Q. "If it comes down to an all-cut budget, can House Republicans be counted on to supply the needed votes?"

A. "If House Republicans can't be counted on to support an all-cut budget, what is the reason for the existence of House Republicans?" That caucus is filled with hard-line conservatives who talk tough in GOP primaries. Now is their chance to shine and cut, cut and cut some more. The question is do they have the guts to go home and explain these cuts?"

That's Joe DeSano of "Mainstreet Strategies," a Lansing political consulting firm answering a question posed yesterday by the MIRS Capitol Capsule newsletter (subscription required) regarding whether House Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford, can get a 2010 state budget proposal through his chamber without a repeat of the big tax hikes that took place when a similar budget drama reached its climax two years ago this week. Though Mr. DeSano and his firm are well-known as political advisors to Democrat politicians, the rhetorical questions in his answer make solid points about the raison d'etre of the GOP caucus.

Will they "have the guts" to follow through on the spending side?'