A fight less reported

I know you have heard by now the Democrats are having trouble holding the seat held by the late Sen. Ted Kennedy for more than four decades in deep-blue Massachusetts. I know you have heard they may not be able to pass healthcare reform after nearly a year of agonizing negotiations, political horse-trading and partisan warfare. I know you have heard how the House-passed cap-and-trade bill won't make it out of the Senate, how vulnerable Democrats are retiring and how sinking polls numbers for President Barack Obama and his party could lead to even more departures and make losing the House a strong possibility. But you should hear this too — a fight over deficits and debt that has simmered within the Democratic Party is now promising to keep the politically toxic issue of debt increases on the front burner. When Congress raised the debt limit in December, the increase was only set for two months instead of a year, with fiscal hawks in the party insisting on a new commission that would recommend a plan for lowering budget deficits and debt through cuts in entitlement spending and through tax increases.

Get this, Democrats agreed to slow the debt increase process in order to create a commission to handle the long-term problem, but they can't agree on what kind of commission. If the administration creates one, then Congress won't be forced to vote up or down on its recommendations. There is not adequate support, however, for a "statutory" commission. The administration commission would be full of "officials," but some Democrats in Congress are insisting a commission include lawmakers as well. Plus, if the recommendations don't have to be voted on, what is the point?

According to The Washington Post, the issue must be resolved by mid-February, when the borrowing limit will expire and Congress must raise the debt ceiling again. If they can't figure out the commission by then, they will be re-raising that ceiling throughout an election year. Sounds like fun.

SHOULD DEMOCRATS PASS HEALTH REFORM IF THEY LOSE MASSACHUSETTS? Ask A.B. returns Tuesday, Jan. 19. Please join my weekly video Q-and-A by sending your questions and comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Thank you.