Tim Montgomerie
On National Review Ramesh Ponnuru compares the challenges that faced Newt Gingrich after his victories in 1994 with those facing John Boehner today. Because Boehner has a larger majority and a more conservative, experienced grouping, Boehner's task might be easier, Ponnuru argues:
In 1995, Republicans had the smallest majority of any Congress since the 1950s. Conservatives were a majority of the majority, but not a majority of the House. Holding the conference together on votes was a constant challenge: Budgets would be too tight for party moderates and too loose for conservative firebrands. Boehner’s task will be easier. Republicans have the largest majority they have had since the 1940s. For the first time in the modern history of conservatism, the House has an outright conservative majority. Michael Barone says that House Republicans are in the sweet spot: They have enough members that Boehner can let some Republicans out of tough votes, but not so many that they have no cohesion.
He also says the GOP has learnt the lessons of 1995/96; will avoid confrontationalism and factionalism; and that Boehner is a less grandiose, explosive figure than Gingrich. Read Ramesh Ponnuru's full piece. Ponnuru shares the optimism of Gary Andres, who on ConservativeHome yesterday, wrote about the incoming Speaker's mastery of policy process.
Jake Sherman and Richard Cohen at Politico, however, worry about the Boehner-Cantor relationship, portraying Boehner as more of a deal-maker and Cantor as more ideological:
In the post-election high, Boehner has kept any simmering tensions with Cantor and his allies from bubbling up. But if you scratch beneath the surface, there are plenty of tension points that could cause problems for the new speaker. Boehner, for example, declared openness in September to backing a middle-ground deal on the expiring tax cuts. After strong objections from Cantor and allies, Boehner quickly disavowed that approach and has since taken a harder line. Cantor has voiced explicit interest in making a quick pivot to 2012 presidential politics. And, in contrast to Boehner’s deal-making interest, Cantor has voiced doubts about finding much middle ground with Obama.
Read their full piece.
Well, the difference is style and approach between Boehner and Cantor is what I would expect and want. The Speaker is Speaker of the whole House, not just the Republicans. The Majority Leader represents the Republican majority. Politico needs a refresher course in Poly Sci 101.
Posted by: George Rishel | November 16, 2010 at 08:05 PM