The MNGOP is celebrating the end of the shutdown without a tax increase on millionaires as a victory. It’s unclear to me, though, exactly how it’s a victory for them. I suppose that all depends on what they really stand for.

If the GOP truly stands for placing millionaires over Minnesotans, then this is absolutely a victory for them. They were able to “protect” the super-rich by putting yet another $1.4 billion on our state credit card.

But that’s really their only victory. And I don’t think that’s a “success” they want to be tied to. That’s why some conservatives have tried to claim that this isn’t about the rich:

None of us gives a rat’s ass about millionaires.  Bupkes.  Zip.  Nada.

It’s about reforming government.

It’s about stopping the DFL’s spending crazy train.

But if the GOP budget isn’t about protecting the filthy-rich, then what is it about? After all, the GOP hasn’t reformed government. They haven’t stood for reduced spending, and they haven’t stood for fiscal responsibility. They agreed to spend $35.4 billion as Mark Dayton requested, but only if we put it on a credit card instead of taxing the super-rich.

If Republicans consider that a victory, then more power to them, I guess.