WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- In an attempt to shore up voter support, U.S. House Democrats Wednesday released a broad election year agenda called "Partnership for America's Future."
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the pledge reaffirms the commitment of House Democrats to six core values -- national security, prosperity, fairness, opportunity, community, and accountability -- "for a strong and secure middle class."
"This initiative directly responds to the hopes and aspirations of the American people," said House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland. "And it is the road map that we will use to lead this great country -- and make it stronger."
Almost as soon as the Democrat's message was announced on the steps of the Capitol, House GOP leaders denounced it at their own event highlighting the 10 year anniversary of Republican control of the House.
"Unlike some other less worthy, less specific agendas, you will find it (the Republican House leaderships') printed in history books," said House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas. "This (Democratic) document was forged from Republican accomplishments."
Pelosi denied her caucus's "partnership" co-opted the Republican "Contract with American," which is credited, in part, with helping the GOP gain control of the House in 1994.
