Administration, GOP Lawmakers Sound Close to Deal on Tax Rates

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Fox News:

The White House and Republican lawmakers set the terms of a looming tax debate Sunday, coalescing around a possible temporary extension of existing income tax rates that would protect middle-class and wealthy Americans from sharp tax increases next year.

Top White House adviser David Axelrod stressed that President Barack Obama opposes a "permanent" extension of current tax rates for individuals making more than $200,000 a year and married couples making more than $250,000.

But Axelrod was carefully silent on the possibility of extending current tax rates for the short term. He said he wants to leave negotiations to Obama and members of Congress.

A compromise would put off fundamental questions about taxes for the time being, virtually guaranteeing their prominence as campaign issues heading into the 2012 presidential election. That debate also would coincide with a more profound discussion over how to rein in deficits and reduce the nation's escalating debt.

Congress returns this week with Democrats in control of the House and Senate for a lame-duck session that is expected to stretch into December. But Republican votes are essential and the party has additional leverage because it will begin the new year with Republicans in charge of the House of Representatives and with more members in the Senate.
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Silence is golden-especially when you don't have to explain to what few supporters you have left why your boss will be getting his butt kicked for the next two years.