Boehner to Share Power with Pelosi, Democrats

[Sabre86]

WSJ:

When John Boehner takes over one of the most powerful jobs in Washington this week, he says his first order of business is to make himself less powerful.

On Wednesday the new speaker of the House of Representatives plans to offer a package of rule changes that, he says, will give minority-party members more of a say and decentralize power. In short, Ohio Republican Mr. Boehner is promising he'll be a different figure from many speakers throughout history—from Republican Joseph Cannon a century ago to his immediate predecessor, Democrat Nancy Pelosi—who kept a tighter leash.

But there's a reason so many speakers try to keep close control: It works.

"New speakers always say they want to have a more open process," says Rep. Anthony Weiner, a New York Democrat. "Then the sheer demands of making the trains run on time and getting things passed requires that you change your mind."

How this tension is resolved—between Mr. Boehner's promises and the need to get things done—will help determine the success of the new Republican majority. The GOP is in a hurry to show that it's different, not just from Democrats but from its old self. Mr. Boehner himself was catapulted into a GOP leadership role in 2006 after a fund-raising scandal deposed then-majority leader Tom DeLay.

Mr. Boehner now finds himself master of a Republican majority created by a group of newcomers whose hallmark is a restless cry for action. On issues from cutting spending to raising the government's debt ceiling, Mr. Boehner's burden will be letting his freshmen members vent while keeping the House on track.

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The Stupid Party strikes again. I guess after a few symbolic votes, the House will go back to advancing the Obama agenda.

[Casino67]

Received this in my email:

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Michael Steel, Brendan Buck, Kevin Smith

January 4, 2011

(202) 225-0600

PERMALINK

Republicans to Live Stream Opening Session of Congress on Facebook

Posted by Nick Schaper on January 4, 2011

Tomorrow House Republicans will live stream the opening session of the 112th Congress - including the swearing-in ceremony and remarks by Speaker-designate John Boehner (R-OH) - on the Pledge to America Facebook Page. The House will convene and the stream will go live at 12:00 p.m. ET.

 

This is the first time an opening session of Congress has been broadcast live on Facebook where visitors can interact and discuss the event with others, and offer feedback directly to elected representatives.

 

The new Republican majority has pledged to change the way Congress works – to lead by listening to and reflecting the will of the American people. Together with new rules demanding new levels of online disclosure and transparency (including requirements that all bills online at least three days before a vote and committees broadcast their hearings online), this event is another example of the new majority’s commitment to making Congress more open and accountable, and to finding new ways to connect with citizens online and off.

 

Click to “Like” the Pledge on Facebook. And be sure to tune in tomorrow at noon and join the conversation.

[EveningStar]

What a freaking idiot. Just what the GOP needs - another no-balls guy in charge.

 

If he keeps this up, we'll have to call him No Balls Boehner.

 

[Casino67]

Didn't Nancy pretty much say the same thing a couple of years ago? I think we ought to wait and see how it really works out before we go after him. First day remarks by these folks don't mean what they really plan to do.

[Al_Simmons]

Giving the Marxists more control is ALWAYS a mistake. As if they will reciprocate when the majorities turn ... NOT!

[Al_Simmons]

Didn't Nancy pretty much say the same thing a couple of years ago? *SNIP*

 

The problem is that John Boehner is NOT a pathological liar like Nancy.