What has happened with the republican Senate leadership?  On its face, it would seem they have ceded to their majority counterparts in the House.  With the major bills in the Senate (tax, education, budget), this is a wonderful opportunity for the GOP Senate leadership to step in and provide competent and reasoned leadership.  What we have seen, however, is continued tired & divisive rhetoric from the House leadership.  That time has came and passed at the height of the budget battle.  Opportunities were lost during those two weeks.  It is time for fresh eyes and perspective, or at the very least, a fresh voice discussing the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead over the final weeks.

The GOP plan for permanent tax relief as originally presented remains unrealistic, just as it was during the budget battle while in the house.  The failed proposal in the original form should have been taken off the table and replaced with a more suitable & workable proposal moderates could support, particularly in light of the support of  Rep. Lake's business equipment tax proposal and the continued calls by the executive and democrats for out of state tax collection support.  What has been missing is the leadership to pull these various issues together and fashion a compromise. 

There is not a clear mandate in the legislature.  Hanging on to an original proposal is unrealistic, and only serves a political purpose.