But I failed to make it.

Put simply, the fracas about releasing the initial NTSB assessment too early was brought on by Democrats seeking to raise taxes and push through higher budgets for highways and bridge maintenance. On the other hand, heartless Republicans would rather save a few pennies than save the lives of those they represent.

Parsing the articles makes it a little more clear:

NTSB Chairman Rosenker said in Monday's letter that there was no sign of rust or corrosion on the plates where the collapse initiated.

That drew a rebuke from U.S. House Transportation Chair Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., who criticized the agency for eliminating other potential factors before the investigation is complete.

The theory…that it was caused by a design error 40 years ago, has run into a peculiar problem, because it contradicts public expectations.

State officials and engineering executives all over the country have joined the chorus, arguing that the collapse — in which 13 people died and more than 100 were injured — demonstrates the need for expanded maintenance budgets. On Tuesday, the treasurer of Massachusetts said that his state should raise and spend $600 million on bridges to “avoid a future Minnesota incident.”

Before the collapse, Gov. Tim Pawlenty had vetoed a 7.5 cent-a-gallon increase in the state’s gasoline tax, favored by the Democrats, to pay for highway and bridge work.

Democrats tried to make a connection between Governor Pawlenty and (NTSB Chairman)Mr. Rosenker, who is also a Republican.