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Subscribe to RSSHouse Speaker John Boehner dismissed Grover Norquist as a "random" person on Thursday despite a week's worth of frequent references to the antitax activist on Capitol Hill.
The name of Norquist, the Americans for Tax Reform president, has been on the lips of just about every political figure who's expressed frustration at his influence over Republicans, and their unflinching resistance to tax hikes in any form.
The reason is Norquist's "Taxpayer Protection Pledge," the manifesto Norquist first drafted in 1986 which opposes increases in taxes. Boehner and another 235 House members have signed the pledge, as have 41 senators. The vast majority of signatories are Republicans, and only six Republicans in each chamber haven't signed the pledge. (All of the GOP's presidential candidates but Jon Huntsman have also signed.)
But today, when asked by NBC News about Norquist's sway over the GOP conference, Boehner downplayed the relationship.
“We are doing everything we are doing to get our economy back to work. It's not often I'm asked about some random person in America," the Speaker said of Norquist.
NBC News: Random person?
"Our focus is about creating jobs, not talking about somebody's personality."
NBC News: What he stands for, is that a positive influence in your conference?
"What he stands for???"
NBC News: Yes, his no tax hikes under any circumstances pledge, is that positive for your conference?
"Listen, our conference is opposed to tax hikes because we believe tax hikes will hurt our economy and put Americans out of work."
Boehner’s reference to Norquist as a “random person” struck many on Capitol Hill as odd; privately, GOP aides will often discuss Norquist’s influence on GOP politics and admit its significance.
The test of Norquist's sway, though, will come in the next few weeks, when the bipartisan, bicameral supercommittee is set to make its recommendations as to how to achieve as much as $1.5 trillion in deficit reduction. Republican members of the panel are under pressure to agree to new revenues through tax reform, a prospect which Norquist has already decried.
Democrats and even some Republicans feel he has undue influence on deficit discussions because Republicans worry if they support any type of tax increase, Norquist’s group will attack them come election season.
Already, proponents of those kinds of reforms have begun to test the fealty of the GOP to Norquist.
Alan Simpson, the former Republican Senator from Wyoming and former co-chairman of the president’s fiscal commission said, “If Grover Norquist is now the most powerful man in America, he should run for president. There's no question about his power. And let me tell you, he has people enthralled. That's a terrible phrase. Lincoln used it. It means your mind has been captured. You're in bondage with a soul.”
Yesterday on the floor of the U.S. Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said of Norquist’s influence on Republicans: “They are in a thrall -- they're in submission to a man whose singular focus keeping taxes low for wealthy, they fear his political retribution.”
That was the second shot Reid had taken at Norquist. Earlier in the week, he said: "My Republican friends, these poor folks, are being led like puppets by Grover Norquist ... They’re giving speeches that we should compromise on our deficit, but never do they compromise on Grover Norquist. He is their leader.”
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Hope the Ohio voters dismiss Boehner!
They can start by allowing the Bush (temporary) tax cuts to expire; after all they are supposed to be temporary. Oh wait, I forgot, that would be a tax increase because by Republican standards even something that is temporary isn't really (temporary).
Has anyone noticed who is missing in these post, most of the rightwing nut jobs. Even they must be hiding from this absurd statement by boner. Come on who is going to defend boner.......anyone
Yeah we're missing their "job creators" rhetoric and how these special people will be hurt and will defy the laws of economics and hire less based on a 7/10th of 1% tax increace.
so now boner is talking like a pre-teen girl----"oh it's so totally random"....wtf?
I think Mr. Boehner has his balls being tickled by Mr. Norquist. I do agree with one of the comments "how can the republicans/democrats who have signed some bogust plege uphold their oath of office?" In addition, the republicans are starting to feel the heat and the President's approval rate is climbing as he is focused not on the campaign but calling them out for not helping the "AMERICAN PEOPLE" now! There is no doubt that both sides have flaws in governing, however I give props to the current administration for at least trying to get something positive happening in our country. Mr. Norquist sole purpose is to keep the weathly taxes low regardless of the impact to our middle and lower class. I think it's time for Mr. Norquist and his influence to cease and let our congress do their job with common sense. Thank you!
You listen to Crying Speaker Tan Man putting out this kind of crap, you watch Rick Perry making a total fool out of himself in New Hampshire, Herman Cain doesn't know that China developed nuclear weapons more than 40 years ago, Bachmann lives in some kind of la-la land --- the common thread in the Republican Party seems to be STUPID.
Will some lawyer dress this up to make it a concrete amendment to the Constitution as something the Tea& OWS movements can rally around and give this country some progress from the mess money has brought to our democracy….
Money and any form financial support given to a political party or individual running for elected office are not a form of speech and can be regulated.
Money and any form financial support given to a political party or individual running for elected office shall not be exempt from any tax burden.
All donations of money or financial support given political party or individual running for elected office shall be public information with all donors indentified.
I'll defend Boehner because he is right. Norquist does not control the republican party. Sorry Libs that is a fact. The left throws him out-there everyday like he is some kind of GOD over the the republicans. He is not. Not like Soros and the Hollywood elite have control over the democrats. Both parties are full of corruption no-one can deny that. Term-limits and smaller goverment is the only cure.
Then why do they all sign it and obstruct any progress in order to defend it?
Having them tried and executed sounds better.
All current and former member of Congress.
Those that have died when found guilty of their crimes.
The estate can be siezed.
Jim, stop lying about your party. You Grovel for Grover far worse than any lib for Soros. Admit it. Democrats pledge allegiance to the United States of America. That makes them patriots. Republicans pledge allegiance to Grover Norquist. That makes them traitors. Accept that. If you can't, then demand your senator or congressman renounce his pledge to Norquist.
Geeeez, I did not think someone would be stupid enough to defend Boner and Party and the oath to Grover, just goes to show you everyone has a twin somewhere. WOW!
"Norquist does not control the republican party."
Right - and Elvis is alive, Bill never had sex with that woman, Iraq had WMDs, the world is flat and man never landed on the moon.
After all those childhood years spent watching Beany and Cecil on TV, I never thought Dishonest John really existed.
And now he's the Speaker of the House (such as it is).
Nyah-ah-ahhh. Go figure.
I think the tanning booth is affecting his brain
John Boehner has an E-Mail address . Why don't we all go there and tell him what we really think of him and his party? I have done this before and have gotten a robo answer- "Thank you for contacting my office. blah blah blah" I don"t think he wants his mail crashed, but why don't we see if we can do it!!
I tried doing that, he only takes email from people in his district. As speaker of the house, he should take emails from all Americans. He's not alone in this though, it's getting harder and harder to contact our elected representatives and when they do bother to answer, it's very obvious that you are getting a stock response which can only leave you to the conclusion that they didn't even read your message.
If the Silent Majority will do their duty.
And vote next November.
Boner will just be a random person.
"Boehner and another 235 House members have signed the pledge, as have 41 senators" Signing these pledges should be illegal for elected officials. By signing these pledges the elected official actually promising to represent only a selected few and to support special interest agenda over that of all their constituents. It like saying I am the Senator for that group only not my. I know this if I was a Senator or Representative and some special interest group came to me with one this idiotic pledges. I would make it clear to them that they are not the only people in the state or the country and that I represent all of my constituents not just a few.
I think the tanning booth is affecting his brain
Norquist is a great American and the Speaker needs to watch himself. Its time for true Americans to take back this nation from the queer loving socialists and Democratic trash. This is a conservative nation and always will be. I suggest that you all get on board and follow the lead of people like Norquist. He is the new face of the U.S. We are not going back to social liberalism and fiscal irresponsibility.
We are a democracy, not an oligarchy.
Tell me how the koolaid tastes as you hit the rocks at the bottom of the cliff with the other lemmings.
merli pearli
surprised to find you still alive
still surpressing your homo tendencies?
half a brain and it does not function
norquist give you a reach around
Ah, the refreshing voice of fascism, demanding we all better follow lock-step, jackboots gleaming in the morning mist, as we march in unison over a cliff.
Bah.
Oh, I left out: "Sieg Heil."
Merle- Grover is a great American--if you are one on the filthy rich!! Why don't you go with real mad independent over to the FOX page and talk crazy. That is the only place I can think of where you would get the wrong definition of "socialism".
You socialist, queer loving, liberals don't bother me. We ARE going to take this nation back and drive out the sick liberals. I find it disgusting that you Democrats and SOME Republicans support the filthy queers and have encouraged our young people to view them as "human". Every one of the Republican candidates shares my disgust with fags and that is how it should be (except for Romney - and he can't win). It's time for you people to get used to the way things are going to be. I am a TRUE Republican and we need to purge OUR party of the RINOs and give the American people what they really want - real conservatism.
merli pearli
The real GOP would not have you even say you are one of them
you are a low-life trailer park trash trying to be sumti you ain,t
an intelligent human being
the real GOP (made up now mostly of the Silent Majority) have left politics
since people of your lack of intelligence took over
Anyone have spare medication for Merle I think his ran out. Dude you really have issues, you better have a big majority because my a$$ ain't going nowhere. Is that your face or did your neck just throw up.
You will change your mind, boy. There won't be a choice. You may as well get ready for some adjustments to your libtard agenda. This is GOING to be a true conservative nation again.
Whats that saying the NRA has... from my cold dead hands or something like that. Go for it Merle.
You boys saw what happened last November when true CONSERVATIVES took the house? We are going to take it all next November. The proof can be found in last years elections. Pay attention and get ready.
I'm just going to go ahead and assume that Merle enjoys baiting readers for the fun of it.
I thought Merle was a girl and having a bad day with PMS, midol works!. If all of us "libtards" win in the next election and I think we will- will you accept donations for air fare to anywhere? I am going to put forth the notion that it will then be too awful for you to stay in this country.
"We are not going back to fiscal irresponsibility"
that's funny, a Repuke talking about fiscal responsibility.
FYI Policy spending by Bush and Repuke are nearly 6 trillion and counting.
Hey Merle, just come out of the closet buddy. Its ok not to hate yourself for your urges. Just let yourself go and do all the pluggin and blowin you wish, and hopefully you'll be a happier person for it :)
Merle -- when are you going to answer the big question?? What kind of drugs are you on???
Can we all now admit that being GOP is being a "wh*requist for Norquist?"
Or better yet, Can we call the GOP "Grovellers for Grover?"
Okay, Boehner, if Norquist is just some random person (whose pledge you just happened to sign) perhaps I, as just some random person, can get you to sign my pledge: "I, your name here, pledge that I will put the good of this country above myself, my party and my rich friends and backers."
How about it John? Eric? Any politician anywhere in this country?
Careful Mr. Speaker, you now will be "primaried".
The gop are UN-AMERICAN>
They only care about the 1%.
They have done more damaged to our country and terrorized us then Al-Queda
this week the house repeats, "in god we trust", I think there is hidden pledge ,"In Norquist we trust". from a dictator Grover Norquist now the gop god- (wow, just get one d to stand upside down ).
Can we call the DNC tax cheats, liars, queers and theives?
Thats exactly what they are! Say it! We need to take this nation back from those socialists and queer lovers and give it back to REAL Americans. This is a conservative nation and it always will be. Its time to re-criminalize fag behavior and ban Socialism. I'm with you, Jim.
Are you two married?
Norquist, as I have stated before, is just a dictator and that is what he is prepping for. He holds too much power over the TP/Republicans, and they succumb to his wishes. Norquist is the only one they are interested in.
The Republicans sign promises left and right. What is wrong with these people. What have they been promised by Norquist. Everyone should stop and think about it. Dictators can control very fast, especially since Norquist has been building his "followers" since 1986.
They must be.
It has not been too long ago
A replican had to wide a stance in the toilet at the airport restroom
now he was like merli pearli he was a real American
South or Central not North
merli and jimmy are going to be in the closet discussing homo thoughts wid der make-believe god hay-zeus
Roger, You are just mad because you know I'm right. Its understandable, but no excuse to lie. You "moderates" and liberals are NOT going to run this Christian nation into the ground. Real Republicans will not let you. We have the power and you know it.
Yes, I'm married to a WOMAN. There is no such thing as "gay marriage".
jimmy boy
i before e except after c
i graduated from 4th grade and I know that.
u probably 1 of dem dat want the Spanish to know English !
Merle, you should give Jim your digits. You both seem ready to embrace the rainbow and jump out of that closet that causes so much anger and tension in your lives!
merli
bet ur wife is not happy or gay
does she suck it
put her finger up ure rectum
somewhat satisfy your homo lust?
Your wife has our sympathy, living with a gay man can be so demanding. As for running this country in the ground the Christian do not need any help, they are doing a fine job all on their own.
Y'all need to shut up. I am a Godly man and have never been "gay". MY opinion is supported by all the Republican candidates (except Romney) and the VAST majority of the American people. Get over it. It IS going to happen. This nation is going to be taken back and put back on a foundation of God, family and patriotism. Like the fags, y'all can learn to change or be marginalized by society. It's up to you.
merli
stephen saw Yeshu'a and touched his wounds in his hands
declared Teshu'a was the son of Yaweh
Stephen was stoned
he died
one dies under Yaweh's Law when they lie
if he had been speaking the truth he would have lived
to hard for an indoctrinated from youth person to grasp that Yeshu'a ewas not and never claimed to be the son of Yaweh.
the names will probably confuse a dog like yourself
Merle--- There is no such thing as "gay marriage".
You're right, there is only marriage between two caring, consenting adults who want to be in a committed relationship--period.
Why do you care if two people who love each other get married? My neighbors are a lesbian couple, they have 5 children between them and they are the nicest family. The kids are polite, do well in school and have never been in trouble. They pay their bills, own their home and both are employed and work hard. I know a couple of gay men who have adopted 7 handicapped kids who no one else would take; these kids are now thriving instead of being in foster care and possibly a drain on society for their whole lives. These two men are highly educated, well-off and their only crime is loving one another...I just don't get why the republicans want to make these people second-class citizens. And by the way, your position is not shared by the vast majority of people. It's, thankfully, the other way around.
Democrat trash. You know nothing of Christianity.
I know Yeshu'a did not die on the cross
a civil penalty for a civil crime
stoning was a religous punishment for a religous crime
such as claiming to be the son of Yaweh
the only 2 ways to die on the cross
starvation
or having the legs boke so the weight of the body against the diaphagm causes suffocation
biology 101
I know everything about the creation of your man-made god and I hope and pray to Yaweh that the christians get what they wish for
eternal life and the lake of fire
for the sin of what you have done to Yeshu'a
whereas the Jews and Muslims have the same patriarh
Abraham
pray to the same God Yawehin Hebrew and Allah in Arab
and I know and you have proven time and again your brain is stuck on stupid
patriarch Abraham
Yaweh in Hebrew and Allah in Arab
and proven that he lied by saying Yeshu'a was the son of Yaweh and being stoned and dieing
christians made him (Stephen a Jew) their first Saint
Merle, you are not a godly man not even close. You are filled with hate for yourself and everyone around you. You are unhappy in your life because you have no control over it, you have a shallow life because you live in a shallow pond. You need help and Church will not do it.
As far as I am concerned, anyone who signed this pledge should be ousted. They were elected to represent the people and not the rich only. They gave an oath which they have broken.
They took an oath to uphold the constitution.....are you saying there is no 'Norquist amendment'? I could've sworn there was one about putting the no tax pledge above the American people! I'm going to have to go back and read the bill of rights again....maybe if you're a republican and you read real close in between the lines? Something has to explain their irrational stance on this.
And I agree, Laura, they should be ousted...maybe in November of 2012---sounds good to me!
You are wrong, Sue. You sound like one of those "javelin throwin lesbians" the Democrat party is so proud of.
Merle, I'm a lesbian because I think taxes should be raised on the rich? If I were a lesbian, I would not be ashamed of it; however, I am not. Will you admit that you are a bizarre, mean-spirited, little troll?
Could you folks out there please, please, stop inciting Merle!
His vehement spittle is beginning to collect on the inside of my monitor screen.
Sorry, gcooper, I forgot the rule about not feeding the trolls.
gcooper your such a party pooper. Feeding trolls is good clean entertainment, sure can't hurt them.
Boner's statements sound just like Cain's. Who? They must be a couple of owls.
OK, now this is really laughable. The Speaker said, “We are doing everything we are doing to get our economy back to work." and "Our focus is about creating jobs,..." They filibuster every bill, care nothing about creating jobs, and are hardly even showing up to work. When they do show up they don't try to work together. Republicans block every attempt to create jobs and we are the ones who suffer.
Unfortunately, Joe, you hit the nail right on the head!
No. Thats because all the Democrat bills are socialist.
Our bills are socialist, because we are Christians and follow the lead of Jesus. He said, " Give all your possessions to the poor and come follow me." And he also fed the masses when he only had 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. He didn't say, "They should have brought their own. Too bad for them."
Every poll has shown that the majority of the public supports higher taxes for the Rich. That means that any Congressman that refused to either eliminate obsolete tax breaks or raise rates for the rich refuses to abide by the wishes of the voters.
It doesn't matter if the refusal is because of Grover or other reasons. It goes against the will of the people!!!!!!!!!!
You have NEVER seen a poll that shows the American people WANT taxes. Thats a lie.
Yes on the TV thingy. Over 70% would like to see a tax increase in the 1% nah nah gay BOY.
You're a pure liar. Americans voted against taxes last November and they do NOT want taxes. You are lying.
No not really, they have done polls with the results stated. But if your reality can not handle the truth no problem here belief what you will. The world is flat right, and man can not fly or go to the moon. You have my pity.
-
How about 23 of them? Even Warren Buffet and Bill Gates think the wealthy should pay more.