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· By Ken Rietz · From pages 10, 11 of the print edition

With just a little over six months before the November elections, the wind of change is blowing strongly behind the GOP.

In the Senate, nine seats now held by Democrats are leaning toward a GOP takeover - Delaware, Pennsylvania, Indiana, North Dakota, Arkansas, Illinois, Colorado, Nevada and California.

The GOP doesn't have to have a clear majority in either the Senate or the House, however, to derail the Obama, Reid, Pelosi Liberal express. In the Senate, Independent Joe Lieberman can be counted on when it comes to excessive government spending and sensible foreign policy.

In the House, the real bi-partisan coalition voted NO on creating a massive Federal Healthcare bureaucracy with more than 30 Democrats joining Republicans. Democrat pollster Doug Schoen now predicts that Democrats will lose 40 to 50 House seats and Republicans will regain control. Republicans, however, have their work cut out and should not be over confident or complacent.

The latest Gallop poll shows only 41% of voters like the direction Obama has taken the country. A poll of the all important Independents shows 60% disapprove. When asked in another poll if they agree more with the Tea Party or Obama, the majority chose the Tea Party. Independents favor Republicans over Democrats by 45% to 34%.

The formula for Republican victories this fall is simple:

1) Use the Healthcare debacle as an example of Congress and liberalism at its worst. Tap into Independent anger at back room deals and strong arm tactics. Talk about fixing it, not repealing it.

2) Attack Federal Government spending, waste and hypocrisy. Obama said nationalizing the Student Loan program and tacking it onto the Healthcare Bill would reduce the Federal Budget by $68 Billion. Now he says the savings should be put back into higher education. Which is it?

3) Campaign against proposed tax increases on dividends, capital gains, small businesses, corporations and middle class Americans. Point out that while Obama may call the FINE for not buying health insurance a FEE, it is a tax and will be enforced by the IRS. A Rasmussen survey last week showed 66% of voters do not want more taxes.

4) Stress unemployment. The stimulus hasn't worked. Predictions that unemployment would not exceed 8% have dissolved into almost 10%.

5) Talk about the abuse of power in Washington. Use Pelosi's healthcare quote "we won't know what's in the bill until we pass it".

Finally, remind voters of Thomas Jefferson's words: "When the people fear the government, there is TYRANNY. When the government fears the people, there is LIBERTY".