The dirty little secret in Washington: the looming shutdown isn't an accident.

[DallasNE]

10. Extortion Is The Only Card The Republicans Have To Play

They can't use a business case to support their goals because none exists. If there was a business case to delay the implementation of Obamacare you can be sure the insurance companies would be all over the airwave calling for a delay. They will, in fact, be hurt by a delay because it will delay their anticipated revenue stream. They have also staffed up for an October 1st roll-out but those people are no longer needed and will be let go only to attempt to staff up again next year but without any certainty that Republicans would not again throw a monkey wrench into the works. It is being too kind to say that what the Republicans are attempting to pull off here is idiotic. And, frankly, I don't even understand the political case for this gambit. It is a classic lose-lose situation for Republicans.