(NECN/NBC News: Steve Handelsman, Washington D.C.) – It has been 2 days since the conclusion of the government shutdown, but America is in danger of another one in twelve weeks.
It is not clear if the prospects are better or worse for the kind of agreement that most Americans demand.
In the upcoming battles, President Obama could be either empowered- or hampered with increased partisanship, making a long-term deal on the budget and on immigration even more difficult.
Senate republican leader Mitch McConnell, who worked with democrats to avoid default, was targeted on Friday by conservatives, who backed his primary opponent and vowed no compromise on the big issue.
“We're committed to fighting against Obamacare and its impact on the economy and every American,” said Isabel Ortega of the Heritage Foundation.
However, the shutdown tipped another election more toward a Democrat.
Terry McAuliffe now has an 8-point lead in the Virginia governor's race in the NBC News Marist poll over republican Ken Cuccinelli, who lost 3 points during the shutdown.
Politics
Some in Congress predict success for the panel set up to avoid another shutdown.
"What is different? And why did we want to do that? Number one: the public is really angry," said Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota.
In 8 weeks or sooner, the new budget panel is supposed to propose a deal.
