2012 via 2010

The Republicans are not likely to take control of both branches of Congress in 2010, and even if they did, mathematically could not gain the 60 seat majority in the Senate needed to advance their agenda - only 18 Democrat seats are up, and the Republicans would need to take 19 seats. In 2012 only 10 Republican Senate seats are up, and 23 Democrat (or independent) seats are up. So the question becomes what is the best way to secure good footing for 2012?

One good way would be to start laying the seeds now which will control the choices to be made in 2011 and early 2012. Right now the Republicans are being cast in the light of obstructionists and heartless. This categorization gives a way to turn the tables and place the Democrats in a bind after 2010.

Take unemployment benefits as an example. The Republicans are voting against extending benefits saying they will only vote for the benefits when spending is cut elsewhere to pay for the extended benefits. A wiser option would be to take the next step; come up with a bill that extends unemployment benefits and also cuts spending elsewhere.

This shuts down the heartless cry from the Democrats, places them in a position of potentially having to vote against extending benefits, and also controls what is cut. As an added bonus, this would cut spending someplace, which will remain cut unless someone, in all likelihood the Democrats, try in 2011 to reinstate the spending. That allows for continuing the public discontent with the deficit and allows the Republicans to cast themselves in the light of trying to reduce the deficit, and cast the Democrats in the light of not listening to the public and continuing on with their plans for big government and more spending.

The same type of action can be done with energy independence (versus cap and trade), securing the border (versus immigration reform), etc. etc. etc. Showing leadership now plants the seeds for the issues in 2011 with an eye on 2012.