No reason to wait for 2011

Opinion: December 31, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

A year ago, we predicted that Texas Gov. Rick Perry would beat Bill White for re-election and that Congress would pass President Barack Obama’s health care bill. But we failed to see that a lagging economic recovery would mean Republicans would win back the U.S. House and make big Senate gains.

Undaunted, we tackle 2011:

January: Fox News announces that Sarah Palin’s son, Track, will participate in new reality series “Fishing with the Stars.” Gov. Rick Perry says he’s not interested in running for president. Borrowing a page from Bill Clinton, Obama tells Congress “the age of big government is over.” House Speaker John Boehner leans forward, adding “Amen.”

February: New Orleans Saints successfully defend Super Bowl championship. Obama budget adopts most of debt commission proposals, angering Democrats. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says he’ll filibuster any cuts to Social Security or Medicare. The House votes to repeal Obama health care act.

March: Ten Republicans create presidential exploratory committees; Palin delays candidacy, pending completion of second season of “Sarah Palin’s Alaska.” Obama names Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., new defense secretary.

‘Family Feud’

April: MSNBC announces former Palin son-in-law-to-be Levi Johnston will participate in new version of “Family Feud” and invites former Alaska first dude Todd Palin to oppose him; he refuses. Arizona Sen. John McCain denounces Graham as “too liberal” and threatens filibuster.

May: Iraqi leaders announce tentative agreement on new government. Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich win first GOP presidential debate. House rejects raising federal debt ceiling, threatening government shutdown.

June: After four-day federal shutdown, House approves debt-ceiling increase by one vote. Democratic filibuster blocks Senate action on House bill repealing Obama health care act. Dallas Mavericks upset Miami Heat in NBA Finals, but Dallas Stars lose Stanley Cup to Pittsburgh Penguins.

July: Unemployment rate drops to 8.9 percent. Former DNC Chair Howard Dean calls that unacceptable and says he may challenge Obama. House votes to cut off funds to implement Obama health care act. Senate confirms Graham as defense secretary. Obama announces plans for August vacation in Iowa.

August: Willow Palin elected Miss Teen America. Obama announces that 1,000 U.S. troops will leave Afghanistan, leaving total at 97,000. Former Minnesota Sen. Tim Pawlenty edges South Dakota Sen. John Thune in Iowa GOP straw poll.

September: Howard Dean named new HHS secretary, as Kathleen Sebelius becomes Treasury secretary. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., announces investigation of circumstances surrounding nomination; Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell announces GOP will hold it up. Senate rejects House effort to cut off funds to implement health care act.

Bachmann censure

October: Former Wisconsin Sen. Russ Feingold says he is exploring challenge to Obama. House censures Rep. Michele Bachmann for leaking Intelligence Committee documents to Fox News commentator Sarah Palin.

November: Palin announces she won’t seek presidency, urges Perry to run. He accepts and joins GOP race, naming Karl Rove as chief strategist. Obama celebrates Thanksgiving in New Hampshire.

December: Feingold named ambassador to Canada; Issa launches investigation. Supreme Court rules individual mandate in health care bill unconstitutional by 5-4 vote. Iraqi leaders announce tentative agreement on new government.

Carl P. Leubsdorf is the former Washington bureau chief of the Dallas Morning News. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.