House GOP holds fast on tax rates

[TomCADem]

Source: LA Times

"A bad deal is worse than no deal at all," said Rep. Cynthia M. Lummis (R-Wyo.). "I would rather see us go into next year if the president and the speaker cannot come to a deal."

The House GOP's resistance to compromise comes as influential Republicans elsewhere, including some in the Senate, have indicated that now may be the time to fold the cards on taxes.

The split within the Republican Party has dogged House Speaker John A. Boehner since becoming the GOP leader almost two years ago. But the outbursts from his right flank also provide the Ohio Republican with the political cover he needs to angle for the best deal.

* * *
Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, a top Democrat, suggested Wednesday that Boehner was trying to delay a deal until after he is officially reelected as speaker Jan. 3, when the new House takes its first vote.


Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-fiscal-cliff-20121213,0,7954082.story

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Of course, even the LA Times tries to paint Boehner in the best light by claiming that "[t]he outbursts from his right flank also provide the Ohio Republican with the political cover he needs to angle for the best deal." Really? The threat of being undercut and losing your position as Speaker due to a runaway caucas that is out of touch with the public puts you in a stronger position?

[MediaMan]

1. Fiscal Cliff Standoff Said To Be Dragging Down U.S. Economy

The daily political machinations over what to do about the impending so-called fiscal cliff without actually coming to resolution is damaging the U.S. economy, according to the chief economist at a large financial institution.

- See more at: http://thedemocraticdaily.com/2012/12/13/fiscal-cliff-standoff-said-to-be-dragging-down-u-s-economy/#sthash.Fp0vpSe0.dpuf

[Jackpine Radical]

2. Good, good, glad to hear it.

Sometimes a compromise is unacceptable, and I'd much rather see the Republicans ride the barrel over the waterfall than see the Dems permanently give away the meager benefits of the bottom 99% in exchange for a barely-perceptible and likely very temporary nick in the taxes of the rich.

[UndahCovah]

3. I think they'll cave

BUT (and this is a big but) it is possible that Boehner will cave but his minions refuse to fall in line. That purge Boehner conducted of teaparty people really pissed off the radical element of the repub party, plus the fact that Boehner is a very ineffectual leader, they may just refuse to follow orders.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

4. To hell with the Republican position

I'll sign up to have my taxes raised if it raises EVERYONE elses............

[loyalkydem]

5. I don't really care what they think

until they start caring about people over corporations and money, I am NOT interested in what they have to say.