We doubt the local Republicans are thrilled with the Capitol Hill Republicans on this one.

The Republican Party fought tooth and nail against ending tax cuts for the wealthy earlier this summer when the debt-ceiling issue was at its zenith. They took a stand, would not compromise on the matter and largely prevailed.

However, this week, when it comes to tax cuts for the poor, the Republican Party is taking a different route. Apparently, Republicans in D.C. think it is OK for the poor to pay taxes.

The Associated Press reports that the Republicans on Capitol Hill in Washington want tax cuts for the poor to end as scheduled. The sunset of this cut would increase the amount the federal government takes from the paychecks of many wage earners.

The AP explained the tax cut this way: “This policy helps the 46 percent of all Americans who owe no federal income taxes but who pay a ‘payroll tax’ on practically every dime they earn.”

When asked about the payroll tax, some Republicans seem to dance about the issue, talking about how long-term solutions are needed. But when taxes on the rich were debated, they were adamant about the short-term impact raising taxes on the rich would have.

Are they concerned about the long term or short term? What is it?

Some Republicans on Capitol Hill, however, were more direct about their answers.

“It’s always a net positive to let taxpayers keep more of what they earn,” said Rep. Jeb Hensarling, “but not all tax relief is created equal for the purposes of helping to get the economy moving again.”

If you are from Albert Lea, make less than $106,800 and participated in one of the Tea Party protests in the area two years ago, we offer our condolences. You earned no breaks for yourself by speaking out against taxes.

President Obama wants the tax cut to continue for at least another year.

So we have a situation where the Democrats favor a tax cut and the Republicans do not. It sure is telling. Some Republicans flat out oppose too much taxes. But some Republicans, the ones in D.C., apparently, don’t mind if the poor pay taxes.