Friday, June 15, 2012

Republicans outlined a bold conservative agenda after winning control of state capitols across the Midwest and South in the last general election. They wanted to cut taxes and spending, put new limits on labor unions and give parents more alternatives to traditional public schools.

But after a series of notable achievements last year, the largest Republican wave in statehouses since the Great Depression now is splintering. Action on key issues is stalled in several states this year as Republicans split among themselves.

The division was especially sharp over the government's role in spurring the economy. Some GOP governors and lawmakers wanted to reward particular businesses for creating jobs or expanding plants.
Others opposed such specialized raids on the treasury and demanded broad-based tax cuts benefiting nearly all businesses or
individuals.