[ClearCase_guy]

At the state level, there seem to be a lot of Republicans who are willing to play some hardball. I am not yet convinced that the US congress will do the same, but perhaps popular support for the state-level politicians will “encourage the others” at the federal level.

[JoeA]

Politicians (at least of the R persuasion) seem to lose spine as they move up the food chain.

[hinckley buzzard]

I have to believe that Washington republicans (and 'rats) are watching the states' budget activites with interest. The states are closer to the people, and can be read as a measure of the electorates' sentiment. If Walker triumphs in Wisconsin, eg, it would be a foolish Wisconsin congressman who did not seek to draw the appropriate conclusions.