As if Tuesday’s election results weren’t enough, the Republicans have another problem, this time in Congress:
Facing defeat, House Republican leaders on Thursday abruptly called off a vote on a contentious budget-cutting bill in a striking display of the discord and political anxiety running through the party’s ranks.
Despite making major concessions to moderate Republicans, House leaders failed to win enough converts to the budget plan and surrendered in midafternoon. Leading Republicans said they would try again next week to find a bare majority for more than $50 billion in spending cuts and policy changes…
It was a stunning retreat for a Republican majority that has prided itself on iron discipline and an ability to win even the most difficult floor votes consistently. It was set against Democratic election victories on Tuesday that left Republicans worried about the 2006 midterm contests.
Cutting taxes for the rich, slashing social programs, drilling in the Arctic (so much for the so-called culture of life). The GOP is a party in disarray.
I’ve got more on this story over at The Reaction.