Hmm, That sounds like lobbying...

Here's an interesting note from Republic Reporter Casey Newton's blog.

Senate leaders remain focused on cutting spending and are reluctant to pursue new sources of revenue, they said in a briefing this morning.

As a feisty Capitol press corps pressed the leadership to consider tax hikes, Sen. President Bob Burns said his top priority was to reduce spending.

The comment also appeared in Newton's Republic article this morning.

So is that the role of the media, to "press the leadership to consider tax hikes?"

Of course, the reporters don't merely press for tax hike in the briefings.  They set the stage for them in their coverage.  For example, here's how Howie Fischer covered the story.

State Senate president rules out any tax increase

Burns would end deficit by slashing more than $1 billion from schools

Comments

[Lance E]

Every credible economist, from ultra conservative Art Laffer (Reagan tax cuts) to ultra liberal John Kenneth Galbraith (Kennedy tax cuts) agrees that it is suicide to raise taxes during a recession. Uber-liberal Paul Krugman stated two weeks ago: "There's a reasonable economic case for including a significant amount of tax cuts in the package, mainly in year one." Herbert Hoover raised federal taxes during a recession (top marginal rate from 25% to 63%) and we all know how that turned out. Fortunately, we do not elect journalists to make policy.

[Marizco]

H! Excellent; it's these kinds of gems that got me checking EspressoPundit a few times a day. Great job catching that reporter out; what the hell is going on over there?

[jainphx]

Why shouldn't the MSM push for tax increases, they elected that man in the White House, I mean after all they think they run the country. John McCain sure ain't no help is he, can't the old fool retire and leave us alone.

[guy]

just to be clear about something, asking about tax increases is not the same thing as promoting tax increases. "pressing" an issue is not advocating for an issue. it's more like aggressive questioning.

[Thane Eichenauer]

"pressing" an issue is advocacy. There are people who think that the business of news reporting involves providing accurate information to the public. If a lobby wants to raise taxes, let them declare so and claim the issue and let the news industry, and here is a word, report that.