Mitch McConnell has a look on his face somewhat reminiscent of Ned Beatty in "Deliverance."

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Mitch McConnell's GOP Unity Frays In Late-Night Talks

First Posted: 12- 3-10 02:08 PM | Updated: 12- 3-10 02:08 PM



http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/03/mitch-mcconnells-gop-unit_n_791719.html

WASHINGTON -- After a day of negotiations with his counterpart, Harry Reid headed for the Senate floor to put the chamber's procedural stamp on a deal that had been reached between him and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). Reid had called a late-evening meeting of his caucus to get its assent and McConnell had alerted his Republican conference. All that was left was for Reid to ask unanimous consent from the body to hold four votes the next day -- two Democratic votes, one extending tax cuts for those making up to $250,000 and the second extending it for all whose income falls under $1,000,000; and two Republican proposals that would either temporarily or permanently extend all the tax cuts.

Just before Reid took the podium, Republican staff learned there'd been an objection from the Republican side, meaning that consent was just shy of unanimous. The staff quickly grabbed a Democratic floor aide, who got to Reid before he read the agreement into the congressional record, according to a senior Democratic aide who was involved in the negotiations.

Reid left the floor looking for McConnell, but the Republican leader was on his way out of the building. Reid headed for McConnell's office, as reporters advised him they'd seen him leave. McConnell's staff confirmed to Reid that their boss had gone to dinner; Reid told them to get him on the phone, which led to the unusual scene of Reid talking to McConnell on a phone in McConnell's office.

McConnell was just as surprised by the objection of one of his senators, he told Reid, as Reid was. Reid came out to discuss the developments roughly ten minutes later. "We thought we had something worked out to have a number of votes, but the Republicans couldn't clear it," he said. "So we are going to have cloture votes on our priorities on Saturday." Reid returned to the floor and filed cloture on the two Democratic proposals, dropping the GOP side of the deal.

McConnell's failure to get agreement is evidence, say Democrats, of his inability to control the Republicans in his charge, despite the conventional wisdom that Republicans are unified.

:rofl:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Squeal like a pig, Mitch.

[blue neen]

2. There's nothing in those eyes but hate.

Creepy.

[TheCowsCameHome]

3. Five goatees couldn't help that homely old bastard.

[City Lights]

4. He got a real pretty mouth, ain't he?

:rofl:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

5. Not really - he ain't got no lips.

[City Lights]

6. No chin neither. nt

[tabatha]

7. Again, a number of thoughts come to mind.

What an imbecile.

[DemoTex]

8. Maestro, cue the banjo music!

[Swamp Rat]

9. or a slug that crawled over a salt patch

:D

[Amerigo Vespucci]

10. I'll bet he does leave a sticky, shiny little trail behind when he walks...

...he just seems like that kind of guy.

As always, Swamp Rat, I'm a big fan of your work, and am delighted whenever you post it in my threads. Keep 'em coming.

:patriot:

[Swamp Rat]

11. I enjoy your threads

Even when I am kicked out of them for being a baaad boy! :D :spank:

:toast:

[Angry Dragon]

12. Looks like a crazed drug user

[MindandSoul]

13. A face that only a mother could love. . .but she probably would hate!

[Canuckistanian]

14. We should take up a collection to get him an upper lip

It would be the Christian thing to do.

[Binka]

15. I Think A Bag Would Be Cheaper n/t

[Canuckistanian]

17. Better make it 2 bags

In case the 1st one rips.

[rhiannon55]

16. He looks like he's having an anxiety attack

That man needs meds and a long vacation. Well, actually he needs to retire. It's scary to think of how much power he has over all of our lives.

[blue neen]

18. That expressionless stare that McConnell is always wearing...

it almost makes him look like he has Parkinson's Disease.

[CurtEastPoint]

19. Kinda like this...