Too little, too late Sam.
After a 25 year career in Washington, Sam Brownback has suddenly become aware of the staggering size of the U.S. debt -- and not a moment too soon, as he's ambitiously seeking the Governor's mansion in Kansas this cycle. The Kansas City Star explains:
...Sam Brownback of Kansas [snip] along with 23 colleagues from both sides of the aisle, believe that the imbalance between spending and revenue is too worrisome to ignore.
But as usual with Brownback it's just another move of political expediciency. Just as Brownback is leaving the Senate he's suddenly rediscovered his inner "fiscal responsibility" just in time for election.
During his time in Congress, a staggering $7 trillion has been added to the U.S. debt -- with hardly a peep in opposition from Kansas' junior Senator. In fact, as I'll detail below, Sam Brownback has been a leading contributor to the problem over the last two decades.
Let's take a look at Sam Brownback's "history" of reducing the debt:
Brownback Supported A Record Setting Budget Deficit: Sam Brownback supported President Bush’s 2004 budget which cost $2.23 trillion. It increased defense spending, created a $41 billion budget for the new Homeland Security Department and held spending for most domestic programs at around a 4 percent increase. It also ran a more than $300 billion deficit, a record at the time. "This budget reflects our nation's goals" of fighting terrorism, providing homeland security and jump-starting a flagging economy, said Brownback. (The Wichita Eagle, February 4, 2003)
Brownback Sought To Eliminate PAYGO: Sam Brownback sought to eliminate the Senate’s PAYGO, or "pay-as-you-go", budget rules. PAYGO requires that fiscal policy be revenue neutral – tax cuts must be paid for with spending cuts and spending increases must have a revenue source. Brownback sponsored legislation to end PAYGO. (S. 1392)
Brownback Voted Against Restoring PAYGO: In March 2004, Brownback voted against restoring pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) rules, which created a 60-vote point of order against any direct spending or revenue legislation that would increase the on-budget deficit or cause an on-budget deficit. Tax cuts and new entitlement spending would have to be offset with revenue increases or spending cuts. (Senate Vote 38, S Con Res 95, 3/10/2004, CQ Floor Votes)
Brownback Voted To Increase Debt Limit: In 1996, Brownback voted in favor of increasing the federal debt limit to $5.5 trillion. (House Vote 102, CQ Votes 1996)
Brownback Voted To Increase Debt Limit: On June 11, 2002, Brownback voted to increase the public debt limit by approximately $450 billion. (Senate Vote 148, S 2578, 6/11/02)
Solid record (not!), and it's one of the many reasons Kansas can't afford Sam Brownback as our Governor. In strong contrast to Brownback, businessman Tom Wiggans is running for Governor with a record of balancing budgets and creating jobs.
That's what Kansas needs right now -- not a career politician like Sam Brownback.
If you'd like to get involved or learn more about Tom Wiggans, you can click here to visit his website; or, you can make a donation to his campaign. You can also become a fan of Tom on Facebook.
If you get involved now, we can make sure we never have to say the words: "Governor Brownback!"
Thanks everyone for your continued support.