There was a recent article on Bush's spending compared to Reagan's and when looked at on a percentage basis, Bush is spending less as a part of GNP. We like to hold Reagan up as tightfisted, while Bush is actually doing better.
Just remember, as long as the economy is growing, every year will see greater spending. All depends on what its percentage is of the GNP. Plus, much of the increased spending is the WOT and defense, which is expected. And most of the economy growth is the tax cuts. So do not tell me that dems and pubs are the same. Those tax cuts were opposed by the dems (tax cuts for the rich is all I ever hear from my rep).
Well, Reagan did have to carry a DIM dominated House of Representatives on his back for eight years.