The revelations that the IRS has specifically targeted Republican and conservative political organizations is a frightening assault upon constitutional rights enjoyed by every American, regardless of political affiliation. We cannot have the federal government, with all its enormous power, attacking people and organizations who might hold a differing political or policy opinion from those in power. That kind of activity corrupts the very foundation of freedom and unfortunately, becomes more common place as Washington increases its power over the very people it is supposed to serve.

I commend Finance Committee Chairman, Senator Max Baucus (MT), for immediately calling hearings to investigate this completely inappropriate and dangerous behavior.

President Obama got what he demanded, a tax increase on the job-creating sector of America's economy - ‘the rich.’ It will harm economic growth, hinder new job creation and, at most, reduce our annual deficit by about 5%.

President Obama then left town with 95% of the deficits still unresolved. Treasury Secretary Geithner issued a statement on December 31st that the nation had already gone over the debt ceiling cliff - $16.4 trillion. President Obama blew through the most recent $2.1 trillion debt ceiling in only 17 months. This fiscal path is clearly unsustainable.

Although I strongly prefer extension of current tax rates for all Americans, I supported the compromise bill that protects 99% of Wisconsinites from an income tax increase, limits the death tax, and prevents a dramatic increase in milk prices. It is by no means a perfect piece of legislation.

The revenue raised by this legislation will equal approximately 7% of projected deficits. It is now time for President Obama and his Democrat colleagues to show the American public their plan to close the other 93% of the deficit.

Our nation's debt now stands at $16.4 trillion, and has reached its statutory limit. We blew through the $2.1 trillion increase in the debt ceiling granted in August 2011 in only 17 months. This is clearly unsustainable, and President Obama must begin to work with Congress to reduce the size, scope, and cost of government.

We are mortgaging our children's future. This is immoral and it must stop.

Americans have spoken, and although I am disappointed with the result, I do hope the Obama administration will reverse its course of growing government and spending trillions of dollars we don't have. Instead of four more years of shutting out ideas to grow the private sector and create jobs, the Obama administration should put our economy first and reach across the aisle to pass effective pro-growth policies. America's economic future is at risk and our children's future is being mortgaged. I am prepared to work with anyone that understands this problem and who is willing to work in good faith to find lasting solutions.

As Americans have discovered, words and promises from Vice President Biden and President Obama are cheap. The Obama/Biden team should be judged by the results of their policies over the past 4 years, not their intentions or campaign promises of today.

What were those policies? While the nation was suffering deep unemployment, record debt and economic calamity, the Obama/Biden team barely focused on the economy or debt at all during the first two years. Their first priority was ideological. Obama Chief of Staff, Rahm Emmanuel, cynically declared their partisan agenda for America from day one, 'You never want a serious crisis to go to waste.' They didn't. They ignored the fundamental causes of our economic woes and grew government instead. Their crowning achievement during the first two years was a government health program most Americans didn't want and can't afford.