The GOP better get their act together and start acting like Republicans. Where is the smaller government? Even Bill Clinton won by declaring the era of big government is over. The GOP should impliment that popular sentiment if they really want to win.
Smaller government is a myth. Only Calvin Coolidge was able to actually shrink the size of the government, during his term.
Nobody-NOBODY- else in the 20th century did anything but grow the size of the government. Even the sainted Ronald Reagan.
The American people don't want smaller government. If they did, they'd put people in office who could actually shrink government and not worry at the next election.
What are YOU willing to give up so that government can shrink? Nobody wants to "give up what's comin' to me" so that programs could be reduced or eliminated.
The American people have what they want: a government that responds to lots of their needs for which they are willing to pay high taxes.