Republicans took their first step toward removing the jackboot of fair taxation from the necks of America’s billionaires today when the House of Representatives voted 227-205 in favor of the House tax bill. Though 13 Republicans defected, most were from New York, New Jersey and California (including three of Jersey’s most vulnerable Republicans). Pat Meehan of nearby Pennsylvania voted for it, which could spell trouble for him with his suburban voters.
Remember, this is now a Gut Obamacare measure, so the usual rules apply: Phone calls from outraged voters are needed.
Also, a mistrial has been declared in the corruption trial of N.J. Sen. Bob Menendez because the jury couldn’t reach a unanimous verdict. One of the jurors said that 10 of the 12 panel members wanted to acquit, noting that there was “no smoking gun” in the evidence the government presented.