The Simpson-Bowles Commission already has provided a partial road map that gained the approval of a majority of its members, including both ultraliberal Dick Durbin, senator from Illinois, and ultraconservative Tom Coburn, senator from Oklahoma.

Beyond that, the nonpartisan and highly respected Concord Coalition is a valuable resource, as Diane Lim Rogers, its chief economist, demonstrated at a recent "On the Issues" appearance at Marquette University.