A Top House Repub. on Dems: "They can send their members home crowing about their accomplishments"

The Democrats are on the verge of passing several pieces of legislation that have been long needed. Today's Washington Post asks the key question:

But against such philosophical stands, there is a stark political problem: How many Republicans are really going to oppose legislation expanding insurance coverage for children, tightening ethics rules and bolstering homeland security?

Never, ever underestimate the capacity of Congressional Republicans to stand in the way of progress. But, the Democratic success of late have even been noticed by House Republicans:

"They've had a pretty strong quarter," said Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.), who praised the insurance bill as "creative" and suggested the homeland security bill would pass overwhelmingly. "The first quarter was not so good, and that's why they're not looking so good in the polls, but this quarter is looking very good for them. They can send their members home crowing about their accomplishments, and they've done it in a bipartisan way, which is exactly what they promised to do," LaHood said.

That's some pretty strong praise from a leading House Republican. Don't worry, though, the Republican leaders are gearing up to fight any legislation that helps kids get health insurance:

House Republican Conference Chairman Adam H. Putnam (R-Fla.) conceded that his party has its public relations work cut out for it, battling what he called "the underlying warm and fuzzies" of the bills' titles -- especially the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act. But he said Republicans would be able to make the case that a multibillion-dollar expansion of a government-funded program runs counter to taxpayers' wishes.

That's more like it. Putnam always comes through with just what we expect from Republicans.