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GOP: Dems Buddying Up to Big Business

Irony-proof party employs new strategy to battle climate bill

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 20, 2009 12:13 PM CDT

(Newser) – Senate Republicans are turning the tables on Democrats as the GOP battles a bill to fight climate change, Politico reports. A strategy memo says Republicans should paint the opposition as the party of big business, suggesting Dems are cozying up to “Wall Street traders,” “polluters,” and other corporate interests. “Business is not always going to be a good friend of the Republicans,” says a GOP lobbyist.

Republicans cite “blatant rent-seeking” among businesses backing a cap-and-trade system. Democrats say they’re not too concerned. “The Party of ExxonMobil and Peabody coal cannot credibly convince the American public that they are the champions of small businesses and consumers,” said a Democratic aide. Meanwhile, the GOP is planning a slew of amendments to the bill, slowing its passage.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., left, accompanied by fellow House and Senate Republicans, gestures during a news conference on the House steps on Capitol Hill, April 1, 2009.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., left, accompanied by fellow House and Senate Republicans, gestures during a news conference on the House steps on Capitol Hill, April 1, 2009.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
In this Wednesday, March 11, 2009 file photo, House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington.
In this Wednesday, March 11, 2009 file photo, House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington.   (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)
Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl of Ariz., left, talks with House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio, right, on the steps on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, April 1, 2009.
Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl of Ariz., left, talks with House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio, right, on the steps on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, April 1, 2009.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
ende
Nov 2, 2009 5:07 AM CST
To be honest, both parties are Big Business. Now they're both Big Government as well. Wait, are we still believing this absurd charade that they're even different parties?
Doctor-Zaius
May 20, 2009 11:14 AM CDT
The GOP: 100% bullshit, 0% substance.
DavePA
May 20, 2009 5:39 AM CDT
This is like the pot calling the kettle black! It is a shame voters have short memories.

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