Moderates in the Senate, the same group holding the power concerning healthcare, are asking the White House to scrap Cap and Trade next year. A Politico story says that Mary Landrieu and Evan Bayh are among about a half dozen Senate Democrats who aren’t very keen on the idea of taking up another controversial and likely partisan piece of legislation.
Most of the dems in question here have taken it on the chin when it comes to healthcare; they would likely face the same challenges during the Cap and Trade debate if it were to come up in 2010. The House of Representatives passed the controversial bill in July backed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Ben Nelson of Nebraska said in the Politico story:
“I’d just as soon see that set aside until we work through the economy,” said Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.). ?“What we don’t want to do is have anything get in the way of working to resolve the problems with the economy.”
What he really means to say is he doesn’t need another controversial piece of legislation bogging down his re-election prospects. Making him even less popular than he currently is with his constituents. Kent Conrad of North Dakota added that climate legislation in “an election year” has very poor prospects.
It’s going to be interesting to watch as Democrats scramble and squirm their way through the election year of 2010. Who am I kidding? It’s going to be more than interesting, it’s going to be downright fun to watch.