Democrat Strategy on the Budget

I have uncovered the Mississippi Democrats talking points on what to say in regards to the drawn out budget making process.

Rule 1: Blame Haley

This is a given. First, when he says what he likes or does not like, accuse him of meddling into something that he should not. Say it is between the House and the Senate and he is interfering with progress.

Second, when he goes to Republican fundraisers out-of-state, accuse him of putting politics ahead of state business and not “doing the people’s work.” Urge people to call his office and demand he comes home and helps solve the budget crisis.

Rule 2: Attack Republican Rising Stars

Let’s be honest, the Democrat bench in Mississippi is empty. However, several key Republicans in the budget process will be looking to make runs for higher office in 2010 and 2011. This includes Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant who is likely to run for governor in 2011 and Appropriations Chairman Alan Nunnelee who is likely to run for Congress in 2010.

To derail their future runs, we need to blame them as well, and say they are lackey’s for the governor and are not really doing the work of their constituents. Therefore, when they run next time we have an opening to attack them with (and if Bill Luckett is carrying the party label, we are going to need all the openings we can get).

Rule 3: Accuse Republicans of Partisanship

Talk about the good ole days when work got done in a non-partisan matter. Talk about how Haley and others are trying to divide the legislature along party lines and that is not good for getting work done. Say that you are just looking for the best possible solution, as opposed to the Republicans who are just trying to expand the GOP (after all, no one would accuse the Democrats of trying to expand the state party).

Rule 4: Scare Tactics- Kids and Old People

We have done a lot of focus groups, and education is still a top priority. When in doubt, say education, education, education. It’s pretty simple, say Haley and the Republicans are trying to gut funding for education but you are standing up for the children. And remind people that the children are the future.

We can also scare old people. Let voters know that the GOP wants to shut down nursing homes and kick old people onto the streets. But the Democrats are saving them from the GOP cuts. It works every time.