Senate GOP puts price on a blue-state tax cut

[Lone_Star_Dem]

Source: The Hill

Senate Republicans are demanding the extension of President Bush’s signature tax cuts before they cooperate on hemming in another tax that they contend affects mostly “blue state” voters living along the coasts.

Under pay-go rules, Democrats would have to pay for a one-year AMT patch, which would cost $55 billion.
This has fueled speculation that Democrats will override pay-go rules to pass the AMT fix. However, Democrats need 60 votes to get around the budget rules.

Lott said there are “more than the necessary votes” in his conference to stop Democrats from reaching the 60 votes necessary to waive pay-go rules.

<snip>

The GOP strategy sets up a high-stakes game that Republicans hope will result in the extension of at least one of the Bush tax cuts. Because of the budget rules, Republicans can hold the AMT patch hostage to their demands without actually filibustering a tax cut that they would be loath to oppose.

Read more: http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/senate-gop-puts-price-on-a-blue-state-tax-cut-2007-10-24.html

[WCGreen]

1. Put it on the floor and get the GOP on record to oppose the AMT..

A lot of people who think the GOP is in favor of low taxes should know what they really mean when they talk about low taxes...

As in low for my really rich contributors but none for you...

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

2. Every time you think...

They could not be bigger, more self-destructive jerkoffs, they go and prove you wrong.

This will utterly tank them with middle-class voters. Hammer them into a slightly damp pink spot.

[truthisfreedom]

3. GOP favors higher taxes for middle class. That's how it should read.

[papau]

6. I agree - great political ad - and killing the tax cuts for the rich is a must. n/t

[rcsl1998]

4. The Democrats Control The Rules Committee...

...the Democrats have no clue how to rule Congress now that they have a majority - Outmaneuvered at every turn - Obviously Harry Reid Harry Reid is not up to the task and the Democrats should be seeking a new Senate leader ASAP.

[papau]

5. Then screw the Amt fix until 09 and use it as an election issue - I refuse to make the tax cuts for

rich permanent -

indeed that is a deal breaker - the Democratic party can go to hell (in a handbasket?) if they cave on this. The control by the rich and corporate will be obvious and it will indeed mean that there is not a dimes worth of difference between the parties.