EDITORIAL: What we want to hear from candidates

The 17 candidates offer a broad selection, and we favor competition in the marketplace of ideas, as with just about anywhere else. Competition makes the candidates stronger.

But it also means that at events like Thursday's presidential debate, the number of candidates will limit the depth of the questions and answers.

Republicans are looking for a clear change from the direction in which President Barack Obama has led the nation, but they want more than that. They want a clear vision for the nation, and an explanation of how to get here. "Hope" and "change" won't cut it; voters want details now.

Over the course of the campaign, here's what we want the candidates to say.

JOBS: What should the federal government do to foster job creation? And by that we mean, how will the federal payroll shrink to encourage the growth of the private sector?

TAX REFORM: What specific ways should the burden on individuals and corporations be reduced to encourage economic growth and per capita income growth?

INFRASTRUCTURE: Facilitating commerce is one of the vital roles government should play, yet our roads and bridges are aging. Not only are we failing to adequately maintain what we've got, but we also aren't preparing well for future needs. How would the candidate increase spending on infrastructure without increasing the national debt?

NATIONAL DEBT: Speaking of which, how would the candidate begin chipping away at the national debt. Give us a realistic, not idealistic, plan. Consider it a fiscal diet, and recognize there are times when spending will jump because of emergencies like wars or major public health threats. Show how inevitable binges can be eased by spending cuts elsewhere.

REGULATION: Everyone should understand there's too darn much red tape, yet bureaucratic adherents keep generating more of it. Show how we can eliminate this unnecessary burden without jeopardizing safety or quality of life.