Dems loaded up tax-cut-extension bill with pork

As everyone knows by now, congress is squabbling over whether to extend the Bush tax cuts, and if so, whether "the rich" should or shouldn't be included in the extension.

Congressional Democrats--canny, clever critters who recognize an opportunity when they sees it--immediately began larding the bill up with "earmarks" (appropriations for specific projects that benefit the congresscritter's district--or the congresscritter) for everything they could think of.

Now, why would they do that?

Because it puts the GOP in the perfect bind: Dems know that if Republican members vote to block the pork by voting No on the bill, Dems can cry to the heavens that the eeevil Rethuglicans were responsible for their taxes going up next January.

On the other hand, if the Repubs hold their noses and vote FOR the bill, Dems have a great campaign weapon for the next election: "See, my Republican opponent cries that our national debt is out of control, but he voted FOR all the pork in Bill X, whereas I promise to be the Responsible Adult who will end earmarks and vote for smaller government."

It's a beautifully crafted tactic. Of course it can only succeed if the MSM turns a blind eye to the truth and the hypocrisy. But then again, the MSM is virtually an arm of the Democratic party.