Word: rostenkowski
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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Pity poor Dan Rostenkowski. The chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee is finding that his Chicago-bred ability to cut deals is no match for the disparate forces colliding over the tax-cut issue. The Illinois Democrat had no sooner protected his right flank last week, by exploring with the Reagan Administration the possibility of a compromise tax bill, than he found himself stymied by Democrats who want no part of the multiyear cuts being contemplated, and an Administration that seemed unwilling to make further concessions...
...Rostenkowski's options were suddenly unattractive. He could abandon hopes of a compromise, as his leader Speaker Tip O'Neill advocated, and thereby provoke a direct confrontation with the Administration. That would leave him open to an end run by the White House, which a month ago corralled enough conservative Democrats on the budget vote to humiliate the House Democratic leadership. Perhaps as bad, Rostenkowski could wind up winning a hard-fought vote against the Administration-only to have his party share the blame henceforth for unsolved economic ills...
...their part, Administration officials had to worry about being forced to fight for some variant of the Kemp-Roth plan-a threeyear, 30% tax cut-which does not enjoy the support that the budget cuts did in the Congress or the country. In fact, all the major players-Rostenkowski, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Robert Dole, Treasury Secretary Donald Regan and White House Counsellor Edwin Meese-hoped to settle the issue by consensus...
...their best-laid plans went astray. On Wednesday morning, Dole laid out his detailed version of a compromise to reporters: a 25% personal income tax cut 'spread over about three years. He met with Rostenkowski to try out his plan. Their talk went well, so they made a breakfast date with Secretary Regan to negotiate further...
...Rostenkowski has thrown himself into the new job, impressing colleagues with his diligence. If he performs well in the tax fight, he could once again have a shot at the Speaker's role. But considering his distaste for Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne, Rostenkowski may redirect his ambitions. Says Analyst Rose: "Any Chicago politician understands a basic truth, that being Mayor of Chicago is more important than becoming a Senator, grand vizier-or Speaker of the House...