GOP: "Obama Is Driving U.S. Toward Socialism"

Top Republicans accuse President Obama of driving the United States toward socialism. The rhetoric appeared to set the stage for another bitter partisan fight in Congress, which begins hearings next week on the liberal Democratic president's $3.55 trillion budget proposal.

President Obama wants to increase taxes on the wealthiest Americans to pay for more healthcare, education, climate change, and social programs, along with efforts to jolt the economy out of a recession. The budget also forecasts the biggest federal deficit ever - $1.75 trillion this year - adding to widespread sticker shock in Congress, where only three Republicans supported the $787 billion economic stimulus package.

Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio), the House GOP leader, called the budget and recently passed economic stimulus plan "one big down payment on a new American socialist experiment." "I have serious concerns with this budget, which demands hardworking American families and job creators turn over more of their hard-earned money to the government to pay for unprecedented spending increases," said Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the Senate GOP leader.

The three Senate Republicans who crossed the political aisle to back President Obama's stimulus plan also have reservations. "The president's proposed budget outlines an aggressive domestic agenda that requires serious consideration, but also raises many questions, particularly about the enormous growth in the public debt," said Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who along with Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) voted for the stimulus bill.

By invoking socialism, some Republicans appeared ready to use the budget debate to burnish their conservative appeal after last November's election drubbing. Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) called President Obama "the world's best salesman of socialism," while Sen. McConnell said Obama's proposals recalled the "big government mentality" of former President Jimmy Carter.