Today in the Washington Examiner Septmeber 17, 2010

Byron York - In Delaware, GOP should target Dems, not O'Donnell

Coons, 47, is the top executive of New Castle County, home to a majority of Delaware's population. From a Republican perspective, there's one really important thing to know about his time in office: In 2004, when Coons first ran for the job, he promised not to raise taxes. Since then he has raised taxes not once, not twice, but three times. Coons inherited a surplus. Celebrating victory on election night in 2004, he said his "top priority would be to continue balancing the budget without increasing property taxes," according to an account in the local News Journal. Yet in 2006, he pushed through a 5 percent increase in property taxes. In 2007, he raised property taxes 17.5 percent. In 2009, he raised them another 25 percent.

Byron York - Coons spokesman: 'Chris is not anyone's pet'

"We're hoping the Majority Leader will apologize to Chris' wife, because she's the only one who gets to call him that," McElhatton responded with a laugh. It's the campaign's official line, but I then asked about how the "pet" remark might play in the race against O'Donnell. It's well known that Republicans are going to hit Coons hard for raising taxes as New Castle County executive. Won't Reid's enthusiastic embrace feed the narrative that Coons will go along with every big-spending, tax-raising Democratic initiative in Washington? "Chris is not anyone's pet and will not be a rubber stamp for anyone," McElhatton answered.

Susan Ferrechio - Democratic leaders find support lacking for tax hikes

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., became the third House leader in recent days to suggest Democrats will have to compromise on the tax cuts, rather than extend them only to those earning below $200,000 and couples earning less than $250,000. She told reporters Thursday that she believes she will find "common ground" with approximately 40 House Democrats who want the tax cuts to be extended to all income earners.

Cornyn: ‘It remains to be seen’ whether O’Donnell can win

The head of the Senate’s campaign arm said Thursday it is time to leave behind the bitterly fought Delaware Republican primary and get behind winner and Tea Party favorite Christine O’Donnell. Cornyn told The Washington Examiner, “It remains to be seen” whether O’Donnell can beat Democrat Chris Coons in November, citing early polling that shows her trailing by double digits.

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