Back in their districts to campaign through Election Day, lawmakers will return to Washington next month to take care of some urgent business during what’s known as the “lame duck” session before the new Congress takes office in January.

Or will they?

Speaker of the House John Boehner threw some cold water on the idea of a grand bargain in November or December. The key quote from a Politico article over the weekend:

“You know, and frankly, I’m not sure it’s the right thing to do — have a lot of retiring members and defeated members voting on really big bills. Eh, probably not the appropriate way to handle the lame duck.”

Sen. Daniel Akaka is among those who are retiring, and Rep. Mazie Hirono, win or lose in the race to replace him, won’t be returning to her seat in the House.

Here’s how the article explains the context for Boehner’s comments:

Boehner isn’t saying nothing will get done — in fact, he’s not making any proclamations about the prospect of a compromise with Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and whoever occupies the White House.

What he is saying is that he thinks is that the time is too short for something large – and more significantly, that he’s morally opposed to lawmakers with one foot out the door making decisions on behalf of the nation. That could seriously limit options for avoiding the so-called “fiscal cliff.”

Read the full piece here: John Boehner wary of lame-duck deficit deal

— Michael Levine