Mike Pence: Conservatives Regaining Power

Republican primary results show conservatives are in the ascendancy, says Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind.

“Whether it’s Delaware, Nevada, Alaska or Florida, we’re in a time where the American people are looking for candidates of conviction and character who are willing to bring common sense into the nation’s capital,” he told Newsmax.TV during a break from the Values Voter Summit in Washington, where he was a speaker.

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Discussing the Bush era tax cuts, Pence says it’s encouraging that some Democrats are moving toward the idea that the reductions should be extended for those with annual income of more than $200,000, and not just those below, as President Obama proposed.

“But this isn’t over yet,” he said. Congress shouldn’t adjourn this year before an up-or-down vote on continuing the tax cuts for everyone. “We have to insure that no American sees a tax increase,” Pence said. If such a vote is held, “I believe we’ll preserve the tax relief.”

When the new Congress is sworn in, it should act immediately to slash taxes for working families, small businesses and family farms, he says.

“It should act immediately to restore fiscal discipline in Washington, D.C., which would give confidence to our capital markets and stop crowding out private lending.”

Fiscal discipline should begin with repealing healthcare reform, Pence says. “House Republicans won’t rest until we repeal Obamacare lock, stock and barrel,” he said.

The Values Voter Summit, which began Thursday and ends Sunday morning, is the fifth annual such gathering of conservative activists and politicians. Sponsors include the legislative arm of the Family Research Council, the legislative wing of the American Family Association, and the Heritage Foundation, among others.