In contrast with more sophisticated statistical analyses, which require laborious research to correlate voting patterns with variables such as race, wealth or historical precedent, Dr Mebane's test can be applied to data without further ado.

ECONOMIST: How to detect voting fiddles

It is one thing, as we've seen in the past, to say here is my plan, which everyone out here knows has no chance of clearing Congress because the elements in it don't have bipartisan support, there's no evidence of historical bipartisan support -- or you can put forward ideas that meet that test and create jobs and grow the economy.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing