As Republicans lost congressional seats across the nation, U.S. Rep. Steve King has a guess about what is to come under an administration led by president-elect Barack Obama and a Dem-controlled Congress.

"It will be a San Francisco agenda on steroids," King said of the proposals he expects from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

King said he fears a newly elected President Obama holding closed-door meetings with Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to set forth policies that could cause hardships for Americans.

The outspoken GOP congressman said he will push for more transparency in American government. Another initiative he said he will push for is a fair tax, in which Americans are taxed on consumption and not productivity.

Democratic 5th District challenger Rob Hubler summarized his loss to King in one word -- money.

"Politics is predicated on the amount of money you raise and spend," he said.

Hubler said he was outspent 2-to-1 by King during the campaign, and noted candidates in rural districts are at an disadvantage when it comes to receiving campaign funds from national groups.

"The real emphasis is where can you put the money and get instant gratification," Hubler said. "We could not get that message out there."

Hubler praised the campaign he and his team ran against King, who was elected to Congress in 2002. He added the team he put together could be a strong conduit for future Democratic candidates who run in the Republican stronghold.

Labels: 2008_election