House Divided

The WaPo has the story. More than a score of Republicans broke ranks and helped the Democrats defeat the huge health and education bill. Kudos to Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) for being honest: "It's our own damned fault. We get members hooked on pork. Then we scream when we go into withdrawal. It's a sad commentary on what we've become here, Republicans and Democrats." There were other factors involved, but there's no doubt it's a bad sign for the President. If his drag continues to weaken as 2006 approaches it's going to be every R for him or her self. And as they break away it'll put even more downward pressure on the administration's numbers. The ball's in George Bush's court and it remains to be seen if he can break the cycle. Division has always worked for him because his base is so passionately loyal (it's no accident he's been using it the last week). But is he going to the well once too often?