Test for Republicans

Support what you think is right for America that is unpopular.

President Bush did so when he chose to "surge" in Iraq after years of mismanagement. The public and the political class was expecting and supported some kind retrenchment.

But otherwise, Republicans support things that sound good, and they abdicate responsibility otherwise.

A majority party must be serious and do what is right. They should try to do this in the most politically acceptable way.

So as we hear talk of a Republican takeover of Congress and of the statehouses, the test for them is what will they do that is right but unpopular.