Senate Parliamentarian - Obama Must Sign On Dotted Line

Roll Call reports hard news for the Dem strategists hoping to reconcile a bill that hasn't been passed:

The Senate Parliamentarian has ruled that President Barack Obama must sign Congress’ original health care reform bill before the Senate can act on a companion reconciliation package, senior GOP sources said Thursday.

The Senate Parliamentarian’s Office was responding to questions posed by the Republican leadership. The answers were provided verbally, sources said.

House Democratic leaders have been searching for a way to ensure that any move they make to approve the Senate-passed $871 billion health care reform bill is followed by Senate action on a reconciliation package of adjustments to the original bill. One idea is to have the House and Senate act on reconciliation prior to House action on the Senate’s original health care bill.

Information Republicans say they have received from the Senate Parliamentarian’s Office eliminates that option. House Democratic leaders last week began looking at crafting a legislative rule that would allow the House to approve the Senate health care bill, but not forward it to Obama for his signature until the Senate clears the reconciliation package.

Comments

[Captain Hate]

It's a great day for the USA. Suck it Bammers. Meltdown step 2 is about to commence.

I hope bad can enjoy this.

[Danube of Thought]

Surely the attention-seeking Stupak is aware that 300 million people are about to find out what he is made of. There ain't no wriggle room now.

[Gabriel Sutherland]

Remember that video of Reid and Pelosi emerging from the White House last year after a discussion with the President about AfPak policy? Pelosi was shrugging off Reid's attempt to put his arm around and say "we're united".

You think Pelosi knew Reid was going to take the Senate Bill into his office and doctor it up so Pelosi had no moves left?

It's starting to line up in ways that show Obama and Reid are throwing Nancy under the bus.

Does Rahm's towel have a travelogue? He does want to be Speaker.

[Danube of Thought]

If a bill loses an up-or-down vote in the house, can it be voted on again repeatedly? If not, how substantially must it be changed before it can be brought to a vote again?

[Porchlight]

The answers were provided verbally, sources said.

Would be nice to get this in writing. That said, it looks like good news...

[Gabriel Sutherland]

The House cannot change anything in the Senate bill. It's up or down on the Senate Bill, starting over, or giving up.

Nancy's eating rubber.

[Old Lurker]

I sure don't like Pelosi's comment today supporting the Obama idea that 44% of the new money raised for health care will come from applying the medicare tax to the unearned incomes of 2.3% of taxpayers. That's interest, dividends, royalties and rents...and maybe capital gains.

[Old Lurker]

Interesting image, Gabe. Sorry Bad's not here to jump on that one.

[Danube of Thought]

Yuval Levin at the Corner:

"Democratic leaders should be asking themselves just how they have gotten to the point that their strategy is to amend a law that doesn’t exist yet by passing a bill without voting on it. Surely it’s time to start over."

[centralcal]

Wait just a minute, before we break out the cocktails:

Rep. Paul Ryan says that Democrats are ready to ram a "shell" health care bill through the Budget Committee, on which he serves as ranking Republican member, to use as a vehicle to impose national health care.

[Ranger]

I think if the bill itself loses an up or down vote in the House it is dead. They would have to start all over again (though I think it ultimately depends on the specific rule that is used to pass the bill).

If this were a House bill, they could short-stop the situation by passing a motion to re-commit before the final vote on the bill itself, which would send the bill back to committee and let them bring it back up later. Since this is a Senate bill they would be voting on, it would be dead in both chambers and both the House and Senate would have to start over again.

[Rick Ballard]

I wonder if the prog rubes will ever catch on to Dem leadership throwing the MA election for the Swimmer's seat in order to have an excuse re failure to pass the commie agenda.

OL,

Thanks for the link to the NG/oil chart. The disparity is now considerably wider than it was in June. Something has to give.

[Clarice]

Ryan better be wrong. I'm already planning my trip from Bethesda (OL) to Coronado )DoT) to collect my free drinks

[DrJ]

CCal,

I read the words, but I have no idea what it means. Can you (or anyone else) explain what creating a "shell" bill with changes to the Senate version accomplishes? It would seem only to be a way to expedite getting it to the House floor after the Senate version has passed. Is that right?

[Ranger]

Rep. Paul Ryan says that Democrats are ready to ram a "shell" health care bill through the Budget Committee, on which he serves as ranking Republican member, to use as a vehicle to impose national health care.

Posted by: centralcal | March 11, 2010 at 04:56 PM

Ok, after reading that, I don't get the Dem plan at all. If the House does this it is simply passing a new HCR bill and sending it to the Senate, which would take it up under regular order (requiring 60 votes to end debate).

The only way I can see this making sense is if the House is saying "screw you, you want us to swollow your bill up or down, you swallow our new bill up or down" to the Senate.

[Rob Crawford]

Can you (or anyone else) explain what creating a "shell" bill with changes to the Senate version accomplishes?

ISTR that was how porkulus was passed -- a bill full of nothing that could be filled later, after it was passed.

[Ranger]

Basically, as the situation sits right now (from what I can understand at least) the House has two options.

1) Pass the Senate bill as is, send it to the president to sign, and then start a reconciliation bill after the president has signed the bill.

2) Pass a new bill and send it to the Senate (though, I'm not sure they can do that until after they have killed the existing Senate bill).

[Another Tom post in 3, 2,....]

Hah, McCarthy drips sarcasm at NRO over Holder's support of Padilla, support he hid at confirmation.
============

[Clarice]

IBD says Dems giving up trying to sway Stupak and his gang.

[Old Lurker]

I'm stocking up on the booze just in case...but I'm only buying stuff Mrs. OL and I like because I still think we're not gonna pay off on that bet.

I have never witnessed such flailing about on so transformative legislation.

[Clarice]

Link to IBD stoary:

Under">http://blogs.investors.com/capitalhill/index.php/home/35-politics/1501-democrats-stop-trying-to-win-over-stupak-pro-life-dems">Under the Bus

[Ranger]

I think the issue now is Pelosi conning enough of her members into voting for the Senate bill they hate with the promise of reconsiliation in the future.

[windansea]

"You cannot reach them. We tried once, yes, precious. I tried once;
but you cannot reach them. Only shapes to see, perhaps, not to touch.
No precious! All dead."

[Danube of Thought]

Seems to me that the shell bill doesn't advance the ball for them. Either 216 reps vote for the Senate bill as is, or they don't. The shell stuff, reconciliation, whatever must necessarily come later.

[Old Lurker]

Interesting IBD, thanks Clarice.

[centralcal]

DrJ: I have no idea what it means either.

With this group (the Obami), nothing means what it seems.

[Frau Zynisch]

A rousing second to each of Captain's statements. (btw - what a sterling display of decorum at Ace's, Capt.)

[Clarice]

Love this from Ace:

umming Up the Past 24 Hours: The Congressional Hispanic Caucus makes a demand that already derailed healthcare reform once. The Congressional Black Caucus complains that Obama isn't listening to them. The co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus announces that the President's stumping across the country isn't doing a lick of good. The Stupak Twelve announce that there will be no deal. And now the Parliamentarian makes it that much harder to get wavering Congressmen on board.

Stick a fork in it.

Meanwhile, Nancy "Nero" Pelosi keeps protesting "there's just a few minor, technical things" to work out."

HEH

[Porchlight]

How on earth can they make up for the loss of Stupak's gang? That's 12 yes votes gone. They were having trouble getting to 216 even assuming those yes votes were still on board.

[Clarice]

I can't see it,porch.

[Sue]

Clarice,

Call me crazy, but I've heard that before, right before they voted on whatever crap sandwich they were voting on, including the healthcare bill the first time around. I don't think it is through and I won't believe it is morally, ethic'lly spiritually, physically
positively, absolutely
undeniably and reliably Dead
until November and they lose the house.

[MayBee]

Jeff Zelney on MSNBC just said some Dems are grousing that Obama set the latest deadline for health care reform based on his daughters' wanting to take a Spring break trip.

[Porchlight]

Are they suggesting Obama doesn't take this whole President job thing very seriously, MayBee? Gee, we've never gotten those signals before.

[Clarice]

Sue, DoT and OL disagree with me, but I think it is dead and has been for a couple of weeks while the Obama/Pelosi/Reid [ Bad] Dream Team have been poncing around pretending it wasn't.

MayBee--whe gibbs said March 18 was to be the end vote, he said Obama wanted it done before he left for his trip to Indonesia. When thi fails, all his pretenses will come to the fore..he and MO will be mince meat for the next three years.

[PDinDetroit]

It is always nice to see Clarice posting with a "virtual smile".

You go girl!

[Porchlight]

I think Gibbs also said something about how Obama also needed to get his NCAA brackets finished before he and the fam split for Indonesia. Oh, yeah, and that health care thing.

Obama is a Very Serious Person.

[Clarice]

Yes, there was that, too, porch.

Must have gone over well on the Hill where I am sure they are worn out with this carp and trying to reconcile a number of absolutely incompatible blocs in the Dem party.

(There is a downside to the Dems' Balkanizing you know.)

[What did you know, and when did you know it, Madame the Speaker?]

I really can't help but think that Pelosi's done, too. This ethics probe is after her, not Massa.
=============

[Clarice]

Yes, Kim. I think that's true.

[Sue]

What’s going on? The final push for Obamacare is about to begin. It starts on Monday, when the House Budget Committee will insert reconciliation instructions into the November House health care bill. By late Monday / early Tuesday, Budget will pass this bill and send it to the House Rules Committee, where Pelosi will change the language so that it matches the Senate bill. This is the final compromise legislation that may come to a vote on the House floor within weeks. “They’re creating the shell,” says Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/health-care-end-game-begins-monday>Weekly Standard

Are democratic house members going to allow her to change their bill to match the senate bill? Without protesting?

[karen]

Obama is a Very Serious Person.

So much so that he is considering doing some play by play for March Madness games. CBS has floated a serious offer, and CNN said this morning Obama was considering.
He MOST certainly does NOT take his job seriously.

[bgates]

until November? What about December? Or January 1?

[MikeS]

I doubt the Dem base would accept the idea of just letting the bill die. Dems might be able to divert some of the wrath of that group onto Republicans, and get some closure on the issue, by having a dramatic cloture vote. 41 mean Republicans would then be responsible for the bill's failure.

[Clarice]

Sue, the House would have to pass that Bill. Bills don't go with just committee votes.

[Frau Zynisch]

Drudge's close up of Swanson, er, Pelosi did her in.
Wasn't there a horror story going around that Joe "Mensa 'R Us" Biden could overrule the parliamentarian of the House?

[So wassup?]

One thing, though, the ethics probe resolution impugns Hoyer, too.
=================

[Danube of Thought]

No doubt that Clarice gets the title of JOM Coroner as the first one to pronounce this vile thing dead. I myself am more hopeful today than at any time since the whole rigmarole began. At this point they seem to be hoping for a dignified way to get this behind them, and it appears that none is at hand.

[Clarice]

DoT I love margaritas.
*smooch*

I'll be in L.A. at the end of the month on my way to Cabo.

[windansea]

I'll be in L.A. at the end of the month on my way to Cabo.

Cool, I may be moving over to Cabo, I have some interviews there next week.

[Jim Ryan]

NANCY: Barack! You said do a bill, you let us do whatever, you said it would pass. It was all Barack Obama this and Barack Obama that. And now look. Nobody even- you-

ZERO: Whatever, whatever, whatever! I'm the President of the United States for three more years. The President of the United States. I need to go, there's another game on now. I don't have time for someone who's about to become a back-bench Congresswoman. I won't even...

NANCY: Barack!

ZERO: ...be accepting your calls before long. Complaining to the President of the United States about some bill. Back-bencher.

NANCY: B-B-Barack! What about getting the people their health care?

ZERO:

NANCY: B? Uninsured people -

ZERO: You're serious? Man, wow. Listen, this isn't about some bozo's health care. This is about Barack Obama. That's what this is about. Works for me. I'm President of the United States.

NANCY: B-B-Bar-

ZERO: Nancy, you're very drunk. You need to go sleep it off. Nice knowing you. [CLICK]

NANCY: Barack?....B?....Barack?...

[Clarice]

windansea, I'll be there from the 24th-28th. If you'll be thre and want to join us at the hotel for a drink or something whistle.

[windansea]

Ryan: ‘This Is Their Do-or-Die Moment’ [Robert Costa]

“Game on,” says Rep. Paul Ryan (R., Wis.), the ranking member of the House Budget Committee, to National Review Online. “The Democrats are moving on reconciliation. They are revving up their machine, even though they don’t yet have the votes to pass the Senate bill in the House. This is their do-or-die moment. They know can’t let their members go home for Easter with this hanging out there.”

Ryan says that, come Monday, Democrats “will bring a shell piece of reconciliation legislation” to the budget committee. “The reconciliation process has to begin there,” he says. “Here’s what they’ll do: They will take the House health-care bill and mark it up so that it can become a reconciliation vehicle. Republicans will make runs at this via motions to instruct, but since we’re outnumbered, their package will get through the committee. Then they’ll send that shell of a bill to the House Rules Committee. The rules committee will then gut the budget committee’s reconciliation bill and drop in all of the deals that Speaker Pelosi arranges with members who vote for the Senate health-care bill in the House.” Those deals, he adds, “will be hard to scrutinize, and we may never know their full extent, since many of them will be orchestrated outside of health-care legislation.”

Regardless of how bad a reconciliation package looks, Ryan says it is the passage of the Senate bill in the House that troubles him the most. “The Senate parliamentarian made it clear today,” he says. “The Senate bill has to become law before reconciliation can be taken up in the Senate. Knowing this, the Democrats are doing whatever they can to convince House members to walk the plank. But let’s be very clear: If the Senate bill passes in the House, it’s not just some setup for reconciliation — it’s a huge, new federal entitlement that’ll be signed into law.”

“To get that, they need to make promises to members about what’ll come next, so look for them to thread the needle on policy changes and abortion in the budget and rules committees,” Ryan says. “Reconciliation is a distraction for the Democratic leadership — something to talk about with members while keeping their eye on the main prize, which is passing the Senate bill.”

[windansea]

will do Clarice, I'm just there from 15th to 18th for interviews, pretty sure I will get at least one offer but not sure of timing to make the move over there.

[Clarice]

So you think that those 400 votes to continue the Massa investigation was a vote of support for mad Nancy?

I don't.

The blood is in the water.

The crack that Obama is rushing this to coincide with his kids' vacation--you think that means he isn't also chum? I don't

[Janet]

Like MikeS said on another thread...Congress has become Thunderdome!

[Rob Crawford]

So you think that those 400 votes to continue the Massa investigation was a vote of support for mad Nancy?

I think they were cast with the full knowledge that "Congressional ethics" is an oxymoron, and that the investigation could unveil Pelosi and Massa sacrificing Haitian babies while molesting chinchillas and still result in nothing but a minor fine and a frown.

[Rick Ballard]

Kinda makes you wonder if Massa was wired for the threat meetings (aside from the shower incident). Very dirty people doing very dirty (and criminal) things to each other - let's sell it to Hollywood.

[Janet]

I agree Rob.

[Danube of Thought]

If we were looking for a sign that she has lost control of her caucus, this would appear to do quite nicely.

Where you staying in Cabo, C? We've spent loads of time down there over the years.

[matt]

I stopped going to Cabo when it got too crowded and the fishing fell off. One of my favorite places on earth till then. The Hacienda was a second home. If you are in LA clarice, we're not far.

Sue, was that the line from The Wizard of Oz?

[Captain Hate]

I have never witnessed such flailing about on so transformative legislation.

OL, I think the congressional dead ducks plan on getting cush jobs when they get forced out of office in November from the massive Kafka-esque bureaucracy that would "administer" Bamrelosi death care. God knows the imbeciles would be worthless on the free market so they've gotta have somewhere to go. I'm convinced that's the reason because they still couldn't get Kucinich to change his vote and that little prick will never work for anybody but himself; I don't know if that's a positive or negative trait of his, it is what it is. Btw, I heard something last night from that douche Hewitt when he was yammering about Ohio's governor Ted "Twitch" Strickland and pretending to be a Buckeye which, as I've pointed out, he isn't. Anyway when he was talking about what an idiot Twitch is for thinking he lost his previous Congressional gig when Clinton Deathcare went down, he mentioned that Rove said that the Repubs will take the House if Bamrelosi Deathcare passes but won't if it doesn't. I hate to disagree with the magnificent bastard on anything but I think he's underestimated the underlying anger of everybody who votes for the idiots in Congress at how they've done nothing for the economy instead of Deathcare and I don't think that anger will subside.

Btw, am I the only person who thinks Pelosi Galore is getting into Gloria Swanson "All right Mr DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up" territory? I'll bet her clothes really smell from the sweat of desperation.

[centralcal]

One of my favorite (because it was romantic) vacations of all time was in Cabo.

My friend's family owned twin homes just outside of San Jose del Cabo and well within walking distance. Cabo, itself was just a brief drive down the road - the elegant hotels, the mariachis, the swaying palms, all just wonderful.

Fond, fond memories. And, the only time I drank and liked beer - or rather, cerveza.

Clarice, you get around alot in the winter (LA, Florida, Cabo)!

[Jane]

No doubt that Clarice gets the title of JOM Coroner as the first one to pronounce this vile thing dead.

Harrumph!

Don't forget that Biden can overrule the parliamentarian. There would be blood in the street.

[Old Lurker]

No, you are not alone on your thoughts about Pelosi Galore, Cap'n. Though the original Bond gal had more going for her than this one. Ewww brings to mind some dirty jokes. As noted above, Hoyer is not clean in all this either, so the palace intrigue is hard to follow.

Rick has thought for some time that the dance is just about finding the sucker to blame. Hope he's right...

[Strawman Cometh]

CBS has floated a serious offer
CBS has nobody we want, see if they'll give up a 2012 4th round draft pick, if not, waive him.

[centralcal]

Oh dear:

"Reid's wife, Landra, 69, broke her back and neck in the accident along Interstate 95 near Lorton, Reid spokesman Jim Manley said. She and the couple's adult daughter, Lana, are being treated at Inova Fairfax Hospital. Neither woman's injuries appeared to be life-threatening.

Their vehicle was rear-ended by a semi, Manley told the Associated Press.

"Mrs. Reid has a broken nose, broken back and broken neck. Lana has a neck injury and facial lacerations. Both Mrs. Reid and Lana are conscious, can feel their extremities, and according to doctors their injuries are non-life threatening," Manley said. "Sen. Reid has been to the hospital and appreciates the support he and his family are receiving from Nevadans and his colleagues in the Senate."

Reid later returned to Capitol Hill, where he was meeting with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel on efforts to pass health care legislation.

Reid, 70, met Landra while they both were attending Basic High School in Henderson, Nev. They were married in 1959. Lana was born two years later, followed by four boys: Rory, Leif, Josh and Key"

[Melinda Romanoff]

Cap'n-

That isn't the scent of sweat, or scabies for that matter, but her favorite Eau de Toilette.

Formaldehyde.

[Melinda Romanoff]

Jane-

You have penned a beautiful piece on bad. I just wish I'd gotten here earlier to enjoy it more.

Thank you.

[Jane]

My pleasure. Mel.

[Cowboy steve]

Unlike earleir that entitlements went through the normal legislative route, and in time became ensconced in the culture at large,this bill is much different.

Whatever malformed bill that comes out of this toxic sewer will be easier to repeal because all semblance of legitimacy has been stripped off by the process.

The Democrats seem to think they can rely on the normal ebb and tide of electoral politics to return them to power after they are destroyed in November, that will not happen now, not with an enraged public who are not likely to forget, or forgive them

This is a head shot to the despicable creature that is the Democrat party.

[Strawman Cometh]

Word, Cowboy.
All of our institutions are with the the 'rats. We need to take those back.

[Melinda Romanoff]

I would remind everyone that the majority of initial funding for our new impending "entitlement" is currently locked up in the porkulus bill.

It is waiting for its key.

Keep in mind that this has been a siege when it comes to "process". Each step, another blow at the walls.

I hope the details of Monday's experiment leak out over the weekend....

[Rick Ballard]

Gramscian rot takes a lot longer than a head shot. A close look at the infected institutions, major media, education and governance, reveals irreparable structural damage but that doesn't mean that they'll collapse tomorrow. I'm just satisfied that the collapse appears to be approaching more rapidly than I had thought possible. Moscow in '89 comes to mind...

[Ignatz]

--Pelosi Galore is getting into Gloria Swanson "All right Mr DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up" territory?--

For the love of all things Holy, please nobody take that as a cue to repost that macro-lens shot up Pelosi's sinus and into her very pores from that other thread a day or two ago.

[Clarice]

For those who asked, I'll be at Cabo Azul, a newer resort designed by a friend of my son's. It's far from the tumult.

[Frau Zynisch]

The majority of the D.C.Clown Corpse has sucked enough already from the public teat(s). There should be a monetary limit and when that is reached, the man/woman/entity is out the door with an ordinary pension, no special lifetime health benefits, and no chance to work as a lobbyist at all. Ever. With that said, we're in for a costly three years with the present administration.

Captain, you picked up on my earlier post that Madam Speaker is drifting into Sunset Blvd. country. Of course, the amount of spackle used as pancake makeup is a major give away.

[bgates]

For the love of all things Holy, please nobody take that as a cue to repost that macro-lens shot up Pelosi's sinus

"For the love of all things Holy", indeed.

I read that 'si' as an 'a'.

(Having just come from the thread with busty, I think it's an understandable mistake.)

[Frau Zynisch]

Clarice, what's with the "Hot Dates" and "Couples Retreat" on the Cabo Azul web site?

[Sue]

Matt,

Yes, it was from the scene where the coroner is declaring the with dead. I had the grandkids this weekend. ::grin::

[Sue]

Witch, not with.

[Captain Hate]

Captain, you picked up on my earlier post that Madam Speaker is drifting into Sunset Blvd. country. Of course, the amount of spackle used as pancake makeup is a major give away.

Frau, believe it or not I came up with my post w/o having seen yours. I'd apply the "great minds" adage but I think only you qualify for that descriptor. Stretch is showing that cosmetic surgery can only do so much; particularly when the skin encloses so much submediocrity and hubris.

[windansea]

Good spot Clarice, I like San Jose area much better than Cabo

For dinner try Damianas (150 year old adobe renovation) and Manuel's Creative Cuisine both are great!

[Clarice]

Thanks, windansea,

Dem pollsters Schoen and Cadell warn the party to forget about this HC bill:

For Democrats to begin turning around their political fortunes there has to be a frank acknowledgement that the comprehensive health-care initiative is a failure, regardless of whether it passes. There are enough Republican and Democratic proposals -- such as purchasing insurance across state lines, malpractice reform, incrementally increasing coverage, initiatives to hold down costs, covering preexisting conditions and ensuring portability -- that can win bipartisan support. It is not a question of starting over but of taking the best of both parties and presenting that as representative of what we need to do to achieve meaningful reform. Such a proposal could even become a template for the central agenda items for the American people: jobs and economic development.

Unless the Democrats fundamentally change their approach, they will produce not just a march of folly but also run the risk of unmitigated disaster in November."

[Clarice]

Carp

[Clarice]

There is, frau? I didn't see it. Hmmm, Maybe I can slip away unnoticed.

[centralcal]

Windansea, you bring back many great memories. Yes, Clarice, Damianas is good.

[centralcal]

Isn't it interesting that Harry Reid dodged a bullet tonight with his wife and daughter, while he is attempting to rahm healthcare through?

The daughter, apparently released. The wife, broken neck, broken back, broken nose. And, 69 years old. Makes you wonder if there is a "higher" power trying to get someone's attention?

Or, maybe not. But had to ask anyway.

[Jim Rhoads a/k/a vjnjagvet]

Cross posted on Rasmussen thread:

Obama says he wants an "up or down" vote by next week. Sounds to me like he is going to get that in the House. The vote will be up or down on the Senate bill as is. I suspect many of lefty House members that voted no in the previous bill because there was no public option will switch to yes on the argument that they did the best they could and something is better than nothing.

But this vote will leave no opportunity for the Stupak 12 to finesse their views on abortion without trusting the Senate to revise its bill regarding abortion. Even though, like DOT and other JOMers, I hate relying on the anti-abortion folks, i don't think we have any choice. The bill hangs on the thread of Stupak and his Catholic allies.

The good news is that that group will have its eyes on the ball of the abortion language in the Senate bill. And they are unlikely to trust pro-abortion Botoxolosi and Harry Reid who allowed the meaningless Senate abortion language to pass that bill.

For example, Kathy Dahlkemper represents the heavily ethnic Catholic district in which I grew up in extreme Northwest PA. She is a the mother of 5, a Freshman, a Catholic, and married into a devout Catholic family. If the rest of the Stupak group is as steadfast as Ms. Dahlkemper, I don't believe it will compromise.

The shell game of passing a hollow bill in the House doesn't solve that problem, and the Stupak 12 is unlikely to fall for that ruse.

[matt]

the only really decent place in CSL used to be the Galleon. Very good red sauce Italian. Not sure what they have now. I know Javier's has a place down in San Jose and their place in Orange County is pretty good. Very fancy decor, and good, not great Mexican food.

A lot of places will prepare your catch when you fish. There is simply nothing better than Ono caught a couple of hours before, iced down immediately, and grilled medium rare with salt, pepper, and a little butter and maybe some pankoh.

One of my best stories is trading a couple pounds of just out of the water yellowfin tuna a few years back with another boat where the owner had just gotten in with fresh, root wasabi from Tsukiji. 30 miles off the coast.

Don't ask me why he had fresh, Tsukiji wasabi root in the middle of the Sea of Cortez halfway across the world, except perhaps he was crazier than I. He threw in the soy sauce for free. Best damn sashimi I ever had. Take that, Iron Chef!

[narciso]

I'm not partial to those kind of thoughts, central, having had a little experience with
these sorts of things

[Jim Ryan]

Help! Massive idiotarian vortex! Shields failing!

That's the model Obama is following...slow, steady, smart, and ultimately, successful (we still hope)....
Trust me. I have not forgotten. It informs every judgment I make on the guy. I remain absolutely convinced we are beyond lucky to have him at this moment in history.

[Danube of Thought]

Clarice, you'll be just up the road from the Hotel Palmilla, where I stayed often with my mother and father and others so the menfolk could get marlin and sailfish.

It has what I think is one of the five great bars in the world. Haul yourself up on a barstool late in the afternoon, order up a blended Margarita with salt on the rim, and look out in front of you: nothing between you and Antarctica but blue water and the Pacific breeze. Have a great time down there.

[Clarice]

Thanks,DoT. I'll add it to the list.

[centralcal]

Oohh, Dot - Palmilia is wonderful! Listen to DoT, Clarice.

[Janet]

Big Government has an article up about OFA's radio call in idea. LUN I guess it is still going on. radio.barackobama.com

I've decided to start praying for any new listeners that tune in to the Christian programs listed. God will turn their evil plan to good!

[centralcal]

Oh golly, Narciso! I did not know that and I truly meant no offense to anything you have experienced.

I guess you and God will give me a good Clarice-style "thwack."

I am off to watch Househunters International, g'night.

[Janet]

A fake Tea Party candidate in Nevada??...to pull votes away from the Repubs, and help Reid? LUN

Didn't J.F. Kennedy do something like this when he was first elected to public office? His father got some guy with the same name as Kennedy's challenger to run so the vote would be split???

Dems are so corrupt, and such cheaters...

[Flodigarry]

Love the Hotel Palmilla and San Jose del Cabo. Wish I were sipping a nice tequila at DoT's favorite bar right now.

[narciso]

No, I know you didn't mean anything by it, central. I just don't think he sends messages
like that

[Melinda Romanoff]

Doesn't everyone see they are "doubling down" on everything? There has to be a foreign policy twist coming too, it's the piece that's missing. This is too moch coming to a head before the recess. Without a smoke screen, they don't stand a chance.

Somehting else is in the works for the weekend (Sunday).

This stinks like a set up.

That's just the Chicagoan in me, a tad cynical.

But I'm beat.

G'night all.

But I will part with some Buddy & Ella (Earline?) Johnson singing "All Right, Okay, You Win", yes, I can do R&B.