So state attorneys general are lining up to sue the federal government over the pending enactment (or whatever we can call it) of the federal healthcare reform legislation.
From the Democratic side of the aisle, this is no longer about the issue of health care reform. This is all about pushing through a reform package, any reform package, to help save the reputation of the party. If no healthcare passes this weekend, the Dem's have to explain why they wasted two years on this while jobs and other key issues were relegated to the sidelines.
They're gambling that if they can get ANY package passed and signed by the President, it's better than the alternative of no action. (There is also the motivation that Rush Limbaugh will leave the country, which would tempt me to vote for this thing.) Either outcome will be an incredibly tough sell back in home districts for congress members who vote yes.
From the Republican side of the aisle, it's all about sitting back and watching the Dem's squirm for every vote they can possibly get. The GOP knows (and the article mentioned above confirms) that as soon as this bill is "enacted" and signed by the President, interest groups will seek injunctive relief from the judicial system and challenge the reform bill's constitutionality based on the interesting procedural steps taken to push the package into reality.
While the issue is bogged down in the courts, Republican's will use the unpopular package to bash vulnerable Democrats this fall in attempt to regain some semblance of power on The Hill. For the GOP, that will mean they have to actually contribute some real leadership, unlike the last time they were in charge.
This debate is not about health care reform. (Was it ever?)
It's about politicians desperate to gain or maintain their grip on power and influence.
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