GOP Senators Face Party's Wrath For Supporting Stimulus Bill

The GOP is set against passage of President Barack Obama's stimulus package. Republicans in the House all voted against it (although it passed) and their colleagues in the Senate do not seem to inclined to support with the exception of three moderates: Arlen Specter (R-Pa), Susan Collins (R-Me), and Olympia Snowe (R-Me).

These three Republican senators have broken ranks with their party to provide the final votes needed to pass the bill in the Senate, and they face the wrath of their colleagues and constituents. Fox News reports:

Collins said she broke ranks with her party because of the progress congressional negotiators had made on the bill.

"Well, I know that some of my Republican colleagues are unhappy with the position that I've taken," Collins told FOX News on Saturday. "I hope they will look at the fact that we were able to cut $110 billion of unnecessary spending from this bill. I think that's a good accomplishment. I also think that it's important that we do pass a stimulus bill to help turn the economy around."

Snowe has kept a low profile since the deal was struck, while Specter said Friday night that the agreement wasn't perfect but it was necessary. Not everyone agrees.

Obama plans to embark on a major media blitz this week to drum up support for his stimulus package, holding his first presidential press conference on Monday, and visiting Indiana and Florida on Monday and Tuesday to hold town hall meetings.

The AP, in an analysis piece, concludes that despite some rookie mistakes and strategic missteps, Obama is set for a victory on the centerpiece of his agenda.

Comments

[KenSfromtexas]

You all are on the right web site. You HUFF and POST but you never say anything of substance. Why not take a "critical" look at an issue rather than posting constant republican character assassination. These three Republican senators deserve to be "held responsible" for their actions by their party. They receive money and support from the party and supposedly agree with the party platform. If they feel that strongly about their position on stimulus then leave the party and become an independent. I would have more respect for them for that.

This country is based on vetting opposing views to come up with compromise legislation for the good of the country. It appear the current Democratic leadership from the President to Congress now believe to even question them is "un-american." When you consider all the provisions in this bill that have nothing to do with stimulus, like paving the road to universal health care, then consider me "un-american." I am going to constantly question my elected representatives regardless of their party. What are Obama, Pelosi and Reid trying to pull on the american people? Why don't they want public scrunity on this bill? What ever happened to "transparency?"

Appears Democratic leadership have two sets of standards, one for when they're in power and one for when they're out. I remember the Democrat's policy of constantly blocking legislation when the Republicans controlled Congress? You all have very short memories. What a bunch of hypocrits!

[research]

lies: projection.

We all see it now.

You GOP are not behaving in good faith.

What's the opposite of a good faith effort?

Obstructionists, unpopular, shrill liars, arrogance, fake reports,

You still want us to respect you?

Or believe you?

Or waste much time on your old failed ideas?

This could be a VERY hard 8 years for you.

[littlequeenie]

I am still disgusted that in order for these 3 to come on board, severe cuts were made to public health as well as other aid to states. This is inexcusable. Cuts were made to education with the excuse being that it isn't the federal government's job but the states' jobs to take care of education. But no one mentions that federal aid to states have been slashed for years now! States have no money, so then counties are facing deficits.

I never thought republicans could make me sick again. We won in November. The inauguration of Barack Obama really happened on January 20. But now republicans appear to be wanting a real depression so they can say the stimulus didn't work.

[William Duell]

As long as this tandem votes against EFCA (in cloture too) this break is cool with me.

[SunnyT]

I'm glad to be learning of the women senators from Maine in this way. Bravo to them for their integrity and guts, for putting "America first." Way to go, Maine!

And Senator Specter! I'm surprised, but pleased.

I hope they get heaps of praise and recognition from around the country for doing the right thing for America!

[BigDaddyJ]

Watch the flow of "back door money" flow into Maine and Pennsylvania now !!


FOLLOW THE MONEY TRAIL PEOPLE.... The payoffs should be obvious

How much of this money will fall "unaccounted for" ?

[StillAmused]

Cannibalism is a key indicator of a complete breakdown in any sub-population.

Bon appétit, Repubes.

[tantrictim]

the northeast republican is a rare species indeed, kudos to the three senators for their courage

[Levittown]

When the grandchildren of the Republican Senators who voted for the stimulus bill are asked what they did during the Democratic and Republican war they will answer " we were patriots and voted for you and the rest of Americas children.

[MINDROTH]

This is great the Democrats are paving the way to a GOP controlled 2010 Congress and HOPEFULLY (if he runs) A 2012 JEB BUSH PRESIDENCY


Palin/Bush 2012 2014 JEB BUSH 2018

[StillAmused]

Mind rot.

[helpusa]

Go wash your brain out with lye.

[nikky]

and they could get another eight years like the last that led to this mess

[MINDROTH]

lol actually clinton leds us down this road


PALIN/BUSH 2012

[nikky]

oh jesus three strikes could really kill this country look at what the last two has done

[MoeJava]

GOP Senators face party's wrath..... for putting country first, not party first.
imagine that!

[jorge4u]

Great campaign line:

GOP: Party First, Country Second.

[endeavor]

I am truly happy that people in 2004 were chanting ;" Four More Years," Four More Years,' are going down the same path of Bankruptcy and Foreclosure that they sent us down. P.S also e-mailed Collins, Snowe, Specter , thanking them for their courage instead of Goosestepping with Hoghead Limbaugh and Sham Hannity.

[karind1]

done. thanks for making contacting them so easily. here is what i wrote:
thank you for your vote for the stimulus. this nation really needed your moderation and courage to vote the right way--for it. i hope that you consider every bill thinking about the well being of the American people

[endeavor]

ATTENTION ; ATTENTION ; NEWS BULLETIN""The Republicans had a private and Special Prayer meeting this a.m. in the Republican chamber in the Basement of the White House . Forty Members of the Repub. Senate knelt down in Prayer led by '''' Father Limbaugh and it began,''''" Dear Father in Heaven , we earnestly pray with all of our Cold Hearts that the Obama Presidency "Fails ", Father " Please, Please help us to Destroy, and Sabotage his earnest attempts to heal the Country that Clinton destroyed in the last eight years" Amen P.S "Father ,please send some more Bean-O for Father Limbaugh"
footnote-- McCain carried the water and L.Graham passed out Rebel Flags as they held hands and walked in Lockstep.

[victoria38]

Ok, I'll join the fun....
1) The Rope with Jimmy Stewart
2) Hang'em High...Eastwood
3) Ox Bow Incident.
4) Unforgiven
5) Dirty Harry

[TAIsabel]

There was a time, long ago, before Reagan, before Bush and before Palin when the Republicans had great thinkers and doers (I will admit to this even though I have never been a Republican). Something happened 30 years ago that debauched this party beyond recognition.

I sincerely hope it can be saved and recovered by conscientious Republicans. It does our country no good to have only one functioning, rational and intelligent party.

[aurora57]

It seems to me that the focus on legislating morals set republicans down a path that limits intelligent debate on many issues. Too many litmus tests are applied to republicans to expect that they will ever be an inclusive party or open to change. Palin made that clear in her speech at the republican convention.

It's great being a democrat. Democrats must continue to be self-critical and self-regulating even if it appears messy sometimes.

[MoeJava]

Seems as if republicans legislate towards a *perfect life* (which none of us have) whereas the democrats legislate as if hard times may hit us.

Since bad times happen occasionally, Thanks! to the Democratic party for supplying a safety net.

Republicans (since they themselves are usually greedy) think every one and their cousin will apply for state or federal aid, if given the opportunity. This is flawed thinking, as only those who are eligible, can get benefits.

People and families who've lost their jobs and are forced out of their homes due to forclosure and this tanking economy, will only ask for help when they need it. Help ought to be there for average American citizens who have paid into the system.

Reagan began the ball rolling with "government IS the problem" which has been taken up as the republicans battle cry ever since. What they fail to realize is that if government doesnt work, it can be analysed and streamlined to become efficient, so it WILL work. For ALL Americans.

I think a good citizen is a mix of republican ideas, as well as democratic and independent ideas.
Self sufficiency, loyalty and devotion to the US Constittution, and care for your neighbor who may need help, tolerance and compassion.

[MoeJava]

and speaking of..... the corporations have been doing their level best to destroy the economy since Reagan. Shipping jobs overseas, taking favorable tax deals and concessions from workers, all adding to their significant bottom lines.

Why arent all these corporations being made to pay back what they took from the American people, which directly lead to this financial meltdown and sagging economy.

Surely the IRS has a fair estimate as to how many US Dollars in the form of jobs and take-aways from workers, have been earned over this span of time.

Big Oil, Pharmacy and lucrative war profiteers in general, ought to be bailing out the US Auto workers, work-a-day Joes and families being foreclosed upon..... not the US Taxpayer.

[biabouman41]

Where is Senator Gregg on all of this? Are you telling me he is opposing the Obama administration on the stimulous bill? Why is the President nominating him for an important post in his administration only to find that this man has no intention of supporting the president or the Labor movement or cannot break away from his GOP connections . He wants a guarantee that the Republicans will still maintain their numbers in the Senate if he gets through the Senate. Why, why?
We need a senator to fillibuster this nomination. Is there a progressive Senator who will stand up for us aand not his Senate Club buddy?? This guy is on the lunatic fringe and does not deserve to be part of a progressive administration. Get him out of there.