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.