I was fortunate, I guess, to be part of some good fiscal discipline in the Bush administration. The budget I put forward was a balanced budget.

Bush has never sent over a balanced budget.

I'm for a balanced budget now.

I served at a time when we had a strong economy, when we had deficits that we would die for today. I was able to propose a balanced budget, not over ten years, but over five years. I'm proud of that record.

I'm pleased the administration offered a balanced budget without massive cuts in programs. We'll have to take a close look at the details, and we'll look forward to public input on the specifics but my initial reaction is that it's been well done.

I would submit a balanced budget if elected president, and it would be painful.