Republicans fear disaster in November

Faced with an electoral bloodbath in November due to Republican policy failures across the board and the corruption of the Bush administration, John Boehner, R-Ohio, has created a special "rapid-response" in an attempt to stem the expected disaster.

"It's a joke," one Republican member said. "And not even a well-written one."

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. House of Representatives Republican leader has created a special "rapid-response" advisory panel aimed at smoothing an expected hectic November.

The plan from Minority Leader Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, is for the 12-member group to work with the National Republican Congressional Committee on such issues as strategy coordination, fundraising and member outreach in specific congressional districts, Politico reported.

A number of Republicans, however, questioned privately whether the new board, which includes members of the NRCC's current executive committee, will be able to help the party regroup after some major losses.

One of the new board members, Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., said its creation will make it clear that Boehner and NRCC Chairman Tom Cole must work together.

From Politico

Critics likened the plan to placing a Band-Aid on a gaping wound.

"It's a joke," one Republican member said. "And not even a well-written one."

Some Republicans have grumbled that the group is a fundraising showcase for its three founders, but fellow Young Guns say they are attracted to the group because it gives them a chance to go on offense - not just to hold GOP seats and erase debt from the last election. Cantor has hired an aide to join the NRCC to help coordinate the Young Guns' activities with the Republicans' official campaign arm, members and aides said.