Even Republicans praise incoming Democratic Finance Chairman Ron Wyden

[Geee]

Washington Examiner:

Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden won wide praise Thursday as the expected next chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee — and not just from his fellow Democrats.

 

Short of a Republican leading the panel, which touches almost every bill that moves through the Senate, conversations with GOP lobbyists and senators revealed enthusiasm for Wyden’s ascension. The senator has a history of negotiating with Republicans on controversial issues and is described by colleagues as a wonky dealmaker who knows how to defuse partisan tensions and build coalitions. Those qualities could prove crucial to passing legislation like tax reform, a matter of great interest to Wyden.

 

“He’s very adept at working across the aisle. That’s huge,” a Republican lobbyist told the Washington Examiner.

 

Wyden is the presumed successor to outgoing Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., who President Obama picked as the next ambassador to China. Like Wyden, Baucus has a history of negotiating with Republicans to find common ground on hot-button issues. Baucus’ penchant for bipartisanship has over the years created friction with his fellow Democrats and frayed his relationship with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

[Valin]

In many ways Ron Wyden reminds me of a pre 1968 Democrat...he want liberal policies, but he want them that work.

[Geee]

In many ways Ron Wyden reminds me of a pre 1968 Democrat...he want liberal policies, but he want them that work.

Wyden actually was a cosponsor with Ryan of the bill to try to save SS. He pulled out when the Dems pressured him to because they came up with the grannie over the cliff ads and it didn't look good if a Dem actually was a cosponsor.