Eric Cantor's revolt exposes Republican rift in fight for party's future
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/02/eric-cantors-revolt-republican-rift-boehner<snip>
A Republican civil war, which has simmered under the surface since the party's defeat in last November's presidential election, has now burst firmly into the open and pitted party leaders against each other.
Majority leader Eric Cantor's extraordinary vote against House speaker John Boehner in Tuesday's late-night vote in the House of Representatives may have prevented America from toppling over the so-called fiscal cliff, but it exposed the deep rifts that are destabilising a party once famed for its unity and discipline.
It is a profound split in the party. While Boehner does not look immediately under threat when it comes to a fresh vote this week on his speakership, he does appear to now be in the minority in the House. Just 84 other Republicans joined Boehner in voting for the compromise bill to avoid the fiscal cliff, while 150 Republicans lined up behind Cantor in the no camp. "You have the whole notion of people who want to stand on principle and those who want to be more pragmatic," said Professor Tim Hagle, an expert in Republican politics at the University of Iowa.
That would defy a general consensus view that says Republicans should not repeat the sort of presidential primary that marred the 2012 race, when the Republican field was dominated by misfit candidates who courted the rightwing base at the expense of wooing centrist Americans. Cantor's rise would see the party go even further right. It is a problem that Boehner is no doubt aware of.
Great Guardian photo
= new reply since forum marked as read
He is nasty, but I bet he whines like a baby if someone picks on him back.
That photo you have captures it perfectly.....chilling.....not somebody with a good soul....
Boehner has a choice to make....sadly, he is at a disadvantage on many levels....thinking purely in Machiavellian tactics and strategy, he would never be the first choice as a winning leader against someone so slimy like Cantor. But he is seriously outpowered by the army of Right-wing GOP tea party nutjobs that will follow Cantor. So In my opinion, his choice involves waging a battle to fight another day.....Cantor is going to defeat Boehner no matter what....and frankly if Boehner capitulates to Cantor, it means his political future is over forever and he goes down in history as a Big LOSER in caps. But if Boehner could find some strength and real integrity to stand firm on positions that are more like "what the Republican party used to be" and stand firm against Cantor, he may lose the speaker position, but he will be seen by many as having integrity and will live another day in future politically. This would ironically be what might "save" the GOP eventually. But Cantor the snake will be the next Speaker (until Pelosi is back as speaker in 2014) and the question becomes how....if Boehner capitulates, then he goes down in defeat and ultimately I believe so does the GOP.
So, in my opinion, the future in the battle and survival of GOP lies in the hands of Boehner....wow, not a very encouraging thought for a man that has not demonstrated strength and leadership.
This kids, is going to be interesting to watch.....whats Boner going to do? Get erect or go limp? (sorry, couldnt resist the pun....). 
good - great pic indeed 
...thanks malaise for bringing it to our attention. Yeah, that shit-eating grin is not plastered on Cantor's face in this one. But it is perfect, beady eyes and all. He is a vile human being, if one puts any stock in that photo. I envision a cartoon with Cantorites going after Boehnerites in one great big brawl.
Berlum's graphic is perfect 
ideology
This is the worst Congress in history
Let's hope the voters in their districts boot them out in 2014! 
Cripes, Cantor looks so damn evil in that picture!