After months of criticism that they’re opposing Democratic efforts on health care reform without any ideas of their own, House Republicans today unveiled a 209-page health care reform bill. It’s a little more comprehensive than depeicted in this brilliant Tom Toles cartoon. But not by much. It doesn’t aim to expand coverage for the …
2012 Election
A Little Local Perspective on the 23rd…
There’s a lot of smart analysis being written about last night’s elections, including great insight from my TIME colleagues Jay Newton-Small and Karen Tumulty. What do the Republican wins in Virginia and New Jersey mean for Obama’s health care agenda? What challenges will Democratic candidates face in 2010? What does New York City Mayor …
About Last Night
Larger lessons? It’s always dangerous to see too big a trend in off-year elections. But there might be one for Democrats: You are on your own. Barack Obama’s popularity–or his political operation–do not transfer when he is not on the ballot. This election could make Democrats more attuned to the political rhythms of their home states, …
Bloomberg in a Squeaker
Of all the races to watch tonight, the one everyone expected to be called right as polls closed was New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s bid for a third term. After all, the man was so insanely popular amongst the five boroughs that the city actually repealed its two-term limit so he could extend his reign. Plus, Democrats put forth …
A Health Bill This Year? New Doubts
This from Harry Reid today.
Bob McDonnell – Guinea Pig?
Voting has begun in Virginia and Democrat Creigh Deeds enters today a severe underdog – trailing by 13.4 percentage points, according to the latest realclearpolitics average of Virginia polls.
While much has been made of the GOP divisions in the NY23rd race, Virginia is shaping up to be their best hope for a recipe for success. …
Expectations Game
It’s not a sign of confidence that the DNC is emailing this link around with “Food for Thought” in the subject line.
Chuck-ing Health Care
We’re in the grip of election fever here in DC. Could (gasp!) Jon Corzine lose the governor’s race in New Jersey? What might a Bob McDonnell victory in Virginia mean for Republicans? For that matter, what could a Doug Hoffman win in the NY23rd mean? But, just in case you forgot, there is still a national debate going on on heath care …
A Republican Health Care Plan
Better late than never, I guess. While individual Republicans have offered proposals (and hundreds of amendments), there has been no real GOP alternative to the various health care bills that are working their way through Congress. Now, John Boehner says they are going to produce one. But when you look at what the House Minority Leader …
Lofgren’s Bad Day
It’s safe to say that Thursday was an eminently bad day for Rep. Zoe Lofgren, a California Democrat. Lofgren, chair of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, thought much of the news cycle that day would revolve around a 20-page report clearing Rep. Sam Graves, a Missouri Republican who had been referred to the committee …
4 for 2010?
House Republicans are starting to pull together an agenda for 2010. It’s not as sweeping as the Contract with America, or, even, Six for 06. But if you’re a small businessman with a commercial real estate problem or a company wondering how you’re going to pay for mounting unemployment insurance costs — than this plan’s for you. Once, …
Lieberman To Filibuster The Public Option.
The Public Option: Five Reasons Harry Reid Went For It
Less than two weeks ago, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s aides and colleagues were saying they were all but certain he would bring health care legislation to the Senate floor without a public option. Yesterday, as everyone who follows this issue now knows, he did the opposite. It’s a big gamble. While Reid will likely be able to hold …