The Republicans could equally be accused of playing a cynical game, voting against a package they know will pass in order to appear thrifty yet not risk being accused of sabotage.

ECONOMIST: The first ten days

But as a relatively junior member of a minority party in Congress, he may have years ahead of him asking questions in committees, burnishing his voting record, climbing up the pecking order, and hoping for a political swing that will put his party in the majority.

ECONOMIST: Everybody suddenly wants to clean up New Jersey