WASHINGTON (AP) — New Speaker Paul Ryan promised a fresh start for the House. But it’s looking like business as usual as lawmakers wrap up a year-end spending bill that pays for Planned Parenthood, the president’s health care law and other Obama administration priorities. Last-stage negotiations are taking in private and at the highest levels, shutting out rank-and-file lawmakers and even committee chairmen. And conservatives — far from threatening a coup and trying to oust Ryan like they did to former Speaker John Boehner (BAY’-nur) — are applauding. How has Ryan managed to turn Boehner’s most avowed enemies into some of his top cheerleaders? By involving the dissidents, listening to them, respecting them and flattering them.
