As Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich continue to throw millions of dollars and hundreds of sarcastic barbs at each other, their constant attempts to prove they are the best at gotcha politics is wearing thin. Of course every primary process includes some of what is politely called "contrasting" (in reality it is highlighting the negative aspects of an opponents record), but getting lost in all the mud slinging and chest thumping is the most important issue in the country today.

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In the GOP response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address last night, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels clearly articulated how runaway government spending and an unaffordable national debt is the root of our ongoing economic crisis.

"The president's grand experiment in trickle-down government has held back rather than sped economic recovery," Governor Daniels said. "He seems to sincerely believe we can build a middle class out of government jobs paid for with borrowed dollars. In fact, it works the other way: A government as big and bossy as this one is maintained on the backs of the middle class and those who hope to join it."

Mr. Daniels also proposed common sense and unity where Mr. Obama advocated for already failed policies and class warfare, "No feature of the Obama presidency has been sadder than its constant efforts to divide us, to curry favor with some Americans by castigating others. As in previous moments of national danger, we Americans are all in the same boat. If we drift, quarreling and paralyzed, over a Niagara of debt, we will all suffer, regardless of income, race, gender, or other category. If we fail to shift to a pro-jobs, pro-growth economic policy, there'll never be enough public revenue to pay for our safety net, national security, or whatever size government we decide to have."

Governor Daniels knows what he's talking about and knows that what he's talking about is what Americans are caring about. He has successful governing experience at the executive level and has brought conservative reforms to Indiana. And that success was not decades ago like the accomplishments both Mr. Gingrich and Mr. Romney brag about. Governor Daniels has delivered for the citizens of his state in the current economic climate and in spite of the current federal government.

Does this mean he should jump into the presidential race at this late date? Maybe not although, according to a new poll, 34% of likely voters think it would be good for Republicans if another candidate threw their hat into the ring. But Governor Daniels definitely has some important things to say. Things all of the American people need and want to hear. And things from which Mr. Gingrich and Mr. Romney should learn.