As we approach the Fiscal Cliff, or more properly Slope, I
thought the Republican negotiating strategy was very revealing.
Gerrymandering, the process by which Congressional districts are
tortured into shapes that resemble something drawn by a drunk
with a permanent marker, are certainly part of the issue.
Although the original intention was  to allow for districts that
reliably elect minority candidates, the result has been
districts that don’t turn over. The strength of incumbency in
the House of Representatives has the consequence that general
elections matter less than the primary for the dominant party in
that district. If a district reliably votes 60% Republican (or
Democrat) the winner of the election will be the successful
primary candidate from the party that normally prevails.
Primaries matter a great deal for the House. Therefore, the
failure of House Speaker John Boehner’s Plan B two weeks ago is
not an example of Republican self-destruction, but rather of
enlightened self-interest.  A House Repub