The GOP budget plan shows a totally unrealistic view of GOP electoral prospects in 2012, not the least of which because it is cost prohibitive to run two Medicare Plans based on age. If even the prospect of a change becomes possible, the Tea Party will cease to exist as a force backing the GOP.
There are 23 Democratic seats up for reelection in 2012. While Virginia has an open seat, it would take having 13 seats in play with no GOP losses to disregard any need to compromise on the taxes. Even under reconciliation, the GOP needs to pick up three seats, the White House and hold all of its seats.
Given likely Tea Party candidates in Nevada, Texas, Arizona, Maine and Massachussetts and the Tea Party predilication for red meat on immigration, the GOP could lose 7 seats (providing Collins and Murkowski jump to the Democrats with Snowe – which is likely). If the Tea Party primaries McConnell for cooperating with a deal, then the Democrats gain 8 seats rather than losing 13.
They GOP should compromise on taxes now.