It's the actually the taxing, more than likely

Redstate points out some polling numbers to argue that the country wants less spending and a smaller government.

By a Margin of Nearly 3-to-1, Americans Vote for Small Government, Even if it Means Fewer Services. When given the choice between a "larger federal government that provided more services and charged higher taxes" and a "smaller federal government that provided fewer services and charged lower taxes," Americans indicated a clear desire to downsize. In fact, 62% of voters preferred the smaller government – and with intensity as 41% would definitely pick a leaner administration. By comparison, just 22% opted for the more expansive government.

I imagine here the problem is not with the "more services" part, but rather the "higher taxes" business. No one I know every has argued that they want to pay more taxes, and with a generic "more services," very few are going to give that side the thumbs up. However, if you asked for specific things that would cost more money - proper equipment for the men and womenfightingg in Iraq, for example - I'm sure those numbers would start to change.

And I should point out that the outgoing Republicans feel into neither category. They tried for a government that provided more services and charge lower taxes. WE will being paying for it for years to come.

Redstater Robert Hahn then adds:

When combined with the observation that a disproportionate number of so-called "Republican moderates" lost their seats on Tuesday, we have strong indications that those now calling for a return to a GOP that clearly and unambiguously stands for less spending and smaller government have the right answer.

I will say again, that this could be problematic for the GOP. If the Democrats do manage to cut the deficits that currently loom well into the future for our country, and do it through sound fiscal policies without cutting government programs important to most Americans (Social Security, Medicare, etc.), why on earth would the voters feel the need to switch parties due to fiscal policies in the future?