Moderate Democrats Balk at Obama's Tax-Wealthy Plan

President Barack Obama’s call Monday to raise taxes on the wealthy and corporations excited liberals to no end. But moderate Democrats feel a lot differently, Politico reports.

Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., a key moderate who is up for re-election next year, gave a succinct assessment of Obama’s plan. “There’s too much discussion about raising taxes right now, not enough focus on cutting spending.”

And another Nelson, Florida Sen. Bill, who also is up for re-election in 2012, supports raising taxes on millionaires but is still considering whether he’d support higher taxes on those who make more than $200,000 a year, said his spokesman, Dan McLaughlin.

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., seeks middle ground on the issue. “This plan isn’t the one I would have written, nor is it the one that will end up passing Congress,” he said. “But I welcome all ideas to the table so Congress can work together to create jobs, cut debt, and cut spending.”