sideeki -- I do my own negotiating -- that was my career, remember? the plan passed 89-9 in the Senate (e.g. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57561475/fiscal-cliff-deal-heads-to-house-after-senate-vote/ , http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57561465/its-official-deal-reached-on-fiscal-cliff/ ), with 5 of the 'nays' coming from Republicans (e.g. http://www.conservativehq.com/article/11485-mcconnell-sells-out-fiscal-cliff ) -- 'nuffsaid on that, I'd say