Mrs. Pelosi’s decision to remain in House leadership has thrown off the whole game.
“She’s acting like a secret agent for the Republican Party,” said one anonymous Democrat House member who doesn’t want his committee assignment snatched away, Older heads in the House say almost every preceding House Speaker stepped out of leadership when there were big losses under his leadership. (Sam Rayburn was the sole example who didn’t and he was only out of the Speakership for two years before marshaling his troops to and regaining the majority.)
Apparently Mrs. Pelosi thinks she can make the same thing happen. Her letter to House members says she hopes to see them back under the Capitol Dome in two years. Possibly it could happen if Republican freshmen lose their way or get tangled in the legislative skein. Left-leaning journalists, have their fingers crossed recalling how long it took them to learn the ‘tricks’ of how the House works. All sorts of lobbyists, hold their financial cards close to their chests to keep their own counsel.
Right now it’s an insiders game because the old-timers have a better feel for what may happen in the cloakrooms and watering spots where strategy is developed and often sold especially to newcomers who have little experience in big-league politics and often defer to senior ‘persuaders’ who show them a different path. Assorted party leaders on both sides of the aisle, are awfully good at showing a new member how to bring home the bacon… butter his bread – or whatever metaphor you wish to apply. Often, however, it
dims the newly-minted Congressman’s ability to properly paddle his own canoe.
Sometimes the early founders of the tea-party factions are not as aware of what moves legislation or changes opinions over the short haul – and before you know it an unsuspecting ‘freshman’ may have signed on to a move that will prove troublesome in a short time. Newer staffers haven’t experienced as much legislative history, often coming from State Legislatures where the competition is more along the lines of the ‘good ole boys’ – not realizing they’re neophytes in the big leagues now – and will possibly make commitments that they wish they hadn’t.
Well… those are difficulties we don’t have to worry about *except* when the results come in and the new national legislators begin to see what kind of pie the new chef has cut for them. It’s all part of the learning curve… which you and I pay for in higher taxes or greater expenses on health care and assorted other programs not fully understood.
Time to go… Have a great day – will look for you again toward the end of this week or the next one.
Cordially, IN HIM
Jack
Delayed audio link:
http://www.wmuu.com/blog/category/audio/just-a-minute/
“JUST A MINUTE”
WHO WILL SPEAK AS HOUSE GOP LEADER?
Just a Minute: -- Failure is easy – it’s success that’s difficult. The Bait Shop and Sushi Bar group yesterday examined the problems sprouting after the election. Everyone readily claims success – but failure? Oh... not my fault!
Already we see Speaker Pelosi splitting her party holding her leadership when obviously the gracious – and most successful thing would be to step aside. In the GOP certain past party members have endorsed a candidate and are trying to outflank a newer House member.
Why does this happen?
We’re all humans and have human shortcomings. Scripture describes our problem as – “We think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think.” Governor Reagan, even before he became President said there is little that cannot be overcome if we do not concern ourselves with who gets the credit.
Already there are bruises and hard feelings. Experienced members as well as freshmen Tea Partiers must gingerly and caringly find their way now into re-organizing the majority party.
It will only be accomplished by God’s grace.
<> I’m Jack Buttram.
(END)
Jebco Editorial Service
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