Pelosi and Hoyer split on tax vote before November elections

[babylonsister]

Pelosi and Hoyer split on tax vote before November elections
By Russell Berman - 09/22/10 08:49 PM ET


A split has opened between Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) over whether to hold a vote before the midterm elections on extending the George W. Bush-era tax cuts for the middle class.

In closed-door leadership meetings this week, Pelosi has pushed for the House to act on the middle-income tax cuts before lawmakers bolt Washington for the campaign trail, while Hoyer wants the House to wait for the Senate to act first, according to Democratic aides.

The disagreement between the two party leaders reflects a broader divide in the Democratic Caucus. Centrist and vulnerable Democrats want to push a vote on the tax cuts until after the election, and many want a temporary extension on rates for the wealthy in addition to a permanent extension of the current rates for the middle class. Liberal Democrats want an immediate vote on extending the middle-class cuts, arguing that the move would give incumbents an act to tout on the campaign trail and would force Republicans into a political corner.

Democrats face the real possibility of losing the House in November, which could shake up the party’s leadership and shift roles for Hoyer and Pelosi, who have worked together closely during the four years the Democrats have led the lower chamber since 2006. Hoyer has long been a voice for centrist Democrats, while Pelosi’s base of support is with the party’s liberal wing.


more...

http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/domestic-taxes/120409-pelosi-and-hoyer-split-on-tax-vote-before-nov

[KharmaTrain]

1. Hoyer's At It Again...

If the Democrats lose the House, he's the one who should take the biggest fall. He sided with the Blue Dogs most times that helped gut good legislation and knows they're his power base.

The Blue Dogs are running with their tails between their legs. Many are in real trouble and the fools think the only way to save their bacon is by acting even more like rushpublicans. Taxes scare the crap out of them as many in their conservative districts have been brainwashed with the GOTB tropes about less government. Instead of seeing a vote on the tax breaks to the rich as something to run on, they see it as another thing to run from.

While it'd be a disaster to lose the House, I sure won't miss some of the Blue Dogs who are sure to go down.

:hi:

[babylonsister]

2. Yes, he is. He's power hungry, and I don't think that's ever

been a secret. I would miss Pelosi, and hope this doesn't happen, as I really don't relish the idea of Hoyer as minority leader.

Hopefully Americans will come to their senses; it's not over yet.

:hi:

[kentuck]

3. I agree with Hoyer.

Wait until after the election. If Democrats win, they can pass a new "Democratic" tax break for the working middle-class that does not bust the budget. Let them expire and pass a new responsible tax bill.

If Republicans win, block their irresponsible deficit spending any way you can.

[KharmaTrain]

4. Now Is The Time...

Betting on the Democrats to win right now is predicated on them convincing voters that they can and will stand up for the middle class...something they've failed to do in many cases. This vote brings into the open yet another example of how the GOTB is against the economic chances of the middle class as they're sure to try to filibuster a vote that doesn't make the tax cuts for the richest permanent. If they win, they'll be further emboldened...look for the Democrats to cave in a lame duck session