I don't know if you know this, but Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas is getting a primary challenge from AR Lt. Governor Bill Halter. Personally, I think the front pagers have dropped the ball in not talking about this primary more. In any event, Blanche Lincoln has based her campaign on being an "adult" among the screaming children who populate Washington. But yesterday, Lincoln proved she can be just as petulant as the rest of them.
First, the good news. From the Washington Post:
The Senate's latest jobs bill cleared a key procedural hurdle Tuesday, with the chamber voting to limit debate on a $150 billion package of tax-break extensions and aid for the unemployed.
The bill has important stuff: a one-year extension of unemployment insurance and COBRA health benefits, funds to help states pay for Medicaid and private pension funds, a "fix" to prevent a cut in payments to doctors who serve Medicare patients, and well as a $30 billion package to extend expiring tax breaks. Amazingly, 8 Republicans voted with the Dems, so it looks like the bill will actually pass.
Now, here's the interesting part. Again, from the Post:
And it includes more than $1 billion in emergency agricultural aid sought by Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), who faces a tough reelection race.
Wow. Who knew Blanche could hold her breath and stomp her feet so well? I mean, I'm sure she would have voted for the bill without this money, right? Maybe this is what Blanche means by being an adult. Only an adult can hold up aid to struggling Americans by extorting $1 billion. But you're right Blanche, we really should get rid of those obnoxious "back room deals" that are such a scourge of Washington.
In case you didn't know, Bill Halter for Senate