Does mainstream America really even consider what 'cutting government spending levels to 2006 levels' mean? Will they still want to drive on pot-filled interstate where the posted speed limit is 10 to 20 miles higher than the safe speeds, because of loose cement and potholes? Will they want to give up the 'pre-existing conditions' on health care? Or, allow manufacturing companies to again dump toxic wastes into landfills, streams and lakes and the air? GOP Budget-Cutting Plan Marks Political Gamble WASHINGTON — The Republican drive to cut spending, which begins in earnest this week, marks a political gamble that the public's hunger for smaller government will trump its appetite for benefits, subsidies and other federal support. Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., calls it the "$64,000 question," and then promptly answers it. "People will be supportive of almost any decreases in spending as long as they believe they're done in an open, equitable and fair manner," said Price, a member of the party leadership. Democrats, already eyeing the 2012 elections, sound disbelieving. "I'm not sure which country they're speaking to," said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla. "How they think that slashing, dramatically slashing important programs is going to help jump start the economy is beyond me." The polls make clear the potential risks for both sides.