People in most states blamed Republicans when the federal government shut down over Obamacare, he said.

Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, came closest to a good counterpoint at the forum. It also got as much as 72 of 100 House members's votes in three tries so far. Private option, a subsidized health insurance program, got that in the Senate. The state Constitution requires a three-fourths vote in each chamber to pass a budget bill. Yet I cannot sum up the situation better than a rookie GOP House candidate did at that forum a week ago Saturday: If a minority faction of Republicans hangs up the state Medicaid budget, how can Republicans not be blamed for this? I've been a political reporter, pundit and semi-pro wiseguy for 15 years.

The issue of political risk to the GOP popped up at a recent, local forum of lawmakers. The fast-fading chances of neutering Obamacare drop to nil if that happens. The Republicans don't get a majority in the U.S. Senate more than a state budget deadlock, either. Nothing short of a serious scandal would hurt Republican Tom Cotton's chances at the U.S. Democrat Mike Ross will win the governor's race if the state budget locks up over private option.

Super sume pro jusy locks up