They Eat Their Own

Apparently "trickle down" applies to more than just economic theory, as the Republican infighting that has been seen nationally has now made its way to the Oklahoma House. The Oklahoman reports that Randy Terrill turned down a committee chairmanship "because of concerns the speaker-elect [Kris Steele] is straying from conservative social legislation" and is instead focusing on economic issues. (See the Oklahoman article here.)

Steele, who may be the closest thing to a Flaming Moderate that can be found in the House Republican Caucus, looks like he will have more on his hands than the gavel when he assumes the chair next session. If Terrill is successful in steering the agenda toward social issues and away from the economy, House Democrats could see an increase in their ranks in 2012. Afterall, Democrats in the current Congress paid the priced when they ignored Bill Clinton's 1992 mantra of "it's the economy, stupid" and instead focused on health care, gays in the military, and immigration. Maybe "trickle down" isn't such a bad thing.