Your thoughts on the federal budget deal?
Paul Ryan’s a good friend and I admire him, but this deal just reinforces yet again why 2014 is so important, not just to Republicans but to those who care about our long-term economic and fiscal future.
Why the laser focus on 2014?
If Republicans had the majority in the Senate, this deal wouldn’t be anywhere near what it is. It puts into clear focus the need for Republicans to win in places like Louisiana, Arkansas, N.C. and elsewhere, not just for the states but for the nation.
You say fiscal conservatives must be ‘careful’ how they talk about the debt and deficit. Why?
We have to define it as more than just dollars and cents. It’s got to be a moral issue, not just a fiscal issue. I think how horrible it will be for our kids if we don’t fix our fiscal problems at the federal level.
Yet you say ‘austerity’s not the answer.’ Why?
It goes to the perception problem Republicans have. We’re viewed as the party that just cuts things. We need to show we want a better life for our children and grandchildren. This is about reform.
Can Wisconsin truly be a model for the rest of the U.S.?
We’ve had success because we didn’t just evoke austerity. We put in reforms. That’s how we won the fairness argument. When you say, ‘Public employees should pay something similar to what other workers pay,’ most people say, ‘Of course.’