Wall Street Journal, Among Democrats, Calls To Extend Bush Tax Cuts, by Martin Vaughan:

Some Capitol Hill Democrats want President Barack Obama to extend tax cuts for wealthy Americans now scheduled to expire at the end of 2010, arguing that a tax increase could hinder economic recovery.

Asked in recent days about the tax cuts for the wealthy, administration officials have insisted that Obama won't propose extending the tax cuts for the wealthy.

"That's not something we have contemplated, and I don't think that's a necessary act," Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner said in an interview with CNBC last week.

Obama during the campaign and in last year's budget plan proposed extending Bush tax cuts affecting the poor and middle class. He proposed letting the top two tax rates, now 33% and 35%, return to 36% and 39.6% respectively, in 2011.

This year, the top rate will apply to income above $373,650 for individuals and married couples. Under Obama's plan, the 36%, second-highest rate would kick in at $200,000 for individuals and $250,000 for married couples.

Obama also proposed bumping the 15% rate on capital gains and dividends up to 20% for those with income in excess of $200,000, or $250,000 for married couples.