There is a widely believed myth that a Republican Senate could not use reconciliation to repeal most of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act. But that view ignores the history of how the reconciliation rules have been used, as well as the ability of a Senate majority to interpret or change its rules.

The Secessionist laid out a legal opposition to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid in his book, calling them unconstitutional. And yesterday, his soon-to-be running mate Marco Rubio presented a moral argument against them.

If the Obama campaign actually ends up spending real money in Texas, it would be a strong sign that they are thinking of trying for an “Obamafication” of the entire Democratic Party in the 2012. Embracing a strategy of making many of the House and Senate elections around the country a referendum on Obama, as well.