Irene vs. the Tea Party

Hurricane cleanup poses challenge to anti-government right

EVEN AS hundreds of thousands of people in New England, New Jersey, and New York remain without power - and floodwaters still cover roads, houses, and farms - Washington is already starting to bicker about how much Hurricane Irene will cost the federal government.

Republicans should be careful in their approach. Rebuilding after Irene will take place along pre-Tea-Party political lines. The right won’t help its cause if it seizes upon Irene to take another stand about federal spending. The GOP can help the country - and itself - by making sure that recovery efforts are targeted toward real needs and executed efficiently.