"I am unclear, is that an argument for preserving out-of-control gov't spending?"
It's an argument for some party discipline. This is the same guy that inserted that tax snooping clause in the appropriations bill, which Bill Frist immediately condemned, and the controversy has been all over the media.
It's one thing to cut spending. It is another thing to make a fool of fellow Republicans. Many of these Congressmen have done us a favor by holding onto districts that were carried by John Kerry and Al Gore. And the elections are often close. For example, Gerlach (R-PA) won with 51% of the vote in the recent election. Simmons (R-CT) is another GOP incumbent in a Democratic district.
There's being principled, and there's shooting yourself in the foot in the process.
Is it possible that Istook is doing the right thing by reigning in gov't spending? Or is that an argument that you just don't get too excited about?