Newt Gingrich is calling for a "contract-centered campaign" in October 2010, if -- and only if -- "House Republicans can work their way to a serious, collective, positive commitment".
That commitment would be the result of a contract that would be hammered out by House Republicans.
One interesting preface from Newt: he says that if Cantor and Co. issue a new contract with America, they'll have a rougher time of it, because the possibility is very real the GOP could take back the House in 2010, as opposed to 1994 (says Newt modestly).
With that possibility in their heads, they'll be more careful at how they craft the contract, since they might actually have to fulfill it.
A fundamental to the beginning of any contract is the idea that the GOP should be an alternative; not an opposition party. He claims the strategy's been vindicated by recent GOP success running off positive campaigns.
As for shrill populism:
Americans want to know what Republicans will do for our country, not what Republicans will do to the Democrats.
The tone of a contract event and of the contract itself should be serious, patriotic, and focused on creating a better American future.
He also nods toward timing.
Although it takes months to develop the proposals for a contract, the unveiling should come in late September.
It is impossible to have an accurate sense of the tone and mood of the fall campaign before Labor Day. The final touches and modifications have to occur within the rhythm and pattern of the fall campaign.
The news media, the American people, and the candidates will get bored if you try to sustain a contract campaign for much more than six weeks.
And finishes by detailing his "Top 10 Contract Issues".
1. Jobs, jobs, jobs
2. Balance the budget
3. An American Energy Plan
4. Congressional Appropriations Reform
5. Litigation Reform
6. Real Health Reform
7. Every Child Gets Ahead
8. Protect Religious Liberty
9. Protect Americans, not the rights of terrorists.
10. Defending America is job one for government.
Finally, consider Bill Clinton's cautionary words for Dems.
“When the elections were over in ’94, voter surveys showed that independent voters who voted for me in ’92 and ’94, remembered only two things: one is that [the GOP] had a plan and the Democrats didn’t; and two, that the balanced budget was part of it.”
[Hat tip: The Hill Blog Briefing Room]
