WASHINGTON _ Three months away from tough midterm elections, Republicans urgently want to secure bragging rights for their work boosting the military and giving troops a pay raise.
They have to pass legislation to pay for it first _ driving the GOP, which has sworn off big spending bills, toward once again cutting a deal with Democrats.
A plan currently in the works would have senators approve money for defense and some of the programs Democrats view most crucial _ public broadcasting, Head Start programs and the operation of Obamacare _ all in the same vote.
