Mike Allen, writing in the Washington Post,  presents a somewhat propagandistic analysis of an important matter: the rules changes enacted by the GOP majority in the United States House of Representatives.

At last, the GOP is acting like a self—confident majority, willing to use its power the way the Democrats formerly used their majority control.

The Republicans' first piece of business upon returning to the Capitol was to approve a new set of operating rules, including one that would curtail future ethics investigations. Under the change, a vote from at least one member of each party would be required before the ethics committee could begin an inquiry. The committee is evenly divided between the two parties, and under the old rules a deadlock meant an investigation began automatically. Now it will take the affirmative vote of at least one Republican to launch an investigation.

This is a perfectly rational response to the Democrats' new tactic of using ethics investigations as a method of harassment. The Dems have never gotten over the ousting of former Texas Democrat Jim Wright from his position of Speaker over well—grounded ethical violations pursued by the GOP. The have used what amounts to 'Spamming' ethics charges to attack Tom Delay, most notably.

Democrats and some Republicans, troubled by the moves, cite parallels between today's Republicans and the Democrats who lost their 40—year hold on the House in 1994 after Gingrich and other conservatives campaigned against them as autocratic and corrupt, and gained 52 seats.

"It took Democrats 40 years to get as arrogant as we have become in 10," one Republican leadership aide said.

This is risible. The Democrats reduced the GOP House minority to the status of abused puppy, grateful for any attention or consideration, in the 1950s. And the nameless leadership aide couldn't possibly work for Steve Hefley, who lost his position as head of the Ethics Committee, over his willingness to tolerate the Democrats spamming, could he?

Republican lawmakers acknowledge that they are acting partly out of Darwinian necessity. With a narrow 232 to 201 margin over Democrats, and a historical tendency for the party holding the White House to lose seats in midterm elections, the Republicans say they cannot afford defections or internal dissension.

Other observers see it just the opposite. With their enhanced majority, the GOP is acting with muscle, and (as Allen earlier acknowledges) to shut down the 'Newtization' of Tom Delay as a demon—figure.

Hat tip: Ed Lasky

Thomas Lifson   1 09 05