Poll Position: Does ‘Gang’ plan help or hurt Saxby?
Saxby Chambliss got an unusual amount of attention this week. Georgia’s senior senator was front and center explaining the “Gang of Six” fiscal plan that was endorsed by President Obama and hailed by much of the press, even as it drew mixed reviews from Republicans on Capitol Hill and sharp criticism from some conservative commentators.
My own take, as I wrote Thursday, is that the proposal relies too much on future actions by Congress to be considered a concrete plan — for better or for worse. It’s almost the legislative equivalent of the “blank screen” that Obama has called himself: one that allows people to project upon it what they want to see.
But we all know that, as president, the Blank Screen hasn’t stoked bland emotions.
Nor will Chambliss move on from his Gang work quietly, especially among Georgia Republicans.
Does the 'Gang of Six' help or hurt Saxby Chambliss?
- It hurts him, and he'd lose a primary. (150 Votes)
- It helps him. (65 Votes)
- It hurts him, but he'd still be re-elected. (53 Votes)
- Too soon to say. (44 Votes)
- It helps him, but only if the plan is enacted. (14 Votes)
Total Voters: 326
Loading ...Some of this story remains to be written: The Gang’s plan could wind up forgotten, taken apart and borrowed from piecemeal, or put into action — to good effect or bad effect, given how many of the proposal’s details are still TBD. But, as things stand today, will Chambliss’ role in the Gang of Six, and its work product, boost him or diminish him politically?
That’s this week’s Poll Position question. Vote in the poll and answer in the comments thread. I’m particularly interested in the opinions of those Georgians who already tend to vote for Republicans, rather than those who would most likely vote for a future Democratic opponent of Chambliss anyway. But hey, it’s a free country!
– By Kyle Wingfield
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58 comments Add your comment
Bobbyb5257
July 22nd, 2011
6:19 am
I voted last time but now acting like a RINO.Probably won’t next time if he runs.
There's some meat on these bones
July 22nd, 2011
6:29 am
As much as I despise Chambliss, there’s a lot of good measures in his bill.
I like the reduction for the tax deduction on mortgage interest. It eliminates the deduction for higher valued homes but keeps it for houses that first time buyers would be purchasing.
However, until this is scored by the CBO, it means almost nothing.
Churchill's MOM.....Ron Paul for President
July 22nd, 2011
6:30 am
Saxby has always been the tool of the LOBBYIST..I voted 3rd party last time & plan to vote against the RINO Chambliss next time.
Scoring by CBO will tell all
July 22nd, 2011
6:35 am
Chambliss proposes reducing the tax rate for the highest income earners and corporations. He also proposes the elimination of tax loop-holes. The big question is, how much does one offset the other. Only the CBO scoring will tell.
Right now the effective tax rate for the very wealthy is at the lowest since before the Great Depression and big corporations like GE and Exxon pay no federal income taxes. No matter what, both groups have to pay their fair share!!
Ayn Rant
July 22nd, 2011
6:38 am
I don’t like the choices offered. Whether Saxby’s actions hinder or promote his political career is of no interest. Whether he serves the interests of his constituents matters. He doesn’t, but the majority of Georgians don’t care: they’ll vote him back into office.
georgiadawg70
July 22nd, 2011
6:58 am
As I said yesterday, Saxby has been in Washington too long. It’s time for him to go back to Moultre and spend time with the grandchildren.
willie1
July 22nd, 2011
7:00 am
When tax reform was enacted under Regan and a democratic congress the rates were lowered but
many deductions were removed. Before Regan all interest was deductable and rental losses could off- set ordinary income in most cases. Then the rates crept back up. Point being effective tax rate it not as simple as it seems. I am shocked when I hear either of our Senators named mentioned for anything. I am proud to see he is a part of a group trying to compromise and do something constructive. To me that beats the hell out of “The voters sent a message bs that most of oou representatives espouse. Most of you were elected because people had sa little less disdain for you than they did the other candidate not because the had a specific vote on a specific bill in mind
Keith Olbermann
July 22nd, 2011
7:02 am
Flash….Saxby will lose! The Tea Party is the silent majority and his actions will end his political career!! Bet all the APS workers who cheated are all Obama supporters! They all should lose their pensions!!
jconservative
July 22nd, 2011
7:10 am
Saxby is a big government liberal but he has an “R” after his name on the ballot and will be reelected in a close contest.
William
July 22nd, 2011
7:18 am
Bye Bye Sax… when you lie down with dogs.. gonna find your a** fired!
Ronnie Raygun
July 22nd, 2011
7:29 am
Saxby will be re-elected because he has name recognition, has an “R” next to his name, and Georgia voters aren’t all that bright.
Maybe the very vocal minority that are tea sippers will vote against him, but that all depends on how their big money Wall Street owners tell them to vote.
Tom E. Gunn
July 22nd, 2011
7:30 am
I too have voted for Saxby the last time. He has never been that popular in NGA anyway, and now with his pro immigration stand, I don’t see winning this part of the state. I wish the election was yesterday!
Bill
July 22nd, 2011
7:30 am
Nancy Pilosi spoke highly of this proposal – it is not even a bill yet. What I find disturbing is that it is more of the same – cut spending in later years where they are not accountable, if the cuts come at all – future congresses can easily bypass these requirements. These politicians shirk responsibility.
I am an independant – once a Republican who cried at Reagas tomb – I will not vote for a Republican who lacks courage and is misguided in their opinion of what a Satatesman is. Count me as a no vote for Saxby.
HJones
July 22nd, 2011
7:35 am
One of our senators was a turncoat in the “continuing resolution” at the first of the year, and now the second one decides to help the man who is driving the country into the ground. It looks as though they have conspired to alternate giving support the worst president and his policies in our history. Both of the Georgia senators are RINO’s. Neither will receive my vote in another election.
nobody
July 22nd, 2011
7:36 am
vote heavily republican, but never for big government, big spending, major earmarking saxby. this just renews my lack of faith in his conservative credentials.
Red
July 22nd, 2011
7:37 am
Saxby is a RINO and liberal now. Wow. It seems that he’s feeling unsure about not crashing the economy though. His staff answered my correspondence yesterday from the days of the Ryan budget discussions earlier this year. Quoting:
As my voting record demonstrates, I don’t believe raising taxes is the answer. The current tax code has become burdensome and complex and filled with provisions that only benefit a limited portion of Americans at the expense of higher rates for all Americans. As we go forward, my pledge remains to protect taxpayersand not special interests.
Name
July 22nd, 2011
7:37 am
Who cares if it helps or hurts Saxby? Good god….get rid of this ridiculous mentality of “us vs. them” The question should be “Is the Gang plan good or bad for Americans?” since, you know, that’s where the concern should lie. All this grandstanding going on on both sides of the aisle are sickening. We know damn well nobody in Washington is looking out for our best interests anyway. Let Saxby worry about his own self-important interests and his continued “I don’t care about the average Georgian” attitude.
b6542
July 22nd, 2011
7:40 am
DO they have to pass it before we see what is in it BS ?……….
Saxby needs to go. Time to draft Herman
Tommy Maddox
July 22nd, 2011
7:46 am
I think we need to have a Primary contest.
Jerome Horwitz
July 22nd, 2011
7:46 am
Shame that the one time Chambliss plays the role of a statesman rather than his usual political hack his “supporters” belittle him. Name has a real good point – get rid of us vs them. It’s called compromise folks. No one gets everything they want, but, they meet the middle ground.
Check these stats
July 22nd, 2011
7:47 am
Translation: Will compromising with a black man, for the good of the country, hurt Saxby among republicans? You betcha!
When Mitch McConnell believes House republicans have gone too far, you know they’ve gone too far.
independent thinker
July 22nd, 2011
7:48 am
First commendable action by this lame brained Senator who supported any action by George W Bush even if it meant driving the country into the ditch. That said – how much is he willing to cut unnecessary military spending (over 800 military bases worldwide and how many golf courses?)and unnecessary farm subsidies (like the $250,000 Michelle Bachman’s family gets for a “family farm”)? or is this just a smokescreen to avoid those tough issues? Of course thae average brain dead Georgia voter will call him a RHINO for even speaking to Democrats about a compromise like this is a UGA- GA Tech game,
Voter
July 22nd, 2011
7:49 am
His reply to a debt reduction letter. I appreciate your thoughts and comments in the past regarding our nation’s budget crisis. I wanted to reconnect with you on the situation, and summarize some solutions I have been working on. As always, I welcome your thoughts on this most important issue.
Our country is in the midst of a fiscal crisis. In 2010, our government spent at a rate of 25% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and took in revenues of 14.5% of GDP. Each number is, respectively, an historic high and low. This resulted in a $1.5 trillion deficit in 2010. This is obviously unsustainable. In addition, we have a $14.3 trillion debt that must be repaid. It is fundamentally unfair to require future generations to pay our bills when we have not found the will to do so.
The danger of the crisis is substantial and imminent, and you and I and future generations will pay a very high price if we continue to ignore the difficult decisions required to fix this grave threat to our country’s financial stability and national security. No less an authority than Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified that the greatest challenges to our nation’s defense are our deficit and debt.
With these facts in mind and the realization that Congress cannot kick this problem down the road, several months ago I joined a bipartisan group of senators to identify the difficult issues and make the necessary decisions that would address the twin challenges of our deficit and debt. Among other provisions, the proposal reduces the debt by $3.7 trillion over the next ten years; in the near term, stabilizes our publicly-held debt by 2014; and imposes tough and honest budget enforcement. We achieve these objectives through reducing discretionary spending, reforming entitlement programs, simplifying the individual and corporate tax code, and lowering tax rates.
In terms of tax reform, for example, we eliminate the alternative minimum tax. We broaden the revenue base significantly, lower all individual and corporate tax rates, and make our tax code more competitive for U.S. businesses here and abroad. This is a proven path to prosperity that President Reagan implemented in the mid-1980s. As my voting record demonstrates, I don’t believe raising taxes is the answer. The current tax code has become burdensome and complex and filled with provisions that only benefit a limited portion of Americans at the expense of higher rates for all Americans. As we go forward, my pledge remains to protect taxpayers and not special interests.
In sum, the solution must be based on both spending reduction and economic growth. Americans have demanded that leaders make the necessary changes to our fiscal policies to put our great nation on a track to sustained economic growth and real job creation. These choices may not be ones we would like to make, but ones we must make — now.
Please let me know whenever I may be of assistance.
sw1115
July 22nd, 2011
7:56 am
Saxby was sent to Washington with high hopes but, as with many who make it there, he’s gotten caught up in the “I’m a Senator!” mentality. I think the problem with the proposal, other than it won’t work, is that it is a proposal put forth to garner praise for the ones working on it rather than solving the problems of an out of control government. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that if you take in 150 billion a month and pay out 250 billion a month you’re in deep trouble. By the way, let’s put that in perspective: The entire Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space projects from the 60s and 70s, the project that put 12 men on the moon, cost about 125 billion in today’s money. That’s less than what this government pays out each month! Until someone has the nerve to say “stop spending so much money” this will never be cured. No “Gang of 6″ proposal that depends on a Congress 10 years from now to stop spending will ever solve the problem. It must be done now. Today!
And by the way, Ronnie Raygun, I’d much rather be sipping tea than drinking the Kool-Aid you’re drinking!
Carlosgvv
July 22nd, 2011
8:33 am
Compared to those cretins in the Tea Party, Saxby is a genius. You may be sure he has done his homework on this and knows he will come out ahead.
Karen
July 22nd, 2011
8:36 am
I never have thought highly of him, but going agaianst the “group think” mentality we now see in our party, I have gained respect for the man. He knew it would likely hurt him, but stood his ground anyway. More than I can say for the leadership of the Repulicans in DC.
Greg
July 22nd, 2011
8:41 am
This is a race Herman Cain can win. I’d vote for him over Chambliss every time. Run Herman, run!!!
BW
July 22nd, 2011
8:44 am
Kyle
Everyone complained that Saxby was a RINO last time he was up and you see what happened. He again will not be primaried and will win because of the R behind his name…give it a rest. Georgians only give a damn about R vs D.
roughrider
July 22nd, 2011
8:53 am
Saxby has always been the champion of the lobbyist who represent big business. I believe the working class will realize in time that Saxby does not represent them.
td
July 22nd, 2011
9:00 am
BW
July 22nd, 2011
8:44 am
I think Kyle was talking about losing in the primary. The question should be will there be a conservative challenger in the primary. This state is red and Chanbliss will easily beat any Democrat in a General election. Chambliss losing in the general election is like saying Obama will win the state of Georgia. It is a joke.
TCB
July 22nd, 2011
9:07 am
Saxby is simply a shallow senator and only follows others’ leads. If it’s not amnesty, it’s ethanol and now tax increases. He simply is not intune with the majority of Georgians and fits in the category with McCain, Graham, Snow and COllins. The Gang of RINOs. He will never get this conservative’s vote.
Mash
July 22nd, 2011
9:21 am
I’m a republican and I think it hurts him. While I’d hope he would lose a primary to a more conservative challenger, I seriously doubt that will happen. By the time an election rolls around this will be diminished in voter’s minds. The million dollar question is will anyone (Tea party candidate?) be able to raise significant $ to even be a serious challenge in a primary.
Southern Conservative
July 22nd, 2011
9:35 am
I’m proud to see our senior senator take a leadership position on an issue of national importance. We sent him to Washington to LEAD, remember? In life and in politics, compromise may be painful, but its often necessary for progress. Both Republicans and Democrats made concessions to form this “Gang of Six” proposal. It’s called being a “grown up”. Something you don’t often see on Capitol Hill and something many readers of the AJC are clearly unable understand. Regardless of whether the plan is adopted into law, Saxby Chambliss is to be commended for at least doing his part in offering a real solution.
Stevie Ray
July 22nd, 2011
9:55 am
Clarence Chambliss has about 10 years in Washington and we are bankrupt. Throw him out. While the blamsters will point to Bush (and prior/current Congress) for all current fiscal woes, Obama and the CBO had to see this crisis coming when elected in 2008 and chose to wait until 9th inning to address same.
Last two presidents AND last several Congress’ have all been BLANK SLATES. Wars, stimulus, healthcare all crap, especially without considering priorities for us taxpayers (and non-taxpayers). Most we jammed thru favorable Congress for relection as a priority.
Bart Abel
July 22nd, 2011
9:57 am
The Gang of Six proposal is continue the policies that would grow poverty rates, shrink the middle class, and to the extent that we had economic growth, shift more of it to the super-rich.
In addition, it includes proposals requiring 2/3 votes on major budget items that essentially moves us from the concept of majority rule to minority rule. These super-majority gimmicks are proposed by people who know that they can’t get a majority to agree with them, so they seek to put in place policies that require a super-majority to agree with the other side before the other side can act.
That said, kudos to Saxby Chambliss for proposing a plan that is a little less extreme than some of his Republican colleagues would like, and shame on Kent Conrad, Mark Warner, and Dick Durbin for running as Democrats and subsequently signing onto a plan that is the right of Ronald Reagan.
Ditto-heads
July 22nd, 2011
10:50 am
The Tea Party will introduce a challenger because lord knows you can’t cross Grover, Rush and Hannity. Fortunately the majority of Georgians don’t partake in their nonsense and Saxby will win again.
No Tea Party for you...
July 22nd, 2011
11:01 am
Saxby is a Republican like Republicans used to be before Newt. You could at least talk to them and they displayed some common sense. Replublicans now are expected to tow the party line and will destroy this country so that GE doesn’t have to pay taxes.
No Tea Party for you...
July 22nd, 2011
11:07 am
Apologize for the typo above. BTW, I still can’t forget how Saxby portrayed Max Cleland, a man who served and was wounded, as a traitor and a coward during their campaign. Tells me we will still vote for a Republican shyster over a Democratic hero. But then again, it is Georgia (or Alabama, or Mississippi or …..).
Rebel Without A Pause
July 22nd, 2011
11:56 am
I have voted for Chambliss in every election in which he was a candidate, but never again. I would love to see term limits imposed on the Washington elites. If it’s good enough for the president, it’s good enough for the House and Senate.
I will hope that he has opposition in the primary in which case I will vote for “anybody but Chambliss”, OR write in “Mickey Mouse”.
I would cut off my arm rather than vote for a democrap.
Jefferson
July 22nd, 2011
1:38 pm
Fund SS, raise the tax if needed. Fund the deficit, raise taxes if needed. When there are no interest payments, then adjust and balance. For now, fund.
1961_Boomer
July 22nd, 2011
2:13 pm
It’s too soon to say. IF the plan really reduces spending by at least $3 Trillion and IF the plan only increases tax revenues by $1 Trillion, after enacted, then I would say it helps Saxby.
But if …after all is said and done… we don’t get 3 Trillion in cuts OR if revenues go up by more than a Trillion, then Saxby gets the blame. These are things we wont know for a couple of years, but certainly in time for his next election.
The problem is: 1) unintended consequences off the bill and 2) if they pass this early and “Trust” Democrats to make the cuts later. Both of these scenerios doom this deficit reduction measure to failure. And if it fails, Saxby gets the blame.
Junior Samples
July 22nd, 2011
2:20 pm
So… You guys liked Saxby when he called a Vietnam Veteran a terrorist, but not now when he works with others across the aisle?
Shameful indeed.
GUMLOG
July 22nd, 2011
3:01 pm
I will never vote for Chambliss again! He is not a conservative. I voted 3rd party and would probably do so again.
dixiedemons
July 22nd, 2011
3:57 pm
It will hurt him. He can work with someone that doesn’t think like he does or agree with him. That means he can no longer be in the cult.
I Report (-: You Whine )-: Thee Magnificent!!! mmm, mmmm, mmmmm! Just sayin...
July 22nd, 2011
4:02 pm
obozo likes Saxby’s ideas so what again is the question?
yuzeyurbrane
July 22nd, 2011
4:08 pm
I have never voted for Saxby because I disagreed with his policy positions and I never did particularly like his tendency to take the low road in politics (remember Max Cleland smear). I don’t even like certain parts of the Gang of 6 proposal. However, he has earned my respect for trying to talk and more importantly listen to the other side. This is the adult way and I commend him for it. As to the ridiculous vitriol from other commentators above about him being a liberal or a RINO, I scratch my head and wonder what planet are they from.
Linda
July 22nd, 2011
4:10 pm
Saxby who? I have dismissed him & will try to forget he ever existed. He lied & I won’t tolerate it. He needs to have a cup of tea & understand Washington has changed. The days of tax & spend are over.
LawDawg
July 22nd, 2011
4:20 pm
I think Chambliss showed courage in putting forth a plan that has tax increases (as Reagan did when necessary). Perfect? No. But any deal is going to require compromise, as there are democrats elected to Congress who represent the interests of their constituents. The Tea Party would dogmatically drive us into the abyss if left to their wing-nut devices. This is much bigger than partisan politics, as a default would be unbelievably painful for all Americans. Congress is elected to compromise and do deals for the American people. Otherwise, what purpose do they serve? I applaud Saxby’s pragmatic approach, and I will now definitely vote for him again as a proud Georgia Republican.
KB
July 22nd, 2011
4:36 pm
I do not pretend to understand all the ramifications of his proposal, but I like that, at least, he’s trying, unlike many others in Congress who are willing to either do nothing or shoot down anyone else’s idea no matter the merits. R or D shouldn’t matter at this point; something needs to be passed that raises the debt ceiling while getting a toehold on lowering the deficit.
Bart Abel
July 22nd, 2011
4:54 pm
Piggybacking on my earlier post–
Every Republican in the Senate voted for “Cut, Cap, and Balance” today.
Did you know that C,C and B allows cuts to Social Security benefits and Medicare benefits with a simple majority vote but to get rid of loopholes for fat cats, for example, they would need a 2/3 majority vote?
Republicans are content with simple majority votes to pass things Republicans like, but seek to require super-majorities votes for the things Republicans hate.