–We’re at an interesting point where both parties are trumpeting their intentions to run on health reform if/when it goes through, pro and con respectively. But I’m very skeptical of Senator McConnell’s assertion that every election in November will be a referendum on the issue. The notion that health care will totally overshadow jobs and the economy is far-fetched and, as Kate suggested, Republicans are probably just saying this to spook skittish House Dems.
–As Michael mentioned, Rep. Stupak is sounding more optimistic a deal on abortion language can be reached. The AP takes a helpful look at the policy in question. Whatever deal he’s talking about, it will have to happen independent from the current legislation; abortion language doesn’t qualify under budget reconciliation rules.
–Stan Collender has a column in Roll Call entitled, “Can We Please Stop Talking About Reconciliation?” He gives three reasons for ceasing the chatter: Its use is not actually controversial, policy matters more than process, and the topic will invariably make laymen and laywomen tune out. Running the risk of violating his second reason, I’d point to one more factor — the votes are there in the Senate, rendering the debate moot. The place to count votes is in the House.
–Doug Hoffman, conservative cause célèbre in last year’s high profile NY-23 special election, is running again.
–Mark Critz, the late John Murtha’s district director, has locked up the party nomination to run in the special election to fill the recently vacated seat. Looking ahead to November, Charlie Cook has Pennsylvania’s 12th rated as a toss-up.
–The New York GOP, hoping to find a credible threat to Andrew Cuomo in the upcoming gubernatorial race, is reportedly wooing an Albany Democrat.
–Liberal groups are looking to crowd source opposition research on Meg Whitman in California’s governor race with a wiki-style site.
–If you haven’t gotten around to Peter Baker’s opus on Emanuel, read it. A taste:
In this season of discontent for Obama, Emanuel has emerged as the leading foil, the easy and most popular target for missiles flung at the White House from all sides. He is the bête noire of conservatives who see him as the chief architect of Obama’s big-government program and of liberals who consider him an accommodationist who undermines the very same agenda. The criticism has been searing and conflicting.
What did I miss?