News from Oregon travels slowly back across the Rockies

Sometimes I think you could rob Congressional Democrats by telegraph:

House Democrats say leadership has their work cut out in convincing the public to support a tax increase on those making more than $250,000.

Centrists and liberal Democrats told The Hill they support allowing President Bush’s tax cuts on those making more than $250,000 to expire, but said leaders must win public support by portraying the tax increase as reducing the nation’s record budget deficit.

Oh, for the love of . . . Hey, Democrats, if you don't think you're up to the job, why not ask these guys for some advice?

"Tonight’s victory is one for all Oregonians—especially students and middle class families,” said Otto Schell, of the Oregon PTA. "Strong schools and preserving public services are critical to our children’s future and key to our economic recovery. Today, Oregon voters have laid the foundation for a strong future."

Measures 66 and 67 raise the corporate minimum tax from $10 to $150 for the first time since 1931 and raise the tax rate on household income above $250,000. Prior to the passage of this measure, more than two-thirds of corporations doing business in Oregon paid just the $10 a year corporate minimum income tax. The vote marks the first time Oregon voters have approved a statewide tax measure since 1931.

Passage of Measures 66 and 67 protects critical funding for schools, health care, and public safety.

Measure 66 (the personal income tax hike on income over $250, 000) passed by 54.3% to 45.7%. You don't have to perpetuate the phony "deficit crisis" narrative to allow Bush's unfunded tax cuts to phase out.

Seriously. This is all a lot harder if you don't try.