TROUBLE ON THE RIGHT – AT 8:24 A.M. ET:  We began a discussion about this yesterday.  Republicans in the House are scheduling a symbolic vote on Paul Ryan's courageous budget proposals.  Not a good idea, I think.  The Ryan plan has zero chance of passing the Senate, and voting for it in the House adds nothing to the Republican record. 

By contrast, the flaws in the plan, and there are some serious ones, will be used against any Republican in a swing district who votes for it.  So where are the political benefits in a symbolic vote?

The main problem is the Medicare segment of the plan.  Although I got some serious flak from readers, I will say again that it's a non-starter, as it requires seniors to give up current benefits in exchange for a voucher to buy private health insurance.  The emotional strain on seniors, aside from the dubious economic considerations, will send millions of angry seniors to the polls, and you know how they'll vote.  The story in The Politico emphasizes that point:

Some Republicans are already squirming over a vote that provides a ready-made campaign ad for their opponents: Rep. Paul Ryan’s fiscal 2012 budget, which will restructure Medicare, alter Medicaid funding and slash $6 trillion from federal spending over 10 years.

Whether they’re new lawmakers in formerly Democratic seats or House veterans who represent districts with large elderly populations dependent on Medicare, a significant number of Republicans realize that embracing the Ryan plan may be one of the most treacherous votes of the year.

Don't take the vote just to satisfy the Tea Party.  As readers know, I believe elections are fought to be won, and budget proposals are introduced to be signed into law.  I am not interested in philosophical victories and symbolic back slapping. 

So rather than taking a strong stand, they’re hedging during the leadup to the roll call.

Rep. Tim Murphy, a fifth-term Republican who represents a western Pennsylvania district south of Pittsburgh with roughly 17 percent of residents older than 65, is still undecided. Susan Mosychuk, Murphy’s chief of staff, said it’s a “high-profile vote” that they are “still taking a look at.”

Rep. Gus Bilirakis, a Republican from western Florida with a district in which roughly 20 percent of its residents are older than 65, is “still looking it over and trying to decide.”

“Last I talked to him [Monday] night, he was still trying to figure out what all is in it and what might be affected,” said his spokesman, Creighton Welch.

Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.), one of the most high-profile freshmen, said he’s undecided. Rep. Steve Southerland, a Republican who took Democrat Allen Boyd’s northern Florida seat, is in the same place as Bilirakis. So is Ohio freshman Rep. Jim Renacci.

The message is being sent, even by conservative Republicans:  Redo the Medicare part.  One way is to provide choice.  Seniors could be given a choice of the Ryan plan, or the choice to stay with the current system, with greater efficiencies and controls. 

If the GOP pushes the Medicare segment of the Ryan plan, the party will face an electoral disaster in many states.  And to what end?

This is what political debate is for.  Back to the drawing board, Mr. Ryan.  Many of us see you as a potential president.  Don't ruin it by ideological rigidity. 

April 13, 2011