I can't argue with you on the spending, Slade.  Even if you don't count defense spending, the Republicans spent more in GW's first term than the prior administration spent in both.  I take issue, however, with your statement that he (Clinton) balanced the budget.  Increased revenue to the treasury due to tax rate reductions put in place by the 104th Congress were mostly responsible for that.  It's too bad that Republicans in subsequent Congresses squandered their opportunity to prove that conservative principles do work.