Nevada senators predictably split on Obama debt plan

When it comes to matters of the economy, Nevada's U.S. senators Harry Reid and John Ensign rarely agree, and even less so when there is an overlay of partisan politics involved.

That is the case again today in their reactions to President Barack Obama's plan to attack the debt problem. He proposed to lower deficits by $4 trillion over 12 years through budget cuts, caps on spending, and tax increases on the wealthy

Reid, a Democrat, said Obama put forward a "responsible vision" to reduce deficits "while protecting seniors on Medicare."

By contrast to a proposal being advanced by the GOP, Reid said, "Republicans believe the sacrifice should fall mainly on seniors and the middle class, while millionaires and big corporations get more tax breaks."

Reid's full statement is here.

On the other hand, Ensign, a Republican, said Obama's "theory that raising taxes on the nation's job creators will improve our economy is tired and overused."

“At a time when Congress should be looking from within to get its fiscal house in order, the president has yet again squandered an opportunity to lead," Ensign said.

Ensign's full statement is here.