Whip_It!

I don't have much of an update, other than the Governor of Texas is saying that he is considering not taking part of the Stimulus package. Very interesting. Senator Kay_Bailey_Hutchison is going to run against the current Governor of Texas in the primary and she is a not as socially conservative. Watching the Republicans solidly hang their hats on voting down the Stimulus package is very interesting. I wonder if the Republican gamble will pay off. It could in 2010, but 2012 is when there will be a knock-down, drag out primary. You see, in 2012, we'll still be dealing with this economy (hopefully things will be less dismal, but I doubt we will be out of the woods) and social issues will be divisive. How will the Republicans image themselves? Will the social conservatives edge everyone else out or will the moderates overcome? John McCain of 2000 was very palatable to center leaning Democrats. John McCain of 2008 was not. Are the Republicans ready to come towards the social center and make their tent a little bigger? At this point, signs point toward "no", but that is why 2012 will be so interesting. The person to watch is not Sarah_Palin. It is Eric_Cantor, the Minority Whip in the House. The Whip's job is to ensure that votes are there (as in the case of the Dems passing the Stimulus) or not there, as Rep. Cantor did. Not one Republican broke rank in the House. Do not underestimate this man. My thoughts are not original - you can probably find many editorial pieces touting what a good job Cantor did, regardless of the writer's political affiliation. Oh, and he is not bad looking, to boot.