How Conservative is Newt's Actual Voting Record?

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[libertarian neocon]

The folks at Club for Growth has white papers on all the GOP candidates summarizing their public records and does a pretty objective job. Looking at Newt's I really was struck by how conservative Newt's actual voting record was (which of course was mischaracterized by Jennifer Rubin, who I think must have been offered a post in a Romney administration. How else do you explain her going full spittle in support of Romney and anti-Newt?)., with most of the worrisome aspects of his record coming from speeches AFTER he left public office. This is pretty much the exact opposite of Romney, who has a very questionable record from his limited time in elected office, with most of his conservatism coming from campaign speeches. Anyway, let's look at Newt's actual record:

• Voted YES on the Reagan tax cut of 1981
• Voted YES on the Reagan tax reform bill of 1986
• Voted NO on the George H.W. Bush "Read My Lips" tax hike in 1990.
• Voted NO on the Clinton tax hike in 1993.
• Voted YES on the capital gains tax cut in 1997.
• Voted NO on the Chrysler bailout in 1979
• Voted YES on the Gramm-Rudman balanced budget bill in 1985
• Voted YES on a balanced budget amendment (as part of the "Contract for America" effort that he led) in 1995
• Led the effort and voted YES to cut $16.4 billion from the budget in 1995.
• Voted YES on welfare reform in 1996

I also decided to look myself at how much federal spending increased while Gingrich was Speaker of the House (1995-1999). By my calculations, Federal spending rose an average of 3.1% a year while he was speaker. When you compare it to the Presidential terms from Reagan on, this is the lowest rate of spending growth over the last 30 years. Under Reagan, spending grew an average of 7.6% a year. Under George H.W. Bush, 6.7%. Under Clinton, 3.3% (it would have been much more if he got his single payor health care plan through, also he was restrained by Newt later). Under W., it as 6.6% and under Obama, a whopping 8.6% a year. Also, under Newt, Federal spending as a % of GDP fell from 21% to 18.5%, a whopping decline in 4 short years.

Is his record perfect? Nope. Not even close. But the point is that on the big issues, he voted Conservative and helped champion balanced budgets and tax reform. Focusing on that actual voting record really makes me more comfortable with him. Especially when his main opponent is someone whose main accomplishment is a massive government healthcare program.

[ez]

Well my biggest problem with Bachmann is her catty attacks on her fellow candidates. The way she went after Perry was particularly distasteful.

[Ardenroad gal]

I AM CONVINCED THAT NEWT IS our MAN. WE SURE DON’T WANT ROBBEDME. HE IS A TOTAL RINO JOKE. NEWT HAS GREAT BONA FIDES AS A HISTORIAN AND GREAT CONSERVATIVE LEADER DURING THE REAGAN YEARS. it is over!! GET ON BOARD OR ELECT oBAMA—THAT IS IT!! Make up your mind.

[sickoflibs]

Notice all these Conservative milestones are 15 to 25 years ago and we are supposed to ignore his last 15 years of progressive positions.

This is a recipe for disaster.

[maineman]

Ok, who do you like?

[ElkGroveDan]

Newt has some problems but given the choice I’d pick him over that used car salesman any day.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

The bulleted list is all fine and good, but it’s not difficult to pick through a list and copy-and-paste the stuff you like.

[onyx]

Notice all these Conservative milestones are 15 to 25 years ago and we are supposed to ignore his last 15 years of progressive positions.
This is a recipe for disaster.

Tell it to Jim Robinson.

[onyx]

Everyone is a disaster for you, except for maybe Ron Paul?

You’re the one who can’t stop mocking Sarah Palin.

[TimPatriot]

I hope you are aware that the speaker only votes when there’s a tie. And in that case it would have been absurd for a republican speaker to side with the dems

I think you mean the Vice President votes in the Sentate in a tie. The house always has 435 members. They aren't likely to have ties. Speaker Gingrich has a long voting record in the house, including as Speaker.

[Bulwinkle]

you forgot to add:

Yes, to Newt being an ETHANOL LOBBYIST!

[nickcarraway]

This is a damning post against Gingrich. He had a few conservative votes 20 years ago, but once he became a, “big shot,” he put that behind him. Then cutting-edge, socialist Gingrich was born. (1996 welfare reform, ha! Even Clinton signed that)

[katiedidit1]

I’m with you Ardenroad gal:) Newt is our chance to elect a brilliant president that will turn this country back around. I would LOVE to see the 39 czars that O appointed fired and out of DC before Obama could get on a plane and land in Chicago. Would LOVE to see Obama debate Newt...would shudder at a Obama vs Santorum debate

[GOPJ]

Nice post - thanks.

[katiedidit1]

You are welcome. I remember when it hit and the VFW was sending me emails in regards to this...I was so furious. This was directed at DISABLED veterans!!!!! surely, there are other cuts the dept of defense could make ...the troops coming home from back to back tours deserved better...she can kiss my irish arse

[wardaddy]

if you want to see Snewt gain in popularity with the 80% here who are sad Sarah then Herman folk

then just watch Mitt start to rise in the polls

Newt will become the latest virgin at the pagan prom around here again

highly sought after for a whirl around the bonfire

trust me

they are just reeling in Cain bewilderment...and granted it has been tough around here for Cain folks

the Sarah opt-out...flare-off...whatever...was hard for me too

given I eschewed Herman from jump street two years ago...that was easy...but I can see how it stings

but for me..if it ain’t Sarah or Michelle and DeMint ain’t running then Newt is it

I am the first I have seen anywhere with a truck sticker

hell...I’ve seen nothing but Ron Paul actually and some older Palins and of course Obama...though far fewer

[sickoflibs]

RE :"Everyone is a disaster for you, except for maybe Ron Paul? You’re the one who can’t stop mocking Sarah Palin."

Palin??? Oh yes...

To: onyx
RE :”How long do you want to play troll? :) “
Am I wrong about her not running? A number of freepers have agreed with me, others disagree. Are you saying this bus tour is a real presidential run?
#161 posted on Monday, May 30, 2011 11:34:37 AM by sickoflibs (If you pay zero Federal income taxes, don't say you are paying your ‘fair share’)

To: onyx
RE :”Of course you’re wrong(about this being a presidential run bus tour). Just look at who’s agreeing with ya”
Then think of how foolish I will look when she announces.
166 posted on Monday, May 30, 2011 11:53:46 AM by sickoflibs (If you pay zero Federal income taxes, don't say you are paying your ‘fair share’)

[Marine_Uncle]

RE: "This is a recipe for disaster."
With reading all the stuff so many have shown on Newt, I never the less would go to the polls to vote for him if he is the chosen one to attempt to kick the Kenyan's ass out of office. RADICAL-IN-CHIEF by Stanly Kurtz, comes to mind.

[MindBender26]

Your posts are way too logical for the new FR.

Expect them to be pulled within minutes.

[MindBender26]

Your posts are way too logical and fact-filled for the new FR.

Expect them to be pulled within minutes.

[Lakeshark]

This is a recipe for disaster.

The only consistent recipe for disaster around here is reading your disastrously strange and awkward posts.

You really should get out more........