Free Republic

CHAMPAIGN – Economist Douglas Holtz-Eakin said he's optimistic the United States can and will solve its problems. But the problems he outlined Thursday – many of them budgetary – are massive and daunting. Holtz-Eakin, director of the Congressional Budget Office from 2003 to 2005, advocated "ruthlessly pro-growth" policies during the annual Bazzani Lecture in Public Affairs on the University of Illinois campus. (snip) His recipe includes reforming Social Security by raising the retirement age for younger workers and putting Medicare and Medicaid "on a budget." Cuts must include defense, especially "legacy systems" that are no longer needed, he said. (snip)...

Presidential nominee in 2008 faces GOP primary fight. BY JOSEPH WEBER Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, Arizona Republican, said in an interview Monday that his planned primary challenge to Sen. John McCain will portray the four-term incumbent as a not-so-conservative Republican who has "enabled" President Obama and his failed economic and security policies. "I'm giving Arizona Republicans a clear choice between a consistent, common-sense conservative . . . or someone who describes himself as a maverick but is a moderate," the outspoken Mr. Hayworth told The Washington Times' "America's Morning News" radio show. Mr. Hayworth, 51, quit his job Friday as...