If our economy wasn't such a wreck, a wreck now wholly-owned at both the national and state levels by democrats, it would be great hilarity to watch them pulling out and sharpening their swords as they continue to ready themselves for political hari kiri.
For years, Republicans have been warning democrats loudly and longly that they CANNOT view the state check book as their own personal play toy. Democrats, for their part, have essentially told Republicans to get stuffed. The result? Thirty percent budget growth of the last 4 years, an entirely unsustainable bow wave and a projected $8 BILLION deficit.
The governor played some dramatic politics by releasing a budget that made a strong statement with several cuts. State worker unions stupidly threw a fit, seeming to believe that huge pay raises trumped continued employment, and showing a political tonedeafness matched only by President Obama, proceeded to stupidly sue the governor.
I wondered aloud how much of the budget was eye wash, a type of political kabuki theater, where the governor was effectively cutting more footage for her next campaign, and how much of it was real.
I suggested that the governor needed to square off with the legislature and lay down the law: This is my budget, and whatever you ultimately come up with had better closely reflect this... or I'll veto it.
Did I miss that press conference?
The result? 2010 is shapping up to be wholesale slaughter... much like the unbelieveable year of 1994. On the surface, at least, it would seem that Frank Chopp, lisa Brown, et al, have appeared to have forgotten.
As democrats insist on engaging in their time-honored political practice of seppuku, the only question is this: will Republicans take advantage of this obvious opportunity?
House Dems say they may put tax increase on ballot
House Democratic leaders say they'll likely propose sending Washington voters a tax package this year to help deal with a staggering shortfall in the state budget.
Seattle Times Olympia bureau
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State Representative Kelli Linville, D-Bellingham and House Ways and Means Chair advocates a tax increase vote by the people.
"I'm assuming there will probably be something that goes on the ballot," said House Ways and Means Committee Chairwoman Kelli Linville, D-Bellingham. House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler agreed.
Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, said Wednesday she expects to bring ballot-measure ideas to her caucus for consideration.
Lawmakers have said for weeks that a proposal to create a new tax, increase an existing tax or eliminate certain tax breaks was possible. But this is the first indication they've gotten serious about developing a tax measure for the ballot.
No details were available about what a ballot measure might look like, except that it likely would be targeted to pay for a specific state service, such as health-care coverage for low-income people. It's also unclear when it might be on the ballot.
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