Rush Limbaugh's Morning Update: Judas

From Rush Limbaugh: Bound to happen: California Democrats have succeeded. In the midst of this recession, taxpayers are going to get squashed again with an additional $13 billion of sales, personal income, and automobile taxes.

Governor Schwarzenegger saluted the lawmakers, calling their actions "courageous." Republicans, however, are livid. The one-vote margin to inflict this latest misery on the taxpayers was secured when State Senator Abel Maldonado cut a deal with Democrats. Instead of the usual 30 pieces of silver (which would subject him to the higher tax rate), this senator took something else that he craved: a ballot measure to create open primary election, to give moderates -- like himself -- a better shot at winning elections... and diluting conservative districts. Another Republican sellout!

Two other Republicans voted in favor of the tax hikes. One was Roy Ashburn of Bakersfield; the other Dave Cogdill of Modesto. Cogdill was the Republican senate leader until his own caucus tossed him overboard last week, fearful he'd cave in to Democrats.

So I want to congratulate all of the Republicans who held firm. You were outnumbered. You were subjected to intimidation; physically held hostage in chambers by the Democrat Leader. You did your best to protect the people in your state from the tyranny of a majority, whose governance is plunging your state into economic ruin.

But your valiant battle has not gone unnoticed, and neither have the actions of those who betrayed you. The fight will continue -- and that is a promise.

Read the Background Material on the Morning Update...
• AP: Gov. Schwarzenegger to sign budget-balancing bill
• AP: Calif. senator wins big in budget fight -- for now
• AP: Calif. Republicans keep their no-new-taxes promise
• San Francisco Chronicle: State Legislature passes emergency budget plan