THAT’S DEBATABLE:

According to AP-Ipsos polling this summer, independent voters are drifting toward the Democratic Party.

In the polls, 44% declared at first they had no major party affiliation, but when surveyors pressed them most said they usually back the Democrats.

About 17% were true independents, which is enough to make a difference in the presidential and in many congressional races.

What seems to be the problem for the GOP and what do you think the party should do?

The Republican Party has been unable to effectively champion issues like illegal immigration that affect the average person because of its close ties to business and special interests.

There is also a sense of war weariness among our people being exploited by Democrats. We need to let both the American people and the Iraqis know that our commitment there is not unending.

A responsible, phased withdrawal will give the Iraqi people a chance to stand up and take responsibility for the success of their democracy.

REP. DANA ROHRBACHER

(R-Huntington Beach)

There are various ways to describe any political party’s positions.

One way to describe the Republican Party that I know is to say it stands for the primacy of the individual and families against the encroachment of government and institutions.

But in recent years, Republicans in Washington have lost their way in many areas and have not delivered on what we promised.

We spent too much money, we have allowed unethical practices in Congress to grow, and we did not fix the illegal immigration problem when we had the chance.

Republicans will never win by being Democrat-lite.

Voters will always prefer the real thing.

Polling, like the polling in the question, also reveals that the approval ratings of Congress are at an all-time low of 11%.

Voters are not happy with either party now and for good reason.

People are desperate for principled leadership with integrity.

We Republicans must confess the sins of our past, clear the deadwood and lead toward an America with more freedom.

In the next few years, this country will either turn toward a socialist agenda where government controls our health care, our retirement and many other aspects of our lives, or we will trust the people to best manage and own their future.

We need to restore faith in the American people that Republicans will lead us in the latter direction.

REP. JOHN CAMPBELL

(R-Newport Beach)