Everyday we ask influential politicos to send us their top three bullet points that are driving the day’s conversation in and outside Washington.
Happy Monday and a Happy 2011 to all. Yes, elections do have consequences, and this week begins a fascinating policy and political drama – not only here in Washington but across the country as new governors also deal with enormous fiscal challenges. Taken together, what the country should get is a consequential competition of ideas. Already, governors in both parties are taking on their state employees’ labor unions. Some are looking for other deep cuts and savings; others will also look for new taxes. In Washington, look for a quick House GOP move to keep its promise to repeal the Obama health care plan. Repeal won’t pass the Senate, but some Democrats want some changes, too, and again this could bring an interesting policy debate along with the heated political rhetoric. On to the bullet points, which reflect the changing political times in DC and across America.
Erick’s No. 1 is an understated tweak at the Senate GOP establishment, which he is correct in noting has some unease even it as prepares to grow in strength. Tea Time means trepidation for some, or so it seems. His 3rd point is a key marker for the next year: how do the new conservative powers in Washington deal with the debt debate? Mario begins by finding a personal bright spot after a bleak election season for the left: In Colorado he sees Latino political power on the rise. His 3rd, like Erick’s, is another recurring issue of the coming year: Chairman Issa calls the Obama administration “corrupt” and promises to prove it with a flurry of investigations. His credibility is at stake, and the louder he shouts his allegations of corruption, the higher the stakes for the entire GOP majority. The chairman deserves time to get up and running, but his declarations of guilt even before he assumes power mean he won’t get too much time before he faces the inevitable, “Where’s the beef?” question. Enjoy the day, and strap in for a consequential new year. - John King
RedState.Com Editor Erick-Woods Erickson:
- Senate Republicans are bracing for their new colleagues to join them.
- Senior Senate Republicans are whispering that they do not expect a change to Senate rules. That will be news to Senate Democrats.
- The big fight is already upon us. Will House and Senate Republicans raise the debt ceiling? Probably, but some economists are saying it could be necessary two or three times in the next year. That may be a bridge too far.
Talk Show Host and Online Editor of MyLatinoNews.com Mario Solis-Marich:
- Bright Future: Colorado celebrates a historical first as three Latina’s will serve in the State Senate simultaneously and former State Senator Polly Baca is considering a top rung run for the state’s Democratic Party Chairmanship.
- Cloudy Present: Wiki-leaks is set to reveal big bank corruption in an act that may prove more dangerous to Assange than going after the US Government.
- Stormy Past: Congressman Darrell Issa is poised to lead the GOP House agenda with a flurry of politically loaded investigations while GOP insiders worry if someone with his brushes with law enforcement should be throwing stones.