"I think the way back to the majority is to the right," Rep. Mike Pence (R., Ind.) said he told his colleagues during the closed-door Tuesday meeting. He endorsed the RSC plan, as well as the leadership's plan.

He also noted the views of Sen. John McCain, the likely Republican presidential nominee, which were laid out in a speech to conservatives earlier this year: Win the war, make President Bush's tax cuts permanent and secure the nation's borders, among others. "He's our standard bearer," Mr. Pence said.