As lawmakers promise a new era of comity after the Arizona shooting attack that left six dead and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) in critical condition, Republican leaders grappled with how and when to return to an issue that brought political discourse to a boiling point. A House vote to repeal the healthcare law, put on hold after Saturday's shooting of 19 people in Tucson, presents Republicans with an unexpected challenge. If they move too quickly, GOP leaders risk appearing tone deaf to pleas to reject overheated rhetoric — the leading of example of which is the healthcare debate last year. But if they delay the vote much longer, they could infuriate their most conservative supporters and "tea party" activists. GOP leaders have avoided discussing the timing of any votes, although the House is expected to resume some of its business next week. Meanwhile, they've taken a softer tone and emphasized calls for unity.
