Grover Norquist Greasing the Skids for Bass Primary?

Is Grover Norquist greasing the skids for a conservative Republican to challenge Rep. Charlie Bass in a GOP primary for the 2nd District Congressional seat?

For the second time in recent months, the godfather of the “Taxpayer Protection Pledge” has thrown his weight around the New Hampshire political world.

Yesterday, Norquist’s Americans for Tax Reform released a statement blasting Bass for his vote on the Simpson-Bowles Budget Substitute.

—Why did Congressman Bass vote for a budget that raises taxes by $2 trillion and contains phony and fraudulent spending cuts?—

WASHINGTON, March 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The following release is being issued by Americans for Tax Reform:

On Wednesday night, Congressman Charlie Bass (R-N.H.) voted for a budget which calls for nearly $2 trillion in tax increases and contains phony and fraudulent spending cuts. As one of only 38 Congressmen in the 435-member U.S. House of Representatives to do so, Congressman Bass should answer to his constituents as to why he supports this budget.

What makes this noteworthy is that Bass appears to be the only one of the 38 Congressmen who voted for the Budget Substitute to be targeted by ATR.

As to who might be the beneficiary of Norquist’s muscle, well, we know Norquist is a fan of state House Speaker Bill O’Brien.

“The [New Hampshire] legislature’s Republican leadership has cut taxes and reduced spending, balancing New Hampshire’s budget while maintaining the state’s status as the most prosperous and free in New England,” continued Norquist.

And it’s not the first time that Norquist has gotten his hands dirty in New Hampshire politics. Last year, Norquist attempted to rescue O’Brien in his struggle to pass Right to Work legislation by luring away an opponent with an all-expense-paid trip to Washington on the day of the showdown vote.

Just sayin’.