Boehner, McConnell Form Unique Bond

The New York Times reports:

When Speaker John A. Boehner was pressed on whether he shared Senator Mitch McConnell’s view on wringing savings out of Medicare in the continuing debt limit fight, he hardly waited for the questioner to finish.

“I would agree with Senator McConnell,” the speaker said quickly.

No surprise there. On issues like the economic stimulus, the health care law, climate change and federal spending levels, there has been scant daylight between the speaker and Mr. McConnell, the Kentuckian who leads Senate Republicans.

Their close alliance, unusual between senior party leaders from the House and the Senate, has substantial implications as they head into end-game negotiations with President Obama on the federal budget. By sticking together, they have been able to pound home a seamless Republican message to voters, reduce the White House’s ability to play Senate Republicans off their House counterparts and make consistent demands in the budget talks.