Agree. The Republicans will do whatever they think will increase their election chances.
Exactly the same thing happened twice in 1995 and 1996 as a result of conflict between Democratic President Clinton and the Republican-controlled Congress over the same thing. Clinton's approval rating fell considerably during the government default and shutdowns.
How can we be sure the Republicans wont try the same trick again?
The big problem for the Republicans is Obama's massive spending. Obama's proposed spending caps are on discretionary spending, but not on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and welfare programs that are the main cause of the out-of-control spending.
How out of control is this spending? Take a look at the bottom line here: http://www.usdebtclock.org/
