Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn Says He Supports Tax Hikes To Avoid 'Fiscal Cliff'

As the clock ticks for Democrats and Republicans to come to a deal for averting the so-called "fiscal cliff," evidence suggests strong support for House Speaker John Boehner from the members of his caucus, even as an increasing number of Republicans suggest a willingness to include tax hikes on the wealthiest Americans as part of the ultimate deal.

Boehner remains locked in tough negotiations with President Obama over averting the so-called "cliff," a series of tax hikes and spending cuts set to go into effect next year. But unlike in recent similar debates, in which Boehner at times struggled to rein in some of the more vocally conservative members of his caucus, House GOP members have as yet signaled no outward signs of mutiny.

The President insists he will not sign off on a proposal that does not increase tax rates for households earning $250,000 or more per year, while Republicans have repeatedly reiterated their refusal to raise tax rates. Both parties have recently offered up plans reflective of these ideologies, and both were quick to reject the other side's plan.

Despite longstanding opposition to raising any tax rates whatsoever, many on the right seem to have come to the conclusion that doing so is an inevitable part of the process - and are suggesting that the earlier the GOP goes to the table agreeing to some rate hikes, the more they can get out of the deal in the long run.

"Personally, I know we have to raise revenue. I don't really care which way we do it. Actually, I would rather see the rates go up than do it the other way, because it gives us a greater chance to reform the tax code and broaden the base in the future," said Senator Tom Coburn, R-Okla., Wednesday on MSNBC.

12/3/2012 Related Story: Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn Signs No Budget, No Pay Act