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The GOP's Post-Partisan Schtick

Maybe President Obama's "post-partisan unity schtick" is paying off, or maybe growing numbers of Republican legislators have come realize that they will remain an endangered species if they reflexively oppose every bill that Democrats support. Maybe there's no real difference between the schtick and political reality. Theorize as you will, growing numbers of House Republicans are finding reasons to support legislation that their party leaders oppose.

Thirty-eight House Republicans voted for a broad public lands bill that set aside millions of acres, 70 supported a national service bill and 70 supported new Food and Drug Administration curbs on tobacco. In recent days, 105 of the 178 House Republicans backed the credit card bill, and 117 the financial fraud bill. The mortgage legislation drew 60 Republican votes despite opposition by the top three Republican leaders and the senior Republican on the banking committee, who said it would make it more difficult for qualified homebuyers to get loans.

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When GOP leaders clamp down (as they did in their opposition to stimulus spending), Republican representatives will no doubt fall in line. Still, the decision not to clamp down on issues that have been central to GOP philosophy -- a preference for private development over public stewardship, an abhorrence of business regulation -- may signal a willingness to allow nervous party members to engage in their own post-partisan schtick, if that's what it takes to hold their seats. Slapping away the post-partisan hand extended by a popular president is only smart politics in a dwindling number of bright red congressional districts.

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  • Display: Sort:
    We have a lot of EXTREME problems (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by Militarytracy on Sun May 10, 2009 at 01:25:45 PM EST
    facing us all right now, two wars, we're broke and out of work, and the global economy is contracting right now.  Being the party of NO is suicide.  You can only get away with being the party of the insane fruitcake whackjobs after Bill Clinton has brought 8 years of relative peace and prosperity to the whole nation.  It's almost as if a whole bunch of silly Americans got too bored with getting along super swell and decided it was time to eff themselves up real good just to keep it interesting :)

    Read to the end (none / 0) (#1)
    by andgarden on Sun May 10, 2009 at 11:31:26 AM EST
    I'd put money on Mike Simpson getting a serious primary.

    What is the name for a Blue Dog Republican? (none / 0) (#2)
    by ruffian on Sun May 10, 2009 at 11:42:51 AM EST
    Would not surprise me if the Rep leadership is adopting the Dem leadership's 'just keep the seat' approach.

    I have no predictions on how it will all work out for everyone.

    One thought I had this morning - I have not heard McCain mentioned in the roll calls of dwindling Republican moderates. Guess he shook that persona for good. It was always fake anyway. I could have found out more if I hadn't been vacuuming during his appearance on.... whatever Sunday show he was on.  Not sure what he is calling himself these days.

    I've heard of Republican "blue dogs" (none / 0) (#4)
    by Militarytracy on Sun May 10, 2009 at 01:27:23 PM EST
    referred to as RINOs (Republican in name only)

    Parent
    As opposed to those DINOs (none / 0) (#5)
    by Dadler on Sun May 10, 2009 at 03:35:30 PM EST
    Our two-party democracy is a dinocerous, and that sounds about right.  A combination of the extinct and the endangered.  

    Parent
    I'm just as or more concerned (none / 0) (#6)
    by Cream City on Sun May 10, 2009 at 05:24:57 PM EST
    by Dem Blue Dogs and whether they vote with Dems.

    Can't really be a librul and do much about the GOP dogs.  Different kennel rules.  Different kibble.

    Parent