Republicans' deficit reduction platform, which may have helped catapult them into the majority, is about to run headlong into a hard reality: Many of their key policy goals will increase the deficit dramatically. To get around this fact, they've included measures in their new rules package to exempt some of their biggest legislative priorities from deficit consideration. Among the exceptions, which the House is likely to consider in the 112th Congress, are the health care repeal bill (scheduled for a vote a week from Wednesday), the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts, an AMT patch, extending the estate tax, and more.
Republicans' deficit reduction platform, which may have helped catapult them into the majority, is about to run headlong into a hard reality: Many of their key policy goals will increase the deficit dramatically.
To get around this fact, they've included measures in their new rules package to exempt some of their biggest legislative priorities from deficit consideration. Among the exceptions, which the House is likely to consider in the 112th Congress, are the health care repeal bill (scheduled for a vote a week from Wednesday), the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts, an AMT patch, extending the estate tax, and more.
The only things that have to be paid for are Democratic priorities. Republican ones like tax cuts and wars? Who gives a shit?
[I]f you want to make comparisons between US states and ailing European countries, think of Texas as being like America's Ireland. Ireland was once praised as a model for economic growth: conservatives loved it for its pro-business, anti-tax, low-spending strategy, and hailed it as the way forward for all of Europe. Then it blew up.
Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman told WFSB's Dennis House that he believes he can win another term in 2012 and that if he does run it will likely be as an independent. Lieberman also told House -- in a taped interview that will run later in the week on the "Face the State" program -- that some of his Democratic colleagues have urged him to run as a Democrat for a fifth term. Lieberman has said he plans to meet with Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Patty Murray (Wash.) to discuss his plans.
Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman told WFSB's Dennis House that he believes he can win another term in 2012 and that if he does run it will likely be as an independent.
Lieberman also told House -- in a taped interview that will run later in the week on the "Face the State" program -- that some of his Democratic colleagues have urged him to run as a Democrat for a fifth term. Lieberman has said he plans to meet with Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Patty Murray (Wash.) to discuss his plans.
Don't retire, Joe! You TOTALLY can win! Because nothing would make me sadder heading into 2012 than seeing you retire, and depriving the good citizens of the great state of Connecticut the chance to deliver you their final verdict.
[Rory] Reid is known for using his wry wit to defuse combative situations. Friends and colleagues say his ability to handle disputes and to work with people served him well as an elected leader. And some predict Reid, 48, who is leaving office this week, will run for Congress. Reid won't confirm or deny the speculation, though he makes it clear his passion for public service hasn't waned. "I always want to be involved in working for the public," Reid said. "It's who I am."
[Rory] Reid is known for using his wry wit to defuse combative situations. Friends and colleagues say his ability to handle disputes and to work with people served him well as an elected leader.
And some predict Reid, 48, who is leaving office this week, will run for Congress.
Reid won't confirm or deny the speculation, though he makes it clear his passion for public service hasn't waned.
"I always want to be involved in working for the public," Reid said. "It's who I am."
Rory got crushed in the governor's race in Nevada last year, even as his dad easily beat Sharrrrron Angle in the Senate race.
"You were the only ones who said he was dead. You know, the media is like the world's worst paramedics: They declare people dead when they're napping. So of course, waking up must be a miracle." "Obama is not the comeback kid. That's just a trite way of looking at it. He's Luke Skywalker."
"You were the only ones who said he was dead. You know, the media is like the world's worst paramedics: They declare people dead when they're napping. So of course, waking up must be a miracle."
"Obama is not the comeback kid. That's just a trite way of looking at it. He's Luke Skywalker."