Author: Al Weaver

Senate Republicans are looking to turn the heat up on Democrats with a planned vote to pay military members and essential workers, a move they hope will drive a wedge within the minority and lead to an end to the government shutdown. Although few believe the measure will pass, Republicans hope it exposes further cracks in the Democratic opposition. “It’s a hard vote for them,” said Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), a top ally to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.). “If you pay the essential employees, you’re basically opening up a good chunk of the government back up.”  “It should…