DeMint offers litmus test on spending for GOP candidates

The conservative senator announced his support of the “Cut, Cap, and Balance” Pledge during a speech at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference on Friday and said a drive for support would begin in earnest next week.

The pledge, crafted by several conservative groups, would have signatories vow to oppose raising the debt limit unless three conditions are met: 1. Substantial cuts in spending (Cut), 2. Enforceable spending caps (Cap), and 3. Congressional passage of a balanced budget amendment (Balance).

“I’m telling every presidential candidate, if your name isn’t on this list, don’t come see me,” DeMint said.