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HELENA Back in 2015, being a Montana Republican meant despising Obamacare and your loathing of it better have been a pre-existing condition.

House Speaker Austin Knudsen qualified. He voted against the states decision to expand Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act in 2015. When he ran for re-election last year, he pilloried Obamacare, saying he didnt want Congress to delay the removal of this ill-conceived disaster of a law.

That is now a distinct possibility, with Congress having begun the process of repeal.

But this has become a conundrum for Republican state lawmakers in GOP-dominated legislatures that expressed bitter opposition to the health care reform law but nonetheless took its federal Medicaid expansion money.

Though President-elect Donald Trump has said the law wont be scuttled without a replacement very quickly, many state legislatures find themselves having to plan budgets without knowing whether theyll be stuck paying to keep their poorest citizens insured.

Medicaid was expanded under the law in 31 states, but only seven of them were states with Democratic majorities who embraced federal health care reform. Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican whose state added 700,000 to the health insurance rolls, told reporters recently: I just want to know whats going to happen to all those people who find themselves out in the cold.

GOP lawmakers in North Dakota and Nevada have expressed similar worries.

Montana is in a particularly precarious position. The state is required by constitution to balance its budget based on projected revenues, but its Legislature meets only every other year meaning lawmakers who began their session this month have to peer two years into the future at the unpredictable landscape of federal health care law.

Obamacare provided health insurance to thousands of Montanans who formerly didnt have it; now, even Republicans worry that Congress may scuttle the law without funding an alternative.

I still dont think its realistic to say Well, were going to cover an additional 60,000 to 70,000 people but if the federal government takes the money away, were simply going to jerk the rug from underneath those people, Knudsen said.

Sitting in his office on a cold, snowy afternoon the first week into the legislative session, he leaned forward confidentially.

We cant afford it.

Minority Democrats in Montana tried twice to expand Medicaid coverage during implementation of the federal health care law. A slim Republican majority beat it back in 2013 but narrowly succeeded two years later with a plan to offer Medicaid coverage to all adults with incomes near the poverty level.

Rep. Rob Cook, a burly man who played running back in high school, carried the bill as the Republican sponsor and was intent on getting it to the goal line.

Cook said after he cast his vote in favor of the expansion and it passed 54-42, he looked around at the majority of his fellow Republicans on the House floor.

It was 42 faces of hate, he said.

Yet the program proved popular in the sparsely populated state, with twice the number of people expected signing up by July 2016. There are 61,233 on the program now.

Republicans in Montana, as in most frontier states, often share with their constituents a high degree of mistrust and distaste for the federal government an attitude that carries into fights over public lands, gun rights and, in recent years, Obamacare.

Washington, D.C., is seen as far away, distant, removed and not in touch with what life is like here in Montana, said Robert Saldin, associate professor of political science at the University of Montana. The popular image of the bureaucrat in some cubicle making critical decisions that affect life here in Montana without any knowledge, or having been here, or how policies affect people on the ground here, is the kind of image at work within the Republican Party here.

But with droves of outsiders moving into university towns like Missoula and Bozeman, the state isnt entirely intolerant of Democrats. As recently as 2009, the House was split 50-50; last year, they were at 61. Republicans hold a four-seat edge in the Senate. Gov. Steve Bullock is the second consecutive Democrat to lead the state.

Senate President Scott Sales, a Republican who voted against Medicaid expansion, said hes sympathetic to those who are now getting health care for the first time and has heard health success stories because of the law.

But Sales said the state cant afford to keep the program going on its own. Montana paid just about $5 million for its share of the program, while the federal government kicked in $153.6 million for six months in fiscal year 2016, according to the Legislative Fiscal Division.

The state projects its cost over the next two fiscal years to rise to about $70 million, with $847 million in federal funding.

Montana doesnt have a lot of options. Lower-than-expected oil and corporate tax revenues left the state $142 million short of expectations in the 2016 fiscal year, based on a two-year budget of $12.8 billion. Sales said most of those getting health insurance under the Medicaid expansion are capable of working and getting private insurance.

The best thing we could possibly do for people the best health care system is a good job, Sales said. They need to take ownership for themselves. There is no constitutional guarantee to health care. If there is one, Id love to have someone show it to me.

To appease Montana Republicans when the expansion law was passed, a sunset clause put it up for renewal in 2019. But Bullock said stripping recipients of health care without a plan would be irresponsible.

Governing the fractious state, Bullock, with his frequent vetoes, has come to be known as the goalie governor. But he said lawmakers of all stripes have heard the stories about people getting health care for the first time.

One man wrote the governor an email about how the new insurance had allowed him to see a doctor and get treatment for a potentially fatal adrenal crisis.

You saved my life on Feb. 10, he wrote.

While the debate over Obamacare is taking place in Washington, Bullock said, it is states that are on the front lines, and state lawmakers who will have to figure out what to do until Congress finds a solution.

Doubtless if the ground substantially shifts, well hear from people a lot more than the folks in Washington, D.C., will hear from them, Bullock said. Because we also see them in our churches, in our communities on our streets.

Cook agreed, saying congressional Republicans didnt have any real stakes in the process while former President Barack Obama was in power.

The easiest vote in any legislature is a no vote (for something) you know is going to pass, he said. I think Republicans have been negligent at the federal level in not trying to make the program work. Its been extraordinarily bad behavior and its not what you get elected to do.

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Montana Republicans loathe Obamacare, but are they ready to dump it? Not so fast - The Missoulian

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Robert Reich, the Clinton-era secretary of labor, is claiming to have inside information indicating that Republicans in Congress are clandestinely planning to impeach President Donald Trump because they think Trump is out of his mind.

Reich published his exclusive knowledge of the situation on Facebook Saturday morning.

The lowdown comes from a breakfast rendezvous with a former Republican member of Congress, Reich said.

The ex-congressman described Trump as no Republican, Reich said. Hes just a big fat ego.

Republicans in Congress will play along for a while with Trump to achieve smaller government: tax cuts galore, deregulation, military buildup, slash all those poverty programs, and then get to work on Social Security and Medicare and blame him. And hes such a fool hell want to take credit for everything.

Congressional Republicanswill then impeach Trump.

They like Pence, the unidentified former congressman told Reich, according to Reich. Pence is their guy. They all think Trump is out of his mind.

Here is Reichs report of the full exchange:

Reichs Facebook page is titled Inequality Media. He has a similarly-named website: Inequalitymedia.org.

The ultra-progressive economist inasmuch as a mere law school graduate can be called an economist is currently a public policy professor at the University of California, Berkeley.

During the fall semester of 2014, Reich had been slated to teach just one course while raking in an impressive annual salary of $242,613 from taxpayer-funded Cal Berkeley. (RELATED: Robert Reich Sticks It To Poor People With $242,613 Salary For Teaching ONE CLASS This Semester)

The yearly salary of $242,613 $20,217 per month placed Reich squarely in the top four percent of all Americans at the time.

Follow Eric on Twitter.Like Eric on Facebook. Send story tips to[emailprotected].

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Clinton Labor Secretary: Republicans In Congress Think Trump Is A Lunatic And Will IMPEACH Him - Daily Caller

The good news for Republicans is that they have nearly unprecedented political power both inside and outside of Washington starting Friday.

The bad news is that America is already concerned they'll go too far with it.

A new poll from the Pew Research Center shows Americans have warmed to the Republican Party, with its favorable rating having risen to 47 percent the highest that's been in years.

A big reason is that Republican-leaning independents are suddenly much happier withthe party they favor but don't call their own. Last year, less than half liked the Republican Party; today it's 72 percent.

But there's another key number that I think is worth pulling out as we move forward. And it's this: Despite this rise in affection for the GOP, many more people see it as the more extreme of the two major American political parties.

While our polarized country is pretty evenly split on questions of which party empathizes better and which is more ethical or effective, there is no parity on the question of which party is more extreme. On that one, 58 percent say it's the GOP, compared with just 33 percent forDemocrats.

While the Republican Partyhas improved on other measures, on this one it has gotten worse. The 58 percent who say the GOP is the more extreme political party is higher than at any point since at least 2011. And the GOP was certainly accused plenty of extremism in the intervening years as it fought back against President Obama.

So why the shift? Part or maybe even all of this is undoubtedly President-elect Donald Trump, who on the campaign trail proposed some highly controversial polices involving Muslims, illegal immigrants, waterboarding and Russia. It remains unclear exactly how much of that he'll follow up on as president, but it seems Americans have been paying attention and judging his party accordingly.

Combine this with how Republicans have the power to actually implement their agenda by virtue of their congressional majorities, and it's not unreasonable to ask whether they risk going too far. Americans are already primed to believe the GOP isthe more extreme party, and nowRepublicans have a chance to either prove them right or wrong.

For now, it doesn't seem to have hampered their ability to win elections or see their approval numbers climb but being in charge means owning your outcomes, and Republicans will now do that.

Read the original here:
Republicans have an 'extreme' problem - Washington Post

MEMO

TO: Senators Moran and Roberts; Representatives Jenkins, Marshall and Yoder

As Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th U.S. president, you and all your congressional colleagues have a solemn obligation to support your co-equal branch of government.

Above all else, this means using your independent judgment, protecting the Constitution, and working to enhance the security and well-being of all Americans.

In this highly partisan even tribal age, as Republican legislators you bear a special responsibility, given unified GOP control of the federal government. This would be true, no matter the president, but your burden is particularly great with the inexperienced and erratic Donald Trump.

So, I urge you to do your duty as you engage with the president and his administration. You need not abandon your conservative, Republican principles, but you must protect the Congress, your constituents and the American people, especially on the following:

First, U.S. Russian relations. Allow even encourage investigations to go forward as to the Russian involvement in American elections. Be skeptical of agreements that Trump and Russian president Putin might reach. Make sure that all relevant agencies, from State to Defense to Commerce are completely involved in negotiations. Remember Ronald Reagans great line, Trust, but verify. And think twice before trusting.

Second, fully support the U.S. Constitution, most notably with regard to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, free exercise of religion and the emoluments clause that prohibits all elected officials from benefiting from foreign gifts or payments. This last issue is difficult, given the lack of constitutional precedent. I implore you to think as the late Justice Scalia might have, harking back to the framers real fear of foreign involvement in our politics. Do not naively believe Trumps promises or take this issue lightly. The very independence of the nation is at stake.

Third, health care. You have all vigorously and relentlessly attacked Obamacare. Fair enough. Now the health care ball is completely in your court. Take your legislative roles seriously and dont pass a hurried bill that will cast at least 18 million Americans out of the health care system. Nor should you adopt some kind of fig leaf legislation that will leave those millions without effective care. Sen. Jerry Moran has made a good start here, noting Health care is so important it ought to have input from all members of Congress, all parts of the country and all constituencies, as compared to just a Republican plan.

Fourth, the truth. If, or rather when, President Trump lies, call him out rather than remaining silent. You will have many opportunities here. Partisanship and fear of reprisals may hold you back from responding, but you must speak out. A president should not be able to blatantly lie and get away with it. Dont let him.

Fifth, given your majority status, provide committees the time and resources to work hard on important issues and actually address complex problems like health care and trade, rather than simply adopting ideological positions masquerading as legislation.

Finally, regardless of what President Trump says or tweets, remain civil in your discourse and in how you approach the opposition.

To recycle an overused, but apt, phrase, we are truly in uncharted waters. Republicans in the House and Senate are in the position to act responsibly, to seriously oversee this administrations actions, and to protect the rights of the Congress and their constituents. This is what an independent legislature does.

With your many opportunities come immense responsibilities. The next four years will offer you continual chances to represent all Kansans with independence, integrity, and energy.

For all of us, please rise to meet these daunting tests.

Burdett Loomis is a professor of political science at the University of Kansas.

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Republicans in the Trump Era - Hutchinson News

Since the election, I've heard some of my fellow Republicans claim that the party received a decisive mandate from voters.

Let's be clear: The American people didn't give the GOP a stamp of approval or a mandate to ram through an ideologically driven, far-right agenda. If the election was a mandate for anything, it was for elected officials in both parties to break through the gridlock to finally start producing results.

Americans from all walks of life have voiced their deep frustration with Washington's seeming inability to get anything constructive done. For decades, they have watched politicians talk a good game while failing to deliver. They have watched as politicians intentionally create chaos and widen the partisan divide for their own personal gain.

During the election, Donald Trump seized on the nation's discontent, convincing voters in swing states that he was the candidate who could drain the swamp, while Hillary Clinton was the candidate of the status quo.

Republicans should remember that when Trump campaigned, he wasn't holding up a conservative manifesto at every rally. Instead, his message was simple: cut deals and deliver results.

If Republicans now operate under the incorrect assumption that they have a broad mandate, they are doomed to repeat the same mistakes made by Democrats over the past eight years. Democrats misinterpreted the mandate for change in 2008 as an ideological mandate to move the country sharply to the left. They rammed through policies like Obamacare and Dodd-Frank with little, if any, bipartisan support. Democrats paid the price at the ballot box, and Republicans will meet that same fate if they misinterpret the results from November.

What the vast majority of Americans want now is for both parties to cast aside their petty partisan differences in order to deliver solutions that benefit the nation.

Unfortunately, the far-right and far-left are already mobilizing to prevent that from happening, ensuring that we keep the status quo: polarizing rhetoric, stalemate in Congress and no meaningful results.

The far-left has vowed to stop Trump every step of the way, even though he hasn't even been sworn in yet. These extreme voices already seem to be influencing the rhetoric of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who recently made the proclamation that the only way he would work with Trump is if the president-elect "moves completely in our direction and abandons his Republican colleagues." If Schumer is sincere about closing the door shut on bipartisanship, then Democratic leaders want to maintain gridlock.

Meanwhile, the far-right is already creating their own definition of what "draining the swamp" means. They're demanding Republican members to go on record supporting their agenda, which is certainly not the same agenda the American people voted for.

This is nothing new. For years, so-called "conservative" for-profit special interest groups have attempted to turn every provision in every bill into a litmus test of ideological purity. They promise to primary any Republican who dares to even think about working in a bipartisan manner.

Both the far-right and the far-left want to maintain the gridlock and dysfunction. Together, they represent the single greatest threat to producing progress for the American people.

I, for one, have no intention of sitting down and watching another re-run of the same divisive partisanship we see year after year. I resolve to work with my colleagues to succeed in producing the good rather than failing to produce the perfect.

I'll be reaching across the aisle to find opportunities to work with Democrats on the issues that desperately need to be addressed: reforming the nation's broken immigration system, providing regulatory relief, overhauling the VA, reforming our criminal justice system and modernizing our nation's crumbling infrastructure.

Republicans are in power and have the potential to deliver historic results - but only if we work together with the Democrats who also want to see progress. We owe it to the American people to set aside the areas where our ideology may prevent progress, and find common ground where there are plenty of opportunities to produce good results. It is time for Republicans to step up and lead.

Thom Tillis, a Republican, represents North Carolina in the U.S. Senate. This first appeared in The Charlotte Observer.

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Thom Tillis: Voters didn't give Republicans a mandate - Fayetteville Observer