Is it time to start worrying about the federal deficit once again? Boy, howdy. Actually, it was time last year, when Republicans in Congress passed a needlessly lavish corporate tax cut without a concern in the world about the effects. But they just whistled a happy tune and went on about their budget-busting business. Though economics can be made to seem complicated beyond all reckoning, there are a handful of fundamental truths that are inviolate. Here's one: When the economy is expanding great guns, the deficit should not at the same time be ballooning. If it is, something is radically wrong. At the moment, the economy is going wild. And so is the federal deficit. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the federal deficit reached $895 billion in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year. That's an increase of $222 billion. Driving the increase? The Republican tax cut, not surprisingly, and an increase in federal spending. According to the CBO, revenue inched … [Read more...] about Trump, GOP Congress make deficit great again (Editorial)
Gop
Boone County: Top Republican asks GOP colleagues to rebuke Gov. Matt Bevin
Phillip M. Bailey Louisville Courier Journal Published 7:38 AM EDT Sep 14, 2018 Former House Speaker Jeff Hoover has had enough of Gov. Matt Bevin, and is urging fellow Republican lawmakers to rebuke the party's leader for supporting an independent state House candidate. Bevin is appearing at a fundraiser this month for small-business owner Stacie Earl, who said she is the "true conservative" in a race against Republican C. Ed Massey. The two are among the five candidates running for the House 66th District seat, which covers northern Boone County. Massey told the Courier Journal this week that Bevin administration officials recruited Earl to enter the race, in part because he's been endorsed by the political arm of the Kentucky Education Association, the statewide union that has been at odds with Bevin over pension reform. "I have no desire to attack this governor but I am tired of this governor belittling teachers and others with his comments and the things … [Read more...] about Boone County: Top Republican asks GOP colleagues to rebuke Gov. Matt Bevin
GOP Super PAC Continues Attacks on Maine’s Jared Golden
A Republican super PAC tied to House leadership is launching its fourth ad against Maine Democrat Jared Golden on Friday. The fight to hold on to the 2nd District, where GOP Rep. Bruce Poliquin is running for a third term, is a top priority for Republicans. Congressional Leadership Fund has now reserved $3.1 million for the seat, among the most it’s reserved in competitive districts around the country. In its latest spot, obtained first by Roll Call, CLF attacks the Marine veteran and state House assistant majority leader for voting for what it calls “wasteful handouts.” The ad is running in the Bangor and Presque Isle television markets and across the state on digital platforms. “Golden voted repeatedly to raise taxes. And voted to let welfare recipients use your tax dollars to buy tattoos, tobacco, alcohol — even lottery tickets,” the narrator continues. The ad then attacks Golden for his opposition to the Republican tax overhaul. … [Read more...] about GOP Super PAC Continues Attacks on Maine’s Jared Golden
California Race Highlights Challenge Facing GOP in the Toughest House Districts
ROWLAND HEIGHTS, Calif.—Nowhere does the House GOP face a tougher task holding seats in November’s midterm elections than in the eight districts where Hillary Clinton won in 2016 and the incumbent is retiring—putting the pressure on Republican nominees such as Young Kim to win in Southern California. “Those districts are like ticking time bombs. The incumbent has held them on borrowed time as the district has shifted away,” said David Wasserman, House editor of the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. He added that since 1992,... … [Read more...] about California Race Highlights Challenge Facing GOP in the Toughest House Districts
Top Republican asks GOP collegues to rebuke Gov. Matt Bevin
Phillip M. Bailey Louisville Courier Journal Published 7:03 AM EDT Sep 14, 2018 Former House Speaker Jeff Hoover has had enough of Gov. Matt Bevin, and is urging fellow Republican lawmakers to rebuke the party's leader for supporting an independent state House candidate. Bevin is appearing at a fundraiser this month for small-business owner Stacie Earl, who said she is the "true conservative" in a race against Republican C. Ed Massey. The two are among the five candidates running for the House 66th District seat, which covers northern Boone County. Massey told the Courier Journal this week that Bevin administration officials recruited Earl to enter the race, in part because he's been endorsed by the political arm of the Kentucky Education Association, the statewide union that has been at odds with Bevin over pension reform. "I have no desire to attack this governor but I am tired of this governor belittling teachers and others with his comments and the things … [Read more...] about Top Republican asks GOP collegues to rebuke Gov. Matt Bevin