far more women serving as con-
working harder than is normally the
couraged a year ago. What created
opinion--but no major disagreements.
vention delegates--we need to put em-
case in a non-election year. In addi-
question. in the announcements of
tion, we've seen an historic change in
this momentum?
your election as chairman, you were
attitude across this country that is
A. President Ford's leadership is a
often referred to as a 'grandmother
going to make the voters much more
major force. As Time Magazine said,
from Iowa. A column in the Wash-
receptive to Republicans.
he has "restored the presidency to
ington Post last month called you
the American people." But our mo-
Q. What exactly do you mean by a
the ablest political organizer the
mentum also is a result of the work of
"change in attitude?"
Republcians have had at their helm
the party, of dedicated Republicans
A. The American people are in-
since the storied days of Ray C.
everywhere who have responded and
creasingly concerned about big, im-
Bliss.' What caused this change in
have literally pulled our party up by its
personal government; too much
attitude?
bootstraps. The National Committee
spending and too little problem solv-
programs have definitely had an ef-
A. Initially the emphasis was on the
ing; too much government regulation
fect. We've held an extensive series of
fact I am a woman--there never had
and government intrusion into
organizational seminars all across the
been a woman chairman and this
people's lives. These are the same
country. We've increased our field
hadn't been dealt with before. I'm
things Republicans have always been
force to make professional advice
still a grandmother from Iowa, per-
concerned about. And the perform-
available to state and local Republi-
haps at first it wasn't realized that I
ance of the Democrat-controlled Con-
can organizations. We've greatly ex-
had been active in politics all my adult
gress makes it clear that the Demo-
panded our research capabilities and
life, and that being a grandmother
crats are not in tune with these con-
cerns.
FORD
Q. Do you expect this to automat-
ically benefit the Republican Party?
A. No, definitely not. One of the big
challenges facing us is to let the people
in
know where the Republican Party
stands what we want for America
how we propose to achieve it. We must
talk about the Republican concept of
TOP
government. The Republican Party is
squarely in the mainstream of public
JOBS
opinion, but in too many cases, the
public doesn't know it.
FOR
WOMEN
Q. You talked earlier of a "signifi-
cant Republican victory. Isn't that a
little optimistic with the Democrats
still so much in the majority?
A. That's just the point. They are
in the majority, and they are not solv-
ing the problems. Take the Congress
Chairman Mary Louise Smith reviews first year with First Monday Editor J. Bruce
Editorial cartoon by Ed Fischer of the
as an example. After nearly 40 years
Hildebrand.
Omaha World-Herald.
of Democrat control, it is clear that the
4
First Monday
5
Big Labor:
HHH Both For And Against
able prices," Humphrey said. "In-
stead we have an Agriculture Secre-
tary whose philosophy is sell, sell,
A Major Factor
Big Grain Sales To Soviets
sell as long as there's gold on the
Russians' plate."
In N.H. Election
Sen. Hubert Humphrey of Minne-
dispatch, Humphrey told the National
"I'm going to watch the Secretary
sota, long noted for his willingness to
Association of Development Organiza-
like a suspected burglar in these next
talk endlessly on any and all sides of
tions meeting in Duluth, Minn.,
few months to make sure he doesn't
This is a first-hand report on the
an issue, now can't seem to make up
that "for once I agree" with Butz, who
let our crop go to the Russians,
New Hampshire special election
his mind whether he favors selling
had said the U.S. could easily afford
jeopardizing our people and our
Sept. 16, prepared especially for First
American wheat to the U.S.S.R. and
to sell the Soviets millions of tons of
humanitarian commitments,' he told
Monday by George Young, Campaign
whether the domestic price of grain
wheat.
the Journal.
should be held down, judging from
The Senator noted that the U.S. can
Consultant to Louis Wyman.
In yet another comment, this one
his published statements.
export 900 million bushels of wheat,
made in Paris while he was on the way
The result of the New Hampshire
In a period of about a month,
eat 800 million and still have 300 mil-
to Stockholm, Humphrey said he op-
special senate election is disappoint-
Humphrey said he favored the sales
lion left over. He admitted that the
posed the high-handed boycott
ing. However, before we jump to too
and agreed with Agriculture Secre-
wheat sales would raise prices slight-
slapped on grain shipments by Labor
many conclusions about its meaning
tary Earl Butz; said he would watch
ly, but went on to say: "They should
baron George Meany.
for next year, we should carefully ex-
Butz "like a suspected burglar" to
be raised. It costs a farmer about $3
The reason Humphrey crosses him-
amine the reasons for the defeat.
keep him from supposedly selling the
a bushel to raise wheat, so when prices
self up so much is obvious, of course.
whole crop to the Soviets; then said he
drop to that level or below he is sub-
They grow wheat in Minnesota. They
After living with the Wyman cam-
was willing to "sell anything to
sidizing the rest of us. The farmer
don't grow it on Wall Street or in
paign for six intensive weeks and an-
Louis Wyman campaigns in Rockingham County during final days of his effort to win
Russia."
deserves a fair return on his labor and
Washington.
alyzing the research data both during
U.S. Senate seat in New Hampshire.
Humphrey favored the sales in his
investment."
It is the kind of game Democrat
and since the election, I have these
home state of Minnesota, where agri-
The Associated Press story report-
candidates, both announced and un-
conclusions:
The "old politics" has no clearer ex-
does so by communicating to its own
culture is important; attacked Butz in
ing his remarks in Duluth was printed
announced are playing all the time.
First--the New Hampshire special
ample in the public mind than what is
membership. This loophole is big
Washington, where "Hump" is
in the morning papers. On the very
And it is one reason why people are
tells us what's happening in New
called Watergate. Our candidate was
enough to steal this entire U.S. Con-
being spoken of as a possible candi-
same day, the Wall Street Journal
fed up with politics in general, and
Hampshire but cannot be projected as
labeled with Watergate in last fall's
gress.
date for President (yawn); and said he
quoted Humphrey as bitterly attack-
with the Democrat-controlled Con-
a national bellwether for next year.
election by the New Hampshire press
Labor reportedly has 47,000 union
would sell anything to the Russians in
ing Secretary Butz.
gress in particular, and why no one,
Second--Although former Con-
and a vicious advertising campaign.
households in New Hampshire. They
Paris, where, perhaps, he thought no
"The first duty of the government is
in Washington, Minnesota or Paris be-
gressman Wyman would have made
Its impact could not be erased. It was
mailed these households as much as
one was listening.
to protect its own people by making
lieves much of what our government
the best senator and certainly repre-
kept alive by the fact that the special
four times, in order to build up Durkin
According to an Associated Press
sure they have enough food at reason-
says.
sents what America needs, too many
prosecutor's office would not close the
and tear down Wyman. Labor sent
people perceived him as an example of
Wyman file and a staggering blow was
organizers to New Hampshire to help
the "old politics" and voted against
struck by that office when it recalled
Shriver
register new voters, to set up phone
nedy Lawford; and Jean Kennedy
with the directorship of the Peace
him for that reason.
Mr. Wyman to testify before a grand
banks, to organize an absentee ballot
Smith.
Third--the new campaign spending
Sets Sail
Corps. He finally established some-
jury in the middle of the special
drive, and finally to get out their votes.
The big man was missing. The
thing of an identity of his own in 1972
law has given big labor the balance of
election.
They did all this very well.
Senator from Massachusetts didn't at-
by accepting the post of second mate
power in any federal election in which
My estimate is that labor put at
To Nowhere
tend the announcement or lend his
on George McGovern's Titanic. But
they wish to exercise it.
least $100,000 worth of campaign
name to the committee. But he dom-
Shriver seems determined to abandon
New Hampshire is a different politi-
My estimate is that labor put at
service into the Durkin effort which
inated the proceedings nonetheless.
his own identity and link himself again
cal environment. Many important
least $100,000 worth of cam-
was not counted as part of the legal
Liberal Democrats who have de-
Poor Shriver was bombarded with
to the Kennedys. In his announcement
factors in the election are unique to
paign service into the Durkin
spending limit. They can and will be
spaired of getting the real thing now
questions about whether he would be
he unabashedly claimed "the legacy"
that state. However, there are some
effort.
doing this next year in races which
have a discount Kennedy in the Presi-
a stalking horse for Ted. It might be
of John F. Kennedy and treated the
attitudes which surfaced very promin-
they wish to target.
dential race--R. Sargent Shriver,
assembled press to a speech that was
ently which I believe we Republicans
No review of the New Hampshire
courtier and former employee of the
vaguely New Frontier-ish on do-
must keep in mind for next year's cam-
I am convinced that Mr. Wyman is
special election would be fair if it did
Kennedy clan.
mestic policy and distinctly isolation-
paign. I believe that New Hampshire's
innocent. Too many voters in New
not applaud the fine effort put forth
ist in foreign affairs. Shriver appar-
electorate is angry at "the old poli-
Hampshire, however, are convinced
by our candidate, his wife, and the
"I am fortified by my family,"
Shriver said in making his announce-
Sargent
ently has forgotten that JFK was a
tics," feels that "corporate America"
that innocent or guilty he represents
Republican Party of New Hampshire.
firm internationalist, and in fact got
Shriver
and "big labor" can rightfully be
the kind of "old politics" they want to
Nobody quit.
ment last month, leaving it unclear
us into Vietnam.
blamed for much of the nation's high
change.
Lou Wyman is a fine American and
whether he was referring to his own
Shriver also called in general terms
prices and economic trouble. New
his loss is our loss. Republicans in
family or that of the Kennedy's. Pre-
for an even bigger government role
Hampshire voted against all three of
As for the role of organized labor--
New Hampshire worked very hard.
sumably he meant the latter, because
in the marketplace, stamping him as
these perceived evils--but ironically
watch out my fellow Republicans. This
They identified their vote and turned
they turned out in force to help draw
just another conventional Democrat.
and unfortunately for our country,
new "reform" campaign spending
it out better than it had ever been done
press to the announcement. Mrs.
more accurate to think of Shriver as
The public desire for another such
they thought Wyman represented two
law has given the big labor bosses the
before in that state. In fact, Wyman re-
Shriver, nee Eunice Kennedy, was
merely holding the horses, or perhaps
candidate was shown in a Harris Sur-
out of the three. Durkin, on the other
balance of power. The Wyman com-
ceived 3,000 votes more in the special
there, of course, along with Ethel
warming the seat.
vey released the day after Shriver an-
hand was definitely bought by big out-
mittee and the Durkin committee were
election than he got last fall. That kind
Kennedy and two of her sons. Ken-
For Sarge Shriver, nice man and
nounced. It showed him the first
of-state labor. He accepted transfers to
permitted by law to raise and spend
of work would have won most specials.
nedys also dominate the Shriver for
loyal American that he is, has no
choice of a total of 2 per cent of Demo-
his campaign of over $150,000 direct-
$150,000 each on their campaigns.
The final results, however, show that
President Committee; included are
existence apart from the Kennedys.
crats and independents, ranking ahead
ly from union "educational" funds.
They both did this. Under section 610
a stifling issue and organized labor
Joan Kennedy, wife of Senator Ted;
After he married into the family, they
of fellow liberal Morris Udall, but well
He said publicly that he was proud of
of the new law, labor has no restriction
provided the Durkin campaign with
Rose Kennedy, widow of Old Joe and
gave him a job managing the Mer-
behind Senator John Glenn and Gov-
the support. The big labor issue lost
on what it can raise and spend in sup-
advantages which could not be over-
family matriarch; Jacqueline Kennedy
chandise Mart in Chicago. He helped
ernor Reuben Askew--who aren't even
him votes.
port of its candidates, so long as it
Onassis, widow of JFK; Patricia Ken-
come.
JFK get elected and was rewarded
running, and likely shouldn't.
6
First Monday
7
The Kemper Arena will be a little
Showcase City In Heartland To Host Convention;
tight. Guest seating will be limited and
the alternate delegates will not be
Vast Logistics, More Delegates On Small Budget
able to sit on the floor, although that
is due partly to having 911 more dele-
gates and 911 more alternates than in
The vast hall is a mass of moving hu-
years. Many of the expensive trim-
2,259 alternates will share Kansas
1972. But it is a large and handsome
manity, filling the seats and choking
mings will be gone. The party is re-
City's Kemper Arena with thousands
facility that will be prepared for a con-
the aisles as the chairman bangs for
stricted by federal law to spending no
of guests (among them Congressmen,
vention without extraordinary trouble.
order, the network anchormen sit up
more than $2 million on the conven-
Senators, Governors and other digni-
There will also be a few problems
straight, the band strikes up a tune,
tion, and is forbidden to accept many
taries not serving as delegates), staff
with hotel rooms. A total of 15,755
the spotlights coalesce with glaring
of the free services both parties used
persons and communications tech-
hotel rooms are available, but some
intensity on the podium as a hugely
to take and which held down the cost.
nicians, and an army of 6,000 or so
1,300 of them are in Topeka, Kansas,
amplified voice announces, "Ladies
For example, the 1972 convention in
members of the media, from motor-
an hour's drive away. That is actually
and gentlemen, the next President of
Miami Beach used so many
cycle couriers to network anchormen.
not much worse than Miami Beach,
the United States The nominee
"freebies," ranging from cars to cop-
About 6,000 telephones will be
where some delegations stayed in
emerges to the thunderous cheers of
iers, that the same convention held
rigged up in the hall and in supporting
hotels "up the beach" an hour or
facilities, requiring hundreds of miles
more from the hall. (And surely it is
of telephone cables and scores of
better than New York City at rush
switchboards, a telephone system
hour.)
equivalent to that serving a city of
It is too early for persons seeking
30,000 persons. The jungle of cables
election as delegates to worry about
needed to wire the phones will be
where they may stay; the room alloca-
overlaid by the false flooring upon
tions won't be made until next year.
which the delegates' chairs will be
But the intention is to house as many
placed.
as possible in rooms close to the hall,
The television networks will roll in
and spread everybody else around.
KC is second only to Rome in the number of public fountains.
their huge vans crammed with equip-
Kansas City is famous for its
ment, anchor booths will be built so
fountains (nearly 50 of them--
ready under way. The Executive Com-
Committeeman for Wisconsin and
Cronkite, Chancellor et al can gaze
second only to Rome), its cleanliness,
mittee of the Committee on Arrange-
convention manager. He is vice chair-
down at the tumult, a huge camera
its good food (especially, of course,
ments and media representatives will
man of the Committee on Arrange-
stand will be erected facing the pod-
steak), good shopping, one of the
meet this month. The official Call of
ments, of which Republican National
ium, and the technicians will check out
world's newest and best airports (KC
the Convention will be issued in De-
Chairman Mary Louise Smith is
the minicams to bring you the floor
International), and cultural at-
cember and another meeting of the
chairman.
action live, up close and in color. The
tractions, including the Nelson Gallery
arrangements committee is set for
A major factor in the selection of
"pencil press" will arrive toting their
with its paintings by Rembrandt and
February. The party will open an of-
Kansas City as the convention site
portable typewriters and looking for
Reubens. A flourishing night life
fice in KC on Feb. 1 to coordinate
was the city's eagerness to have the
places to put them and the freelancers
should provide relaxation for dele-
planning in the host city.
convention. KC boosters think that
will turn up looking desperately for a
gates after each evening session.
In overall charge of convention
hosting a national political convention
story to pay for the trip.
Planning for the Convention is al-
planning is Ody J. Fish, National
will mark their city's formal entry
into the big leagues. They went all-out
to get the convention and impressed
party officials. To quote from the re-
port of the Site Committee: "Kansas
City is clean, attractive, entertaining
Kansas City skyline seen from across Missouri River.
and the support of the people there to
the nation's Republicans in conven-
today would probably cost more than
have the convention and to do any-
tion assembled.
$3 million.
thing possible to help make it work, is
That scene next August will seem
But a less expensive convention
truly great."
the pinnacle of glory to the nominee
will be very much in the nation's mood
Besides, Republicans will be out
and the opening gun of the campaign
of restraint and in the party's busi-
there in the heartland of America, do-
to the millions watching on television.
nesslike and purposeful tradition. A
ing their business in an exciting, truly
There is no extravaganza on earth like
special party committee called earlier
liveable city, while the Democrats
the nominating convention of an
this year for "simplicity and restraint"
meet in New York, where their party
American political party; it is part con-
in operating the convention. While the
has run the local government billions
vention, part rally, part media event.
Republican Party is opposed to the
of dollars into the red and papered
It doesn't just happen; it is put to-
over the deficit with short-term bor-
concept of public financing of con-
gether over many months so that when
ventions, the National Committee
rowing until they can't borrow any
the delegates arrive they will be
more. That contrast reveals a real
has authorized Chairman Mary Louise
housed and fed and bused back and
Smith to seek the $2 million in federal
difference in party philosophies. It
forth to transact the party's business
funds because otherwise, $2 million
ought to be worth at least a million
squarely in the nation's electronic eye.
in GOP funds which could be spent to
votes.
The 1976 Republican National Con-
elect Republicans would go to the
vention in Kansas City, Missouri, will
convention instead. First things first.
be substantially different from any
The logistics of a convention are
Huge modern sports arena will hold
convention the party has held in recent
staggering. Some 2,259 delegates and
1976 Convention.
8
First Monday
9
balanced budget immediately. The current deficit is
America's Future
caused largely by a drop-off in tax revenues and increased
The GOP Program
FORD LIBRARY is SERVID
unemployment compensation, both attributable to the re-
cession.
Tax reform is also tied to limiting government spending,
the Republicans note, because taxes must be high as long
as spending is.
The fact that Republicans tend to deal with the root
"The past four decades have seen Democrat Con-
causes of national problems, while the Democrats fool
gresses increase the tax burden on the average working
around with the symptoms, was never more clearly il-
American, not only through additional taxes but also with
lustrated than by the Republican Legislative Agenda un-
the approval of built-in inequities and loopholes. The
veiled by the GOP Congressional leadership last month.
Democrats continue to give lip service to meaningful tax
The program goes to the bottom of national concerns
reform but produce only false promises which deceive the
and suggests substantive changes where warranted and
American taxpayer. The only way to cut federal taxes for
adherence to basic, guiding principles throughout.
American wage earners is to reduce total federal ex-
The 15-point Agenda, subtitled "A Program
penditures," the report says.
for Progress," was drafted by a task
Goals of true tax reform would be to simplify tax
force of 33 House Republicans and
preparation, discourage evasion of taxes, bring
approved by the full House
equity to the system and provide incentive for
Republican Confer-
economic growth, it adds.
ence.
The
Billions are spent every year on public wel-
Agenda was
fare and the Republicans agree that aid should
the special pro-
be given to those who, because of age or ill-
ject of House
ness, need help, but "the present welfare
Republican
system falls far short of this goal due to mis-
Leader John J.
management and abuses." The Republi-
Rhodes of Arizona,
cans call for eliminating ineligible recipi-
who felt that House
ents from the rolls, strengthening and en-
Republicans needed
forcing work requirements, tightening
to show the country
eligibility for the food stamp program
what they would do if
they controlled Con-
A For Programess of
and transferring it from the Depart-
ment of Agriculture to the Depart-
gress. (See editorial
ment of Health, Education and
comment on page 2.)
Welfare.
"Democrats have con-
The Congress basic goals
In the energy field, the report
trolled both Houses of Con-
says, "We believe the current
gress for 38 of the past 42
lack of direction by the Demo-
years and must bear the re-
crat majority in Congress poses
sponsibility for failure of the
grave. economic peril for the
federal government to meet
future." The Republicans
the needs of America," the
attack the Democrats'
Agenda states.
"single-minded em-
"We believe that the vast ma-
phasis on unrealistically
jority of Americans prefer a life of
regulated prices"
freedom in thought and action" and
which prevent the
"truly competitive free enterprise,"
development of adequate
it says.
supplies. They suggest relying
The world's highest standard of liv-
mainly on private industry but also
ing has been achieved through the free
urge a windfall profits tax coupled with a plow-
enterprise system, the House Republi-
back provision to encourage reinvestment of energy
cans point out, and argue that "Govern-
earnings and assure consumers that energy companies
ment should not assume the function of the
aren't making unfair profits.
great tinkerer, but can, and should, help promote pros-
The Republicans also addressed concerns closer to
perity." It can do so by eliminating unnecessary regula-
home. They pointed out that the elderly who live on fixed
tion and "encouraging healthy competition," the report
incomes are hurt the most by the relentless price infla-
says.
tion engendered largely by government spending.
Vast spending by the Democrat Congress over the past
"To protect the purchasing power of the income and
40 years has created a huge federal government debt, and
savings of our older people, we must stop inflation" the
the Republicans call for a better system of managing the
report says, and also backs health insurance to cover cata-
current debt as well as reaching a balanced budget "with-
strophic illness among the elderly.
in three years."
The elderly would also benefit from Republican rule be-
"We recognize the fact that the transition from a deficit
cause the Republicans would repeal the outdated limita-
of $80 billion to a balance between revenue and expendi-
tions on outside earnings by Social Security recipients.
tures in one year, although desirable, is not feasible," the
Other points in the GOP program:
report says in explaining why it refrained from calling for a
[Continued on page 13]
10
IHL WHITE HOUSE
ACTION MEMORANDUM
WASHINGION
LOG NO.:
Date:
September 25, 1975
Time:
FOR ACTION:
CC (for information):
Phil Buchen
Jack Marsh
Jim Cannon
Bill Seidman
Max Friedersdorf
Brent Scowcroft
Jim Lynn
Frank Zarb
FROM THE STAFF SECRETARY
DUE: Date:
Wednesday, October 1
Time:
12 Noon
SUBJECT:
Republican Legislative Agenda
"A Program for Progress"
9/8/75
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
ACTION REQUESTED:
For Necessary Action
X
For Your Recommendations
Piepare Agenda and Brief
Draft Reply
X
For Your Comments
Draft Remarks
REMARKS:
We have been requested to prepare a report for the President
on the Republican Legislative Agenda presented to him by the
Republican Leadership. This report should cover:
1) What is being proposed.
2) What are we doing in the areas mentioned in report.
3) What are we not doing that we should be looking into
In other words, any initia tives in the report we should
consider undertaking?
PLEASE ATTACH THIS COPY TO MATERIAL SUBMITTED.
If you have any questions or if you unticipate a
dulay in submitting the required molerial, please
Jim Connor
telephone the Secretary immediately.
For the President
R.FORD LIBRARY
REPUBLICAN LEGISLATIVE AGENDA:
A PROGRAM FOR PROGRESS
SEPTEMBER 8, 1975
REPUBLICAN LEGISLATIVE AGENDA:
A PROGRAM FOR PROGRESS
The principal mission of government must be to provide its citizens
the freedom to pursue opportunities to create and maintain the type of
life each of them desires. We believe that the vast majority of
Americans prefer:
-- A life in which freedom of thought and action of the individual
as a member of society is preserved and protected. Government's
duty is to defend its people against aggressors from without
and subversive and criminal elements from within.
-- A life lived in an economic climate in which truly competitive
free enterprise predominates. Government's role is to foster
and further free enterprise, while maintaining protection for
society and individuals against unfair advantage taken by
predatory interests.
-- A life in which all people have a full opportunity for success.
Society and government have joint responsibility to make programs
and facilities available to train individuals in marketable
skills, so they may become productive members of the free
enterprise system.
-- A life that promotes and strengthens individual and family
responsibility. Our youth should be given every opportunity
to be exposed to the positive values of our American heritage.
-- A life in which assistance is available to the needy, disabled,
aged and handicapped, but in which able-bodied and able-minded
persons are expected to work and produce.
-2-
Our present society has not yet fully achieved these goals, but
it has proved that it has the ability to do so -- that it offers the
FORD
best hope yet devised by man to realize the fulfillment of the American
dream. We intend to hasten it toward its goal by prodding it where it
needs prodding, by adjusting it where it needs adjusting, but all the
while nurturing and protecting it against those who would destroy it.
Government will play an important role, but must refrain from
competing with and from putting strains and pressures on free enterprise
which would damage the entire system and thus lead to eventual failure.
The essence of our American system is choice. Our nation grew
strong under the concept of freedom of our people to choose the course
of government. To choose well, there must be recognizable programs to
be weighed in the balance. As a responsible minority, seeking to
become a nucleus of a majority, we believe our obligation is to move
our government better to serve the people.
There are certain principles which guide a Republic year in and
year out. The policies any government should follow must be dictated
by the particular time in which those guidelines will be operative.
We believe that at this time in our history it is essential the
role of government be diminished, and emphasis placed on the encouragement
of individual enterprise. 1
Congress must come to grips with the realities of federal spending
in a peacetime economy and not allow the federal government to be the
primary cause of inflation. We believe the Congress through the Budget
Committee has the responsibility to curb excessive federal deficit
financing, and work with the Executive Branch to establish national
priorities consistent with federal revenues.
-3-
We recognize the fact that the transition from a deficit of
$80 billion to a balance between revenue and expenditures in one year,
although desirable, is not feasible. We would expect to effect it
within three years. During that time, it would be necessary for us
to forego additional programs to be financed through the public sector
and concentrate on improving, consolidating and in certain cases
eliminating by intensive legislative oversight and amendment existing
ineffective or unnecessary programs.
2
We believe a commission should be established to study the operations
of our government departments and agencies and recommend necessary
3
reforms.
In addition, our national transportation system must be
reviewed and necessary legislative remedies enacted which will provide
a balanced and adequate transportation system for the country.
Since its beginning in 1913, the federal income tax system has
grown into a hodgepodge of conflicting regulations, inconsistencies,
and inequities. Our tax system needs immediate reform, the kind of
reform that would require every American to pay a fair share, no more
or no less. We must avoid incentive-destroying tax levels which slow
4
the growth of the economy and prevent the creation of new jobs.
We stand for full employment and believe every American who is
willing and able to work has a right to expect and an obligation to
pursue opportunities to earn a living. Because massive federal make-work
programs offer no hope to the jobless for long-range future security,
we endorse stimulation of free enterprise to generate productive jobs
that will last and pay a decent wage. We favor automatically extended
unemployment benefits coupled with intensive manpower training to tide
workers over periods of unemployment. Much of the added expense for
expanded manpower training can be defrayed by purging the bloated welfare
FORD
-4-
LIBRARY
rolls of the many ineligibles, by rooting out welfare fraud and by
strengthening work requirements. Moreover, to help channel assistance
where it is really needed, we favor a drastic revision of the run-away
5
food stamp program.
One of the great challenges of our time is our need to become
independent in energy production. We believe that energy independence
should be reached mainly through the efforts of private enterprise.
Tax incentives will be needed to assist in prodigious capital formation
to invest in new and expanded facilities. The direct federal role should
be limited to appropriate participation in research and development of
6
new energy sources.
We believe older Americans are especially deserving of attention
and concern. They are faced with loss of income security from inflation
and the spectre of financial disaster from major illnesses. The
greatest contribution Congress can make is to assume leadership in an
all-out effort to reduce inflation to protect the buying power of
retirement dollars. Because of spiraling costs for medical care and
health services, we feel a health insurance program offering protection
7
against the financial ravages of catastrophic illnesses is needed.
The entire area of health care must be examined in order to establish
a national health policy. Federal involvement in health care is extensive,
with fragmented, categorical programs and pervasive regulations and
guidelines. In order to address the complex questions involved in this
issue, we have established a Task Force on Health with the Republican
8
Research Committee.
-5-
We regard it as imperative to preserve the integrity of the Social
Security Trust Fund financed by employee-employer contributions and to
adjust benefit payments to sustain purchasing power in constant dollars.
We will actively support incentives to expand the individual retirement
9
program of every American.
Education of our nation's young people is a state responsibility,
10
a local function and a federal concern.
The mentally and physically handicapped must be afforded opportunities
11
that will allow them to function as useful members of our society.
It is a major responsibility of government to protect the lives
and property of its citizens and insure the domestic tranquility.
Justice must be as concerned with protecting the rights of the victim
of crime as assuring the rights of the accused. At the same time, we
must consider legislation to assure American citizens that they will
not be subject to arbitrary or unjustified surveillance by government
12
agents and to protect citizens' rights-to-privacy.
An estimated 10 million residents of foreign countries now live
illegally in the United States and actively compete with American workers
for available jobs. Existing laws which establish a legal yearly entry
13
rate must be strengthened and strictly enforced.
In this nuclear age, we live in a still-perilous world. Until
disarmament becomes a reality it is necessary that we continue intensive
negotiations. There is no acceptable alternative to an American defense
14
second to none.
-6-
Efficient production of food and fiber is to the credit of the
American farmer and must be encouraged to meet domestic and world needs
15
without undue government interference.
Democrats have controlled both Houses of Congress for 38 of the
past 42 years and must bear the responsibility for failure of the
federal government to meet the needs of America. Loosely written
legislation by Congress has created a maze of contradictory and duplicative
controls. Congress must provide constant oversight of federal operations
and regulatory agencies to insure that legislative intent is carried out
and to determine the need for corrective legislation.
The positions and attitudes reflected here are presented as
guidelines, not as a definitive, all-inclusive program for America.
In fact, we recognize the omission of many areas of concern, not from
a lack of interest, but because our positions have become well-known
through our legislative actions or through our party platforms. We
attempt to point in the directions in which we would intend to lead our
country, were we to become the nucleus of a majority in Congress. We
believe it is incumbent upon Congress to respond in these ways to the
people who must pay for government, and we believe the people must
and will see to it that the Congress does so respond.
1 - Private Enterprise
Our two-hundred year old system of private enterprise, working
within a free and competitive economy, has produced the highest living
standard in the world. This private sector production has been and is
the only creator of our national wealth with government merely redistributing
wealth it has acquired through taxation of private enterprise and individual
citizens. Any broader effort by government to control or direct our
huge trillion-and-a-half dollar economic machine could be a disaster.
Government should not assume the function of the great tinkerer, but
can, and should, help promote prosperity. It can best do this by not
hindering the course of commerce, by minimizing regulation, by allowing
the time-tested laws of supply and demand to work with maximum freedom,
by encouraging healthy competition and the enforcement of anti-trust
laws that protect the consumer and fledgling businesses. We believe
that solutions to our dual economic problems of inflation and recession
lie in returning decision-making to the people through the forces of
supply and demand in the marketplace. People themselves can best decide
what to produce, sell, and buy, and at what price levels. No government
agency is as capable of making these decisions as are the people through
the voluntary exchange of goods and services. There is already ample
machinery within the federal government and in the private sector to
protect the consumer from exploitation. We applaud the Ford Administration's
effort to orient existing regulatory and administrative agencies toward
consumer protection. We propose that federal estate and gift tax laws be
revised to encourage private ownership of Small Business.
2- Public Debt
During the past 40 years excessive appropriations by Democrat
controlled Congresses have created massive deficits and forced the
federal government to borrow heavily. This competition with the private
sector has caused interest rates to rise and as a result funds for
private capital investment which are needed to create new jobs have
become scarce and expensive. Massive deficits will rekindle double-
digit inflation and prevent the expansion of business needed to pull
our economy out of the recession. More inflation will further weaken
our economic system, and jeopardize the financial security of all
Americans. Congress must exercise fiscal restraint, consolidate existing
programs, eliminate duplication and waste and thereby reduce the volume
and expense of government.
The Budget Committees of the Congress, in conjunction with the
Executive Branch, must establish spending priorities consistent with
federal revenues with a systematic reduction of the public debt. The
public debt must be restructured. Trust fund surpluses, which by statute
can only be invested in government obligations, tend to distort the real
picture and should not be included in considering the overall public
debt ceiling. The present system of establishing a debt ceiling has
become meaningless. Debt ceiling increases have been manipulated and
irresponsibly used as a vehicle for non-fiscal legislation. We propose
that the limit of the public debt be set concurrently with the adoption
of the Federal Budget.
FORD
3- Government Reform
In recent years, an entrenched, burgeoning bureaucracy has
developed in the federal government. Federal agencies have proliferated
and become fragmented, inefficient, duplicative and wasteful.
Regulatory agencies have overstepped their authority in the promulgation
of rules and regulations. They have usurped authorities which
rightfully belong to the States, and ultimately to the people.
Return of power, to the States, as well as strict Congressional
oversight of agency compliance with the letter and spirit of the law,
are urgently needed to preserve personal liberty, improve efficiency,
and eliminate waste. We recommend a bipartisan commission be established
to review present governmental performance, administrative costs,
proliferating federal programs, redefine national goals and recommend
legislative revisions to enhance the capability of government to meet
the challenges of the coming decade. This recommendation emphasizes
the failure of the Democrat Congress to provide effective oversight of
federal operations and regulatory agencies to insure that legislative
intent is carried out and to determine the need to amend loosely written
legislation that has created a maze of contradictory and duplicative
controls, rules and regulations which hamper business and harass the
citizen.
As a majority we would dedicate the next Republican Congress to
legislative oversight -- to redirecting the operations of government
toward efficiency and economy.
7
4- Tax Reform
The past four decades have seen Democrat Congresses increase
the tax burden on the average working American not only through additional
taxes but with the approval of built-in inequities and loopholes. The
Democrats continue to give lip service to meaningful tax reform but
produce only false promises which deceive the American taxpayer.
The only way to cut federal taxes for American wage earners is to reduce
total federal expenditures. "Tax gimmicks" are not a solution but only
offer benefits to special interest groups.
We propose that Congress begin work immediately on revision of
federal taxation:
-- to simplify tax preparation
-- to discourage tax evasion
-- to bring equity to the tax system
-- to provide incentives for economic growth.
5- Welfare Reform
We believe that society has the responsibility to assist those
who cannot provide for themselves. The present welfare system falls
far short of this goal due to mismanagement and abuses. The $5.2 billion
Food Stamp Program has grown 14,203% in the past decade. Recipients
have increased from 500,000 in 1965 to nearly 20 million, and under
present regulations an estimated 57 million people are eligible.
Present law has established lax eligibility standards allowing persons
with adequate incomes to participate in the program. This massive
program has bypassed the real intent of Congress to provide help only
for the needy. We call attention to the fact that the bill for welfare
is mainly borne by the American worker. To meet its responsibility to
the American taxpayer and the truly needy, Congress must take immediate
steps to reform the welfare system. We propose Congressional action:
-- to provide adequate living standards for the truly needy
-- to eliminate ineligible recipients from the welfare rolls
-- to establish effective regulations to prevent future welfare fraud
-- to strengthen and enforce work requirements
-- to provide educational and vocational incentives to allow
recipients to become self-supporting
-- to increase penalties for welfare fraud to discourage abuses
-- to coordinate Federal reforms with state and social welfare agencies
-- to strengthen state and local administrative functions
-- to transfer administration of the Food Stamp Program from the
Department of Agriculture to HEW
-- to tighten eligibility requirements for food stamps.
6- Energy
The key to future economic security and a high standard of living
for all Americans is a comprehensive national policy that will produce
an adequate supply of energy for an expanding economy.
We believe the current lack of direction by the Democrat majority.
in Congress poses grave economic peril for the future. Their single-
minded emphasis on unrealistically regulated prices today, fails to lay
the groundwork necessary for future expanded energy supplies.
Constructive action now by the Congress could help assure our people
and our industries an ample supply of reasonably priced energy for the
years ahead.
-- We propose that all federal regulations, programs and policies
that directly affect energy, be reviewed, and ineffective
programs be eliminated or replaced.
Our energy challenge must essentially be solved by private industry.
We believe that unreasonable regulatory and tax policies have hampered
development and lessened investment in research, plants and equipment
needed for maximum energy production.
-- We propose a windfall profits tax program with a plowback
provision to encourage reinvestment of energy earnings and
eliminate windfall profits.
Energy development has been hampered by excessive and often frivolous
litigation, endless hearings, studies, commissions and reports.
-- We propose that Congress' comprehensive energy package provide
strong legal authority to allow development of natural resources
with full recognition of the need to provide safeguards for the
protection of the environment.
FORD LIBRESS
During the period of 1970-1974, our yearly imports of foreign oil
rose from 483 million barrels to 1.2 billion barrels, while during the
same period domestic production fell from 3.5 billion barrels to
3.2 billion barrels per year. Our nation cannot afford continued
dependence on foreign oil.
-- We propose that Congress provide incentives for exploration
and development of more American-owned oil and natural gas.
A full scale effort must be made to develop our oil shale
resources.
Our nation must develop alternative energy sources. Congress should
provide incentives and opportunities to accelerate research, discovery
and delivery of untapped resources. Immediate emphasis should be given
to development of economical solar energy systems for homes and industry.
-- We propose that Congress require that new federal structures,
where practical, be heated and cooled with solar systems.
An essential part of a national energy program must be development
of all available forms of energy.
-- We propose a stepped-up program for coal gasification, geo-thermal
and nuclear power production.
-- A strong program of research and development should be continued
for the fusion process to unlock the unlimited potential of the
Hydrogen atom.
Conservation of energy depends on more efficient utilization by
industry and individuals.
-- We propose that Congress provide practical incentives:
1- for conservation of energy by the public
2- to increase the utilization of waste materials in energy production
3- for production by industry of more energy efficient products.
7- Older Americans
Many older Americans live on relatively fixed, limited incomes
and inflation has hurt them cruelly. The rapidly rising cost of
living is caused in substantial measure by the profligate spending
of the federal government. To protect the purchasing power of the
income and savings of our older people we must stop inflation.
We believe the federal government must meet its commitments to
finding solutions and facilities to help meet their needs. Needed is
"catastrophic" health insurance that will cover the medical needs of
those who experience long, serious illnesses. We support a nutritional
supplement system and a comprehensive program of nutrition education
for needy older citizens. Inadequate housing and transportation must
receive our undivided attention and affirmative action.
8- Health Care
There is an urgent need to review Federal involvement in health
care. Not only government spending, but regulations and guidelines
have had great impact on national health care delivery.
Under our present system, we have one of the best health care
delivery programs in the world. There are some gaps that need filling,
to assure our people the quality of services nationwide that we are
capable of providing.
We believe that our nation needs a National Health Policy, which
would balance health systems supply and demand with financing. In
addition there is a need for emphasis on education, environmental
improvement, better housing and nutritional gains, all of which affect
the general health of the American public.
A National Health Policy would determine broad goals and priorities
for medical care, preventive practices, and dispersal of facilities
to be within reach of our people. We believe the present combination
of private and public health care financing can be extended and improved.
The present system suffers from fragmentation, and we believe a National
Health Policy should bring together all vital health functions into a
practical and workable program to provide better health care for all
our citizens.
8- Health Care
There is an urgent need to review Federal involvement in health
care. Not only government spending, but regulations and guidelines
have had great impact on national health care delivery.
Under our present system, we have one of the best health care
delivery programs in the world. There are some gaps that need filling,
to assure our people the quality of services nationwide that we are
capable of providing.
We believe that our nation needs a National Health Policy, which
would balance health systems supply and demand with financing. In
addition there is a need for emphasis on education, environmental
improvement, better housing and nutritional gains, all of which affect
the general health of the American public.
A National Health Policy would determine broad goals and priorities
for medical care, preventive practices, and dispersal of facilities
to be within reach of our people. We believe the present combination
of private and public health care financing can be extended and improved.
The present system suffers from fragmentation, and we believe a National
Health Policy should bring together all vital health functions into a
practical and workable program to provide better health care for all
our citizens.
9- Social Security - Retirement
Controlling inflation is the most important way to insure the
retirement security earned by American workers. Congress must give
top priority to maintaining the integrity of the Social Security Trust
Funds and must revise retirement programs to more nearly meet the needs
of older Americans. Adequate funding that will provide benefits in
constant value dollars should be assured from a self-adjusting formula
of contributions by employees and employers. Unlimited outside
earnings should be allowed without benefit penalties.
All Americans deserve the opportunity to provide their own
additional retirement security. The Individual Retirement Account (IRA)
has extended this opportunity to an additional segment of our working
force. We propose that Congress expand this Keogh-type supplemental
retirement plan to make it available to all workers. Our proposal
would provide tax incentives allowing workers to invest voluntarily in
a private retirement fund that would supplement both Social Security
and company pension plans. In addition to providing greater retirement
security this plan will provide investment funds needed to build a
stronger American economy and to aid in capital formation.
10- Education
We insist that Congress review, evaluate and consolidate the more
than 400 federal education programs and assign priorities to those
that are effective. Federal support to reduce financial barriers to
students in post-secondary education and to encourage vocational
education and job training, compensatory education for the disadvantaged,
and special education for the physically and mentally handicapped should
supplement resources provided by state and local programs. Administration
of educational programs is the responsibility of state government and
local institutions, and federal intrusion cannot be allowed.
We favor the development of quality day care services, locally
controlled and administered, with the requirement that the recipients
of these services pay their fair share of the costs according to their
ability.
In the education and training of children there is no substitute
for parental discipline. We believe in the parents' right to make
fundamental decisions regarding the care, development and education
of their children.
ll-Mentally and Physically Handicapped
Those among us who are handicapped face difficult challenges
every day while trying to cope with a physical environment designed
for the activities of the non-handicapped. We believe that strong
efforts should be made to assist the handicapped to function in our
society -- to have access to education, medical care, economic
security, equal treatment from our institutions, improved transportation
and protection from exploitation.
Federal programs should be reviewed to ensure that all that can
be done is being done to help the handicapped become more fully
integrated into our social and economic life.
12-Crime
A fundamental responsibility of government is to protect the
lives and property of its citizens. We believe the thrust of justice
must be to protect the law-abiding citizen against the criminal.
To combat crime:
-- We support the continuance of federal grants to States, cities
and towns to strengthen local law enforcement.
-- We support court system reform to increase efficiency, eliminate
excessive case loads, reverse the present practice of
"turnstyle justice" and keep the criminal off the streets.
-- We support reform of our penal system to correct the failure
of our present policies of punishment and rehabilitation.
-- We support redoubled efforts against the hard drug traffic to
arrest, prosecute, and convict pushers -- especially those that
prey on young boys and girls.
-- We propose Congress enact mandatory minimum sentences for persons
convicted of federal crimes involving violence, use of firearms,
trafficking in hard drugs and habitual offenses.
Prevention is the long-term solution to crime. Effective crime
prevention depends on strengthening community ties and encouraging
individual participation in community decisions establishing moral and
ethical standards. We recognize, however, that a healthy fear of swift
and sure punishment is not without effectiveness in crime prevention.
13-Illegal Aliens
FORD Life.
An estimated 10 million citizens of foreign countries now live
illegally in the United States and actively compete with American
workers for available jobs. Congress must insist on enforcement of
existing laws which establish a legal yearly entry rate, increased
border control and more effective apprehension and deportation of people
living illegally in the United States. Social Security requirements
for all workers must be enforced and participation by illegal aliens
in federally funded welfare programs must be stopped.
14-Defense
The first, and major, responsibility of government is to provide
for the common defense. Recent world events have demonstrated that
until we can safely disarm, we must continue to improve our military
capability to defend the United States and honor our commitments to
Free World Nations. A strong military capability is essential to the
balance of power on which our safety rests. To be successful in
negotiations with foreign nations we must deal from a position of
strength. Preparedness cannot be a sometime policy. Responsibility
for the common defense, for maintaining our military capability, our
honor and commitments, rests with Congress. We deplore the attitude
that the military budget represents a readily available source of
federal money which can be diverted to other programs without dangerous
consequences. Congress must continue to provide adequate funding to
sustain volunteer manpower levels, equip our forces and conduct vital
research and development.
It is also the imperative responsibility of Congress to eliminate
frills and waste, and to ensure a lean, efficient and mobile military
to meet the challenges of the 1970's.
15-Agriculture
Overregulation by the government must not be allowed to hamper
FORD LIBRAS
the most vital and efficient segment of our society -- agriculture.
Production of food and fiber satisfies not only our domestic needs,
but is also the keystone of our export program and our balance of
payments. Agriculture policies should be designed to operate within
the free market system with full recognition of the unique production
and marketing problems faced by farmers and ranchers. In addition,
applicable federal estate and gift tax provisions should be reviewed
and reformed in order to preserve the ability of families to retain
ownership of farm land.