Editorial: Budget forecasts, pressure politics

Friday, Oct. 30, 1998 | 11:55 a.m.

Predictably Gingrich and others wanted rosier forecasts for the next few years so that they could justify pushing through big tax cuts. But to her credit, O'Neill used economics, not politics, in arriving at the forecast. While they may have been off, at least they were conservative.

In contrast, imagine the outcry if she had overestimated the size of the surplus. That eventually would have led to cuts in programs, something Republicans would have then blamed her for. O'Neill should be commended for standing up to the leadership's criticism and doing what she thought was right, not politically beneficial.

It will be interesting to see who will be picked to succeed O'Neill. Hopefully they'll find someone who also has the courage to stand up to the House leadership, and not be cowed.

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