by Nicholas Beaudrot of Electoral Math
I read the news that Pelosi will allow the loyal opposition more opportunities to offer amendments and legislation with some trepidation. On the one hand, compromises are things to look for after the opposition has already been cowed into submission; the GOP is clearly more interested in returning to the majority rather than working as minority opposition. On the other hand, Heath Shuler and Nancy Boyda will need some Republican friends. Plus, the policy impact may be small; Democrats are free to have bipartisanship on the House, then go eliminate the offending Republican amendmends during the conference committee. So, we won’t know whether Pelosi is smart or a “patsy” until the session starts.