by David Safier
Why did the AP article in the Star leave out the D-R vote count in the House approval of the tax increases for the rich? Other than the fact that the bill passed, that's the most telling piece of information.
So, FYI, 172 Democrats voted for the bill, along with 85 Republicans. That means only 16 Ds voted No — less than one in 10 — compared to 151 Rs — almost twice as many as voted Yes. While it was a wildly bipartisan vote in the Senate — 89-8 — the vast majority of House Republicans absolutely refuse to vote to raise any taxes on anyone. The fight will continue on every bill related to taxing and spending. Any movement in a reasonable direction is going to demand a minority of House Republicans join with most of the Democrats to get things done. The new House will have a few more Ds, so that means fewer Rs will have to come to their senses.
UPDATE: Arizona Republicans voting No: Ben Quayle, David Schweikert, Jeff Flake, Paul Gosar, Trent Franks.