Washington Post:
....This week and next, Senate Republicans will face crucial votes on measures to shift course in Iraq, probably beginning with a proposal by Sen. James Webb (D-Va.) that would require home stays for troops that are at least as long as their most recent combat tours before they can be redeployed to the war zones.
House and Senate negotiators are closing in on a major expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program that would largely mirror a $35 billion Senate version and be stripped of the House's controversial plan to trim back subsidies for private Medicare managed-care plans. The bill already has veto-proof support in the Senate, and opposition may be crumbling in the House.
"Most of the moderates will vote for S-CHIP if the Medicare piece is taken out," said Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-Ohio).....
Pryce claims to be a champion for children. Will she vote against S-CHIP and against healthcare for children? Pryce will need to show us which she cares about more---- the Bush agenda or healthcare for children.
Does Pryce want to have a legacy that has her supporting Bush's war in Iraq?
Eager to regain control of Congress, Republicans are suddenly confronting a new enemy — retirements.
In recent weeks, several Republicans have announced decisions to step down. Some, such as Sen. Wayne Allard of Colorado, who pledged to serve just two terms, were expected.
Others, such as Rep. Deborah Pryce of Ohio, took her colleagues by surprise. It’s a surprise the GOP didn’t want, because Pryce’s Columbus-area district is considered a swing seat that Democrats could win.
Bottom line: Three Republican senators — and not a single Democrat — have announced their retirements so far, according to a Cook Political Report tally. In the House, the count is seven Republicans and two Democrats.....
The Republicans are walking a fine line. Will they continue their unwavering support of Bush's failed policies and increase their chances of losing in November 2008? Only time will tell.