Frist, Reid clash over 66-33 split

[Rose Siding]

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) and Harry Reid (D-Nev.), the incoming Senate Democratic leader, are clashing over how to divide resources among the chamber’s 17 regular committees, with dozens of Democratic staff jobs at risk.

The Republicans want control over two-thirds of each committee’s resources, but Democrats have called that unacceptable. They want a 50-50 split in the 109th Congress or, at worst, a division reflecting the 55-44 GOP advantage.
...
The battle is the first of Frist’s and Reid’s new relationship as the leaders of their respective parties and could delay business in the Senate next year, as happened in 2003 after Republicans regained control in the 2002 election.
...
Democrats instituted the 66-33-percent division of resources favoring the majority party, Lott said.
“That was in place during the many, many years of Democratic tyranny,” he added.

During the 108th Congress, Republicans and Democrats split resources 51-49, reflecting the ratio of 51 Republican senators to 48 Democrats and Rep. Jim Jeffords (Vt.), an independent who caucuses with the Democrats. If Democrats lost a third of their funding, they could have to cut a third of their staff from each committee.

Some 240 Democrats work for the Agriculture, Armed Services, Banking, Commerce, Energy and Natural Resources, Environment and Public Works, Finance, Foreign Relations, Governmental Affairs, Judiciary, and Veterans Affairs committees. That suggests 80 Democrats stand to lose jobs if Republican leaders get a 66-33 funding split.

http://www.hillnews.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/FrontPage/120804/split.html

[autorank]

1. OK, you want a test for Reid. This is it.

If he cleans Frist's clock, we're in great shape.

If he loses, we're still in limbo.

He won't cave. After all, this is about staff.

I must say that Frist's move is so 'corporate weenie' I can't stand it. It's what you'd expect from the bosses kid.

Fuck Frist!

CORPORATE AMERICA controls the media and we get MANUFACTURED NEWS.
CORPORATE AMERICA now controls the voting machines and we get MANUFACTURED ELECTIONS.

[Rose Siding]

2. I think it will be 60-40

without anyone breaking a sweat. If Reid can't get that, he's worthless.

[autorank]

4. I agree, so the figure is between 48% current and 40% likely.

Lets see how it goes. Personally, I think that 'cat killer' is not quite as bright at politics as he is at abusing stray, helpless animals. It's time to party, Democratic that is, and see if this guy has any of his boxing skills left.

[TaleWgnDg]

3. Since when in negotiating does one reveal his/her bottom line to

your opponent: "Oh, yes, Senator Frist, it isn't *fair* for you guys to have more than 50-50 split w/ cmte resources, but if you insist in being really horrible, we'll go for 55-44 but that's our bottom line, okay? Where shall we kiss your behind?" (Done while stomping one foot down very hard onto the Senate floor!)

[autorank]

5. Good grief. I just realized it. Frist is a total & complete bozo.

One thing major corporations like HCA used to do was play it down the middle. I've actually been privy to a few divisions of funds in the '80's and it was fun seeing Democrats get some serious dough (yes, I realize that's part of the problem).

Now, corporations are giving largely to the Republicans. However, there are no major corporations, e.g., HCA, that have their owners/controlling interest families out front stomping on the Democrats.

Just imagine the risk Frist is taking for HCA. The company will be toast, just total toast when power shifts.

Frist is a fool and a traitor to inherited wealth. He's risking it all on either his election as president or perpetual power for the Republicans.

CORPORATE AMERICA controls the media and we get MANUFACTURED NEWS.
CORPORATE AMERICA now controls the voting machines and we get MANUFACTURED ELECTIONS.

[WhoWantsToBeOccupied]

6. When a RAIDERS fan calls you "a total & complete bozo"...

Ouch! That's got to hurt!

Go, Pats

[autorank]

7. May this image haunt your nightmares for years to come!

BTW, we know you guys paid off the refs in that snow game just like Mr. Rooney paid off the refs in all those losses to the Steelers. Are you paranoid if people are really following you?

I do like Belichick a lot. He would have been our coach if you weasels hadn't paid him off. ARHHHHHGGGGGGGG

You've activated my case of SARD (Seasonal Affective Raiders Disorder).
Symptoms: arguments with the spouse, hopelessness, bad sportsmanship in all aspects of life.

WELCOME TO DU :toast:

[AndyTiedye]

8. They Don't Intend To Let the Power Shift. Ever.

[Absolute Truth]

9. Shouldn't this be pretty easy?

When was the last time we led 55-45..or the closest to that that happened in the past couple of decades. Let's just settle on the same ratio!

It seems like a pretty easy case to make that what's good for the goose is good for the gander!

What am I missing?

[Supersedeas]

10. Tyranny then is fairness now. Republican integrity??