Campaign for White House takes reins on Capitol Hill

The presidential campaign hit Capitol Hill with renewed force Wednesday as congressional leaders stepped up attacks against the opposing candidates on the two issues expected to be at the center of the election.

Republicans hammered Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) on the economy. Democrats hit Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) on that issue, too, but also jumped on his recent statements about Iraq.

{mosads}The barbs, along with forthcoming legislation that corresponds to the campaign messages, are the latest sign that the general election has engulfed work on Capitol Hill now that the primaries are over.

Republicans are trying to press the case that Obama lacks the necessary judgment to occupy the Oval Office.

Democrats are attempting to push bills the GOP plans to block, a move they think will reinforce their argument that McCain stands for the status quo under President Bush.

Sen. Charles Schumer (N.Y.), head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said Obama’s staff and Hill leaders will “work together both in message and in substance” to “magnify each other’s message.”

“We both sing from the same page,” Schumer said.

Obama touts a $50 billion economic stimulus proposal, which includes middle-class tax breaks, rebate checks, aid to state governments and funds to stem home foreclosures. Schumer said Democrats were developing the “broad outlines” of a similar proposal that will likely be unveiled in July. This month they are planning to bring to the floor another bill to stem the mortgage crisis, a plan that could prompt a fight from conservatives concerned about a government bailout to lenders and borrowers.

The forthcoming economic stimulus plan would likely generate GOP opposition and prompt a fierce partisan debate over which party is better-suited to handle the economic downturn.

The close coordination also means that opposing congressional leaders will immediately jump on any gaffe made by a candidate to gain mileage and media attention out of the misstep.

That happened soon after the Senate opened its doors Wednesday morning. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) attacked Obama for recent statements about rising gas prices. Obama said on CNBC he would have preferred a “gradual adjustment” instead. McConnell took that to mean Obama doesn’t have a problem with gas costing $4 a gallon.

“Let me say that again: The Democrat nominee for president suggested that rising gas prices aren’t the problem,” McConnell said on the floor. “The position outlined by the Democratic nominee shouldn’t be a surprise to most Americans, given that Washington Democrats have repeatedly refused to allow increased energy production here at home.”

Moments later, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) sent out a statement excoriating him for his statement.

“Why won’t Barack Obama admit that lower gas prices would be a good thing for American families and small businesses?” Boehner said.

Democrats came to the defense of Obama, who had also said “such a shock to American pocketbooks is not a good thing.”

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) blamed Republicans and McCain for blocking a vote Tuesday on a package that would have taxed oil company profits.

“Where is John McCain?” Reid said. “Does he favor, as he obviously does, the obstructionism of the Republicans in the Senate?”

Reid’s office later issued a statement on the costs of “Bush-McCain Republican Obstruction,” citing GOP opposition to Democratic plans on housing, energy, unemployment insurance and veterans’ benefits.

The Democrats later targeted McCain’s comments on Iraq, where he said on NBC’s “Today Show” that it is “not too important” when troops return from the country. Reid slammed McCain, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called McCain “out of touch.”

“What’s important is the casualties in Iraq,” McCain also said.

Republicans defended McCain and said that Democrats were distorting the candidate’s remarks.