Special Session: The Democrats' Ace in the Hole
Whispers of a legislative special session were raised as the floodwaters rose last week.
While many viewed it as unlikely, the chance of it happening now appears to be better than even.
None sent a more clear signal than Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, during a filming of "Iowa Press," where media outlets across the state were certain to pick up on the news.
David Yepsen's column adds to the growing spectre.
It is an election year, after all, and note that McCarthy says it will be needed..."later." The later, the better, as election day approaches.
The Democrats are going to use this as a prime opportunity to rebuff any spending accusations. The GOP can say, "Democrats raised spending by TWENTY PERCENT!" The Democrats will beat that down with a simple, "It's for the flood victims, and I'm shocked you would even question this." This will play especially well in their hotly contested Senate and House seats in Black Hawk and Linn counties.
Game. Set. Match.
Can they effectively tie their 20 percent increase to the money borrowed in the special session? You betcha. It's a great political move for the Democrats.
While many viewed it as unlikely, the chance of it happening now appears to be better than even.
None sent a more clear signal than Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, during a filming of "Iowa Press," where media outlets across the state were certain to pick up on the news.
David Yepsen's column adds to the growing spectre.
It is an election year, after all, and note that McCarthy says it will be needed..."later." The later, the better, as election day approaches.
The Democrats are going to use this as a prime opportunity to rebuff any spending accusations. The GOP can say, "Democrats raised spending by TWENTY PERCENT!" The Democrats will beat that down with a simple, "It's for the flood victims, and I'm shocked you would even question this." This will play especially well in their hotly contested Senate and House seats in Black Hawk and Linn counties.
Game. Set. Match.
Can they effectively tie their 20 percent increase to the money borrowed in the special session? You betcha. It's a great political move for the Democrats.
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