Organizing For America, the DNC-led effort to convert Obama’s campaign grassroots to governing, had little impact in passing the budget. Of course, the budget was passed, and Republicans aren’t coming out of the experience unscathed, as differing modes of attack are becoming clear within the party leadership.
In New York, potential NY-20 Rep. Jim Tedisco has stepped down from his post as Minority Leader in the State Assembly. He says it’s because he’s confident he’ll win the special election once absentee ballots are counted—but there was also pressure from within the party.
In Virginia, another state GOP leader has been ousted, too. GOP Chair Jeff Frederick was voted out of his post with gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell supporting the removal. As Democrats consider who will run against McDonnell in the fall, one thing to consider are the large number of indepedents who may vote in the Democratic primary—and who seem to have little love for Terry McAuliffe.
GOP senators are encouraging Norm Coleman to take the Minnesota recount all the way to the Supreme Court. In the meantime, the recount has been a fundraising bonanza for interest groups left and right.
Finally, an interesting note suggesting that the Christian right, once a definitive bloc in the Republican party, may be shrinking as principled Christians decide politics are too pragmatic for their idealism.