Politics

Government is a product of natural selection, but reason and wealth can overcome it.

The article on passing pension reform in Illinois accidentally exposes one of the best kept secrets of politics:

"Many [Republicans] said the plan didn't cut enough costs for the state. They also faced pressure from campaign donors, and concerns about giving Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn a re-election boost.
Democratic lawmakers stepped forward with more yes votes to compensate, even though the plan was bitter medicine for their party's traditional union allies."

The two parties get together and decide who will vote for what bills to best benefit both parties. They trade votes with each other to benefit both. They work together, not against each other.