ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the 'Contract with America'. The multiple players behind Republican policy development, adoption and implementation, together with their policy demands. The chief architect of the Contract and the symbol of the Republican revolution was Newt Gingrich, the new House Speaker. He was given the credit for the strategic success of achieving his dream of a Republican Congress. The House Majority Leader and number two Republican, Dick Armey, was more of a prolific source of policy, especially as leader of the tax cutters. However, Bill Clinton and the Democrats claimed that the Republicans were creating a balanced budget on the backs of the elderly, and the reforms were lost in the budget negotiations. Clinton successfully made it a national issue – for example, by promising federal funds for more policemen. Governor Wilson complained that Clinton sounded like he was running for Chief Superintendent of Schools.
