Bachmann, Romney Assail Debt Compromise

Erik Hayden
Bachmann, Romney Assail Debt Compromise

With the debt deal agreed upon by President Obama and Congressional leadership, the 2012 GOP contenders are now weighing in on the compromise. The two front-running candidates, Michele Bachmann and Mitt Romney, aren't in favor. Prior to the deal, Newsmax and ABC News had separately compiled overviews of the contenders stances on a compromise, but they don't reflect latest statements from GOP candidates after Sunday night's announcement was made. Here's how they stand so far:

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Against the Deal:

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  • Michele Bachmann (via The Caucus): "Mr. President, I’m not sure what voice you’re listening to, but I can assure you that the voice of the American people wasn’t the ‘voice that compelled Washington to act.’ It was you that got us into this mess, and it was you who wanted a $2.4 trillion dollar blank check to get you through the election."

  • Mitt Romney (via Politico): "As president, my plan would have produced a budget that was cut, capped and balanced – not one that opens the door to higher taxes and puts defense cuts on the table. President Obama’s leadership failure has pushed the economy to the brink at the eleventh hour and 59th minute."

For the Deal:

  • Jon Huntsman (via Politico): "While this framework is not my preferred outcome, it is a positive step toward cutting our nation's crippling debt. Because the legislation promises cuts commensurate with the debt ceiling increase, forces a vote on a much-needed federal balanced budget amendment and provides the only avenue to avoid default, I encourage members of Congress to vote for this legislation."

On the Fence:

  • Rick Perry (via GOP 12, Austin Statesman): "A spokesman for Gov. Rick Perry would not directly say today whether Perry thinks members of Congress should vote for the debt-ceiling deal reached between Republicans and President Barack Obama. Asked whether members of Congress should vote for the deal, Perry spokesman Mark Miner said, 'The governor thinks the right track to go down is ‘cut, cap and balance.’ That was the approach he believed was best for the country.'"