Edit: Hey, Raul, Tea Party Is Over

The tea party’s disease is terminal. Rep. Raul Labrador had better jump ship and join the good guys before he becomes another casualty. And, hopefully, leadership in the Legislature is paying attention too. For the second time in as many months, 212 House Republicans joined Democrats Thursday and passed a sweeping overhaul of Medicare. It was needed policy that would assure patients get the care they need and doctors actually get paid. But, as is his way, Labrador joined 32 other right-wing Republicans and voted against real governance. It’s an especially curious vote because, included in the bill, was millions for rural schools. Labrador slapped students throughout the 1st Congressional District in the face. It’s about the debt, staffers said. Bullocks. It’s about protecting his brand, one he’s parleyed into regular appearances on the networks’ national Sunday talk shows. House Republicans have had enough with the radicals. They realize that, with 2016 elections over the horizon, the GOP has to prove it can lead/Twin Falls Times-News Editorial Board. More here.