In desperation, Republican leadership nationwide turning to the boogie-man

Bush says Democrats would raise taxes

Sound familiar? Now we've stayed away from national politics on this blog because our focus is on making South Dakota a better place, but the parallel is eerily similar. In the face of failed foreign policy, a mess in Iraq, the return of the Taliban, Republican Legislators and leaders embroiled in one scandal after another, and a huge deficit powered by out-of control spending, Bush turns to the most tired of boogie-men, Democrats will raise taxes. They're dousing themselves in cologne in DC, and the scent's name is DESPERATION.

Funny thing is, the're selling the same brand here in SD.

When SD Democrats launched their unified Common Ground plan to change the priorties in South Daktoa, here is the only defense Republican leadership could counter with:

Republicans responded quickly to the news, issuing their own news release calling the Democratic plan a blueprint for higher taxes.

Boo! Did they scare ya? First, Common Ground does not raise taxes or add new taxes. That is a fact. In the face of a state where median wages are the lowest in the nation, teachers are paid lowest in the nation, state government spending has risen by 20% in 3 years, schools are opting out in record numbers just to survive, and on average the 544 E85 vehicles the state owns used a miniscule 18 gallons of E85 last year while farmers suffer from the worst drought in decades, this is the best they can do. Talk about no new ideas from Republican leadership in SD and nationwide.

Democrats are the ones with a plan for a new direction. Democrats are the ones unfied. Republican leadership is offering only more scare tactics.