The Lincoln Club of Orange County was founded in 1962 and since their inception, they have been influential in California and national politics. Their membership is comprised of prominent members of the business community and they have played a pivotal role in the candidacies of Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and current California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Richard Nixon and John Wayne were once members.

In keeping with the club's founding principles, which include limiting the size and scope of the government, the Lincoln Club has issued a statement to the GOP leadership regarding their out-of-control spending habits. They are calling for a minimum one-year moratorium on earmark spending by Republicans. Moreover, they are encouraging other donor groups to utilize their influence to bring about substantial GOP spending reform.

The Lincoln Club contributes millions of dollars to various candidates across the country and their ultimatum seems to be raising eyebrows. Robert Novak covered the story in a recent column and Lincoln Club president Rich Wagner appeared on CNN to discuss the issue.

The ultimatum has not escaped the attention of House Minority Leader John Boehner. His spokesman, clearly on the defensive, made a statement to the Orange County Register regarding the Lincoln Club's call for reform.

"The House GOP economic agenda includes not only plans for an earmark freeze, but also proposals for serious entitlement reforms, unprecedented spending controls, and a revolutionary flat tax plan that has widespread conservative support."

Lincoln Club board member and co-author of the article, Chip Hanlon, doesn't seem to be buying the rhetoric. He responded to the spokesman's statement in a blog post on Greenfaucet:

"The problem with this particular quote is the Leader's "serious entitlement reforms" amount to swearing off earmarks if Democrats pledge to do the same. He might as well promise to end earmarking the next time the sun forgets to rise in the east."



            

It is clear that we need significant change if the GOP ever hopes to regain credibility on the issue, much less their squandered majority status. The current leadership has missed the boat on fiscal responsibility. While the Bush tax cuts have been effective and revenues have skyrocketed, out of control spending has completely undermined a fundamental conservative principle. The Lincoln Club's call for reform sends a very clear message to the GOP; start acting like Republicans. The message to the current leadership.....start packing.