At a Sept. 5 Fountain Hills Republican Club meeting, local educator and historian Dr. C.T. Wright urged Republicans to unite around several central themes, citing reinstitution of prayer in public schools, opposition to abortion and other social issues.

Dr. Wright didn’t mention any of the challenges that I consider paramount.

First, let’s demand fiscal responsibility at all levels of government. If elected or appointed officials waste money or spend more than the government is taking in, let’s replace them with people who will perform better.

Second, let’s restore the balance between state and federal government that was established by our nation’s founders, i.e., strong states and a limited federal government which has only those powers enumerated in the Constitution.

Third, let’s develop domestic energy supplies as fast as we can, creating a jobs boom and lowering energy costs.

Fourth, let’s maintain a well-equipped, nimble military whose mission is to keep Americans safe. As George Washington advised, let’s stay out of foreign entanglements. That goes double when we are borrowing forty cents of every federal dollar that we spend.

Fifth, let’s revolutionize public education based on the successful models of charter and private schools so that our public schools are turning out well-educated, well-informed graduates and a first-rate workforce.

The social-issues positions that Dr. Wright articulated will be supported by many Republicans, some independents, and few Democrats.

In my view, focusing on the above five goals will draw the support of almost all Republicans, many independents, and some Democrats. It is a winning approach for Republican candidates and for our nation.