Even though Democrats are deeply divided over President Obama’s small business tax hike, the president said Monday he wants a vote as soon as possible:

“So my message to Congress is this: Pass a bill extending the tax cuts for the middle class; I will sign it tomorrow.”

House & Senate GOP Leaders said this morning they wanted to give the president his vote.  This morning, in a move that was immediately supported and echoed by House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and other House Republican leaders, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) called for votes on competing tax measures:

“One on the President’s proposal to raise taxes on nearly one million business owners in the middle of the worst economic recovery in modern times, and one that would extend current income tax rates for one year and task the Finance Committee to produce a bill that would enact fundamental, pro-growth tax reform.”

Senate Republican leaders were prepared to give the President just the vote he’s demanded.  The only roadblock?  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) refused the offer.  “I object,” Reid said in response to Senator McConnell.  Immediately after, the Associated Press reported that “Democrats block Senate vote on Obama tax plan.”  Should make for an interesting discussion at the White House later today when Democratic congressional leaders meet with the president.

While Senate Democrats refuse to vote on the president’s small business tax hike, Boehner today said House Democrats will have the opportunity to vote on it when the House moves later this month to boost economic growth and create jobs by stopping all of the coming tax hikes and laying the groundwork for a fairer, simpler tax code that lowers rates and closes special-interest loopholes.  In the meantime, the Speaker added:

“The American people deserve to see where the Democratic-controlled Senate stands on the president’s plan to raise taxes on small businesses.  Having this information will facilitate the debate later this month in the House when our chamber takes up our bipartisan plan to stop all of the tax hikes.”