Who Are The 11 Democrats Who Voted Against Obama’s Economic Plan And Why Did They Do It?
Who Are The 11 Democrats Who Voted Against Obama’s Economic Plan And Why Did They Do It?
Yesterday, Republicans rebuffed President Obama’s efforts at bipartisanship by refusing to deliver a single vote in favor of his economic recovery bill. Many Republicans appear to be clinging to the strategy of Rush Limbaugh, who has openly declared his hope that Obama fails.
While Republicans stood united against Obama, 11 Democrats broke with the President. Although there were some concerns about the stimulus plan expressed by progressives — such as Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), who felt like the spending provisions did not go far enough — they still voted for the bill because the benefits outweighed the drawbacks. The 11 Democrats who voted no were almost exclusively from conservative districts:
Allan Boyd (D-FL)
Bobby Bright (D-AL)
Jim Cooper (D-TN)
Brad Ellsworth (D-IN)
Parker Griffith (D-AL)
Paul Kanjorski (D-PA)
Frank Kratovil (D-MD)
Walt Minnick (D-ID)
Collin Peterson (D-MN)
Heath Shuler (D-NC)
Gene Taylor (D-MS)
Six of 11 (the italicized names) are members of Blue Dogs Coalition, which expressed concerns about the fiscal impact of the bill. But the Blog Dogs had extracted a pledge from Obama to balance the government’s checkbook, enabling most of them to support the economic stimulus plan. As for the others, here were some of the motivating factors.
Reps. Bright and Griffith — both freshmen congressmen from Alabama — voted along with many of their home-state colleagues against the bill. Rep. Artur Davis was the only Alabamian to vote for it. Both congressmen had been targeted by the National Republican Congressional Committee before the vote.
Freshman Rep. Kanjorski had been a skeptic of the stimulus plan, claiming it was put together too quickly and wouldn’t help the economy in the short term.
Freshman Rep. Kratovil barely squeaked out a win in a conservative Maryland district. Just days before the stimulus vote, Kratovil’s opponent in the last election announced he was planning to run again.
And finally, freshman Rep. Minnick told the LA Times today that he comes from “a very conservative district” in Idaho and said many people in his district listened to talk radio. “They listen to everybody, of course, and I’m influenced by them,” Minnick said.
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Who Are The 11 Democrats Who Voted Against Obama’s Economic Plan And Why Did They Do It?»
– - They might as well form a soccer team since that’s about how much interest and influence they’ll generate in the next couple of years.
January 29th, 2009 at 10:44 amThe bottom line is that the package passed. Hopefully, once it passed the Senate and the legislation is enacted we WILL see some short term stimulus and be set on track for long term stability. Then those who voted against the stimulus can be bashed over the head with those facts AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN! Hopefully, those districts that gave us NAY votes will see some immediate benefit (as should the whole country) and it will throw these obstructionist dolts under the bus.
January 29th, 2009 at 10:44 amBadmoodman Says:
Who Are The 11 Democrats Who Voted Against Obama’s Economic Plan And Why Did They Do It?»
- – They might as well form a soccer team since that’s about how much interest and influence they’ll generate in the next couple of years.
Hey BMMan, I’d rather watch th MLS any day of the week than listen to these prevaricators go into CYA mode when the stimulus starts helping people.
January 29th, 2009 at 10:46 amSo these guys don’t want the economy to get better? Did they come forth with some better ideas? Why not? I just think things are urgent, and we can’t sit around wishing things would get better. We have to try something, and God knows, Obama has consulted virtually everyone,and this is what the consensus was. I do not admire them for not standing up for the American people. Boo on them.
January 29th, 2009 at 10:47 amI think the time has come for the Blue Dogs Coalition to come out of the closet. The jig is up!
You are NOT Democrats… you are Republican-lite.
Voters beware.
January 29th, 2009 at 10:47 amkrystalviews Says:
I think the time has come for the Blue Dogs Coalition to come out of the closet. The jig is up!
You are NOT Democrats… you are Republican-lite.
Voters beware.
The problem is, that those districts are so historically red that you’re either a Repug-lite (Blue Dog) or a hardline Con. I expect this trend to start to fade however with each misstep these foolios make in trying to thwart much needed progressive legislation.
January 29th, 2009 at 10:48 amWe’ll see how that works out for you in the next election cycle. Anyone listening to rush is going to be lost in the shuffle of the next 4 years.
January 29th, 2009 at 10:49 amIn a straight “democracy”, all votes would be by referendum. In a “representative democracy”, elected officials are supposed to use their constituents’ values and wishes but also their own expertise and research to make the decisions for the whole country.
I can, somewhat, understand the choice these 11 made. They were being “risk aversive” but in doing so they will not be able to claim any credit with any success garnered by the stimulus package. I think they may regret this vote in the future.
January 29th, 2009 at 10:49 amAre the Blue Dogs seeing Red, or are they just Yellow?
January 29th, 2009 at 10:49 amSince they voted against it, can we assume they will also refuse to accept any of the funds? It’d be interesting to see how their constituencies would react if they were to do so. Heh… prolly won’t happen… but that sure would be interesting, huh?
January 29th, 2009 at 10:49 amWell, I think that the Democratic party needs to start finding good Progressive candidates to run against these people in their primaries. Elections have consequences. If these people want to act like Republicans they should become Republicans.
January 29th, 2009 at 10:53 amI can’t speak for the other ten, but the guy from my state — Heath Shuler — is a well-known DINO who will almost always vote against the Dems on social issues, and against anything that involves spending money.
He’s been testing the waters for a possible Senate run in 2010 — opposing the Republican incumbent, Richard Burr. About the only difference between the two is that Shuler has a (D) after his name, which would further pad the Dem majority.
January 29th, 2009 at 10:53 amEven if you come from a “very conservative district,” the fact remains that you did get elected running as a Democrat. In fact, since your district is full of wingnuts, they probably expected you to be far more liberal than you are anyways. But you still won. If you’re going to vote Republican and run in conservative districts, then why the hell not just run as a Republican?!?
January 29th, 2009 at 10:58 amIf Heath Shuler had any talent, he might still be playing QB in the NFL.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:00 ammisshusseinmolly Says:
I can’t speak for the other ten, but the guy from my state — Heath Shuler — is a well-known DINO who will almost always vote against the Dems on social issues, and against anything that involves spending money.
Crappy QB, crappy Rep…
January 29th, 2009 at 11:01 amPresident Obama is offering UNprecedented responsibility and openness about where and how the monies are allocated and spent…
maybe if he had kept it all secret and backdoor as it USED to be, these repugs would’ve gladly given – GIVEN – up the goods…
January 29th, 2009 at 11:07 amOh John, stop whining please.
You don’t have any coherent alternatives to propose, you think bolding your entries makes them more…important? No, that can’t be it…louder?
Who cares really…you’re a bloviating clown your fat idol Rush.
Put a sock in it you sore, sore loser.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:07 amI smell spam. Ah, it’s just jk.
*shrug* Anyhow…
January 29th, 2009 at 11:07 amTweedster Says: Hopefully, those districts that gave us NAY votes will see some immediate benefit (as should the whole country) and it will throw these obstructionist dolts under the bus.
Funds will be allocated across the country, with lots of money going to those NAY voters districts. Those reps can say they stood up for “fiscal responsibility” all while their constituents will get funds just like the rest of us.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:07 amUnless Dems bring up their voting record in 2010, most people won’t even remember or care who voted yes or no – as long as they are not living in a refrigerator box.
*like your fat idol Rush.
Also like Rush, your non-lucid ramblings are probably the result of years of drug abuse and self-loathing.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:07 amJohn Kerry Says:
– - Ugh, it’s “Mr-talk-in-BOLD-font-so-people-pay-attention-to-my-otherwise-insignificant-existence.”
January 29th, 2009 at 11:08 amHi John Kerry:
Might you stick around for a tad. We can talk about oh so much. I have some left over scampi we could reheat. How about a ginger beer. Do you like ginger beer? I do. Anyway don’t run away. It makes you look like such a colossal pussy.
Are you a colossal pussy John Kerry?
January 29th, 2009 at 11:08 amI’m shocked that my Rep., Melissa Bean voted for the STIM. She is also a DINO who took over the seat of idiot drunkard Republican Phil Crane. It is a thoroughly Republican district, although things might be changing, since no one stole my Obama/Biden sign last fall.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:09 amBadmoodman Says:
John Kerry Says:
- – Ugh, it’s “Mr-talk-in-BOLD-font-so-people-pay-attention-to-my-otherwise-insignificant-existence.”
Also loooooves the CAPS button and exclamation points!!!!!!!!!
Pretty pathetic really.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:09 amThe No votes won’t matter in the long run because it will pass anyway. What I think should happen is that absolutely NO money goes to these Reps Districts. Maybe then their constituents will vote these obstructionists out.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:10 amOf course, we wouldn’t be Democrats if we didn’t have strays.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:10 amdbadass Says:
Are you a colossal pussy John Kerry?
dbad, let me rephrase that so lil John Kookie can understand it:
January 29th, 2009 at 11:11 amARE YOU A COLOSSAL PUSSY JOHN KERRY?!!????!!!
A Republican co-worker railed at me that the STIM was going to mortgage the future of his grandchildren. I didn’t have to heart to tell him that the Republicans already did that.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:11 amjohn, you should act properly and seek mental health care immediatly, I am starting to worry about your survivablility in the real world.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:12 amElBruce Says:
——————————————————————————–
Even if you come from a “very conservative district,” the fact remains that you did get elected running as a Democrat. In fact, since your district is full of wingnuts, they probably expected you to be far more liberal than you are anyways. But you still won. If you’re going to vote Republican and run in conservative districts, then why the hell not just run as a Republican?!?
THAT was exactly my point ! Fess up, Blue Dogs….you are REPUBLICANS, own up to it !
January 29th, 2009 at 11:12 amI am not going to refer to Troll JK by his screen name, which demeans one of our representatives. I suggest we give him, and other similar trolls, our own names. Might I recommend Boldface Liar for JK as this fits his modus operandi?
January 29th, 2009 at 11:12 amAPEC not OPEC Says:
The No votes won’t matter in the long run because it will pass anyway. What I think should happen is that absolutely NO money goes to these Reps Districts. Maybe then their constituents will vote these obstructionists out.
The stimulus has to help the ENTIRE country, and the best way to have the constituents turn on the Reps is to let them see tangible benefit of the stimulus and remind them time and again that those benefits wouldn’t have been received if THEIR Reps had their way.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:13 amJohn Kerry @ 11:14
January 29th, 2009 at 11:13 amWhere have you been the last 8 years? You oviously must have had your face stuck up Rushs’ arse,right!
Yeah, we rare Idaho democrats voted for Minnick, but the reason he won, I’m guessing, was because the large bloc of moderate republicans endorsed him and voted for him over Sali.
As such, he will be a reliable republican vote. Whether I’ll vote for him again is questionable, since I’m not sure what he gets us.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:14 amPatrioticLiberalChristian Says:
I am not going to refer to Troll JK by his screen name, which demeans one of our representatives. I suggest we give him, and other similar trolls, our own names. Might I recommend Boldface Liar for JK as this fits his modus operandi?
Second!
Alternative choice in keeping with said troll’s initials “Jerk King?”
January 29th, 2009 at 11:14 amJohn Kerry Says:
STOP the lying libs!!
______________
Just once… it’d be nice if this @ssclown actually a “fact” to go along w/ his endless whining, or stuck around and tried to debate his “position”. Unfortunately, I get the feeling the only “position” JK would be interested in taking would be Limbaugh’s (drop trou, grab ankles…).
January 29th, 2009 at 11:19 amWho Are The 11 Democrats Who Voted Against Obama’s Economic Plan And Why Did They Do It?
The Malkin caucus? Friends of Rush?
Either way, Obama just proved he doesn’t need their support.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:20 amAnd finally, freshman Rep. Minnick told the LA Times today that he comes from “a very conservative district” in Idaho and said many people in his district listened to talk radio. “They listen to everybody, of course, and I’m influenced by them,” Minnick said.
Oh f uck, I voted for Minnick. I can’t stand living in a red state — even with a Dem Rep.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:21 amIt was easy for Republicans to be united in their opposition. Because they knew their ‘no’ votes had no repercussions.
Alternatively, it’s good that some Democrats voted ‘no’. It shows that they are deliberating, thinking, and considering their constituents. I don’t think we want a government that is simply a battle between two monolithic parties. I think that representatives that think and act independently will produce better outcomes. Obama and the Democrats will still what they want.
The measure passed.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:23 amTRoS, you just gotta let it go and appreciate Troll John Kerry for what he does bring to the table: a thoroughly predictable, hit-and-run troll who delights in cracking the door, sticking his butt in the room, ripping a fart, and evacuating.
It’s not much, but it’s the very best he can do.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:26 amralph the wonder llama Says:
It’s not much, but it’s the very best he can do
And even with that, he’s pushing his limits.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:29 amralph the wonder llama Says:
TRoS, you just gotta let it go and appreciate Troll John Kerry for what he does bring to the table: a thoroughly predictable, hit-and-run troll who delights in cracking the door, sticking his butt in the room, ripping a fart, and evacuating.
It’s not much, but it’s the very best he can do.
Well said, ralph, well said. (LOL!)
January 29th, 2009 at 11:30 amYou all can have purity, or you can have a Democratic majority with good bills passed.
The bill passed, and these guys voted to save themselves.
I’m fine with that, as long as the bill passed.
When one of these guys cast a vote that causes a bill to fail, that will be a different story.
Historical footnote: When he represented my district in the Illinois State Senate, President Obama engaged in some similar conduct. He cast some “present” votes in order to provide cover for certain reps who would have a problem in their own districts.
We need to keep our eye on the ball. The bill passed, and these guys cast votes that will help keep a Democratic majority. That works for me every time.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:31 amYeah… I know, Ralph. I just feel better pointing that out. So many of the trolls NEVEr have a point, or facts. Just smears, name-calling, and overheated rhetoric.
I won’t try debating someone who never has a real point, but I do feel it’s okay to point out the truth.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:32 amZooey we’re both in the same leaky boat, that Griffith (D, Ala. 5th) is mine! I had high hopes for him, but I see I will have to watch him closely now.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:32 ambackup Says:
It was easy for Republicans to be united in their opposition. Because they knew their ‘no’ votes had no repercussions.
_____________
So will they be declining any funding from it? Wouldn’t that be the truly principled conservative stance? Or was it just a dog-and-pony show on the No Voters’ part?
January 29th, 2009 at 11:33 amAny reps outside of Raleigh-Durham NC who can actually extract themselves from conservative positions? (Should the makers of Nicorrete get back to the drawing board?)
January 29th, 2009 at 11:34 amDon’t worry. JK isn’t allowed to mingle with the general public. Some mental health facilities provide internet access to their residents.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:35 amMissmolly, I’m beginning to think that John Edwards should challenge Richard Burr and get his seat back.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:37 amI think it’s time for Obama to buy up some air time on talk radio and get talking to the morons that listen to Rush et al.
Might not do any good, but at least they could hear the truth for once.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:37 amAh ha ha! Stop it! TRoS, you kill me! What a sense of humor!
January 29th, 2009 at 11:38 amMinnick should have also listened to the will of the electorate who spoke very loudly on November 4. Its unfortunate that his Mormon constituency listens to Rush and his lies. Apparently Minnick isnt capable of reasoned thought. Perhaps he should convert to the Repignofascist Party now.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:39 amMcWars Says:
Any reps outside of Raleigh-Durham NC who can actually extract themselves from conservative positions?
_____________
Conservative positions? One can’t help but wonder if these positions somehow involve the grabbing of ankles.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:40 amshoeless Says:
Ah ha ha! Stop it! TRoS, you kill me! What a sense of humor!
____________
(Shy.. almost demure…) Aw shucks…
January 29th, 2009 at 11:41 amTweedster Says:
The stimulus has to help the ENTIRE country, and the best way to have the constituents turn on the Reps is to let them see tangible benefit of the stimulus and remind them time and again that those benefits wouldn’t have been received if THEIR Reps had their way.
Your right. But they still piss me off.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:42 amActually, the Mormon vote often seems more moderate on a variety of issues (esp school funding) than the fundamentalist/libertarian wings of the republican party in Idaho. And more polite. :)
January 29th, 2009 at 11:44 amAPEC not OPEC Says:
Tweedster Says:
The stimulus has to help the ENTIRE country, and the best way to have the constituents turn on the Reps is to let them see tangible benefit of the stimulus and remind them time and again that those benefits wouldn’t have been received if THEIR Reps had their way.
Your right. But they still piss me off.
True…but I’d rather see them eat crow next election than be able to play the victim card.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:48 amWhere was all the concern about running up the deficit when we chose a war that sucked dry the surplus and drove us deep into debt? Would we be able to solve these economic issues if we hadn’t poured so much down the rat hole of Iraq?
January 29th, 2009 at 11:48 amSince 2001, even with record low inflation, U.S. federal spending has increased by a massive 28.8% (19.7% in real dollars)—with non-defense discretionary growth of 35.7% (25.3% in real dollars)—the highest rate of federal government growth since the presidencies of Richard Nixon and Lyndon Johnson. This increase has resulted in the largest budget deficits in U.S. history, an estimated $520 billion in fiscal year 2004 alone. Furthermore, the projected spending for 2005 is a conservative estimate, since it doesn’t include at least $50 billion for the 2005 cost of the Iraq occupation.
And they want to return to Bushonomics?
January 29th, 2009 at 11:53 amjb Says:
Where was all the concern about running up the deficit when we chose a war that sucked dry the surplus and drove us deep into debt? Would we be able to solve these economic issues if we hadn’t poured so much down the rat hole of Iraq?
Great question…it always amazes me how we have unlimited funds to kill and destroy, but can’t find money to care of our sick, the young, the elderly etc. It is complete BS, and it would be nice if more people in the media pointed this out. I’m not holding my breath though.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:53 amMcWars Says
January 29th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Missmolly, I’m beginning to think that John Edwards should challenge Richard Burr and get his seat back.
_________________________________________________________
He’d definitely give the voters more of a choice than a Shuler-Burr contest would. But I’m not sure he’d go for it.
I’d like to see one of our other Dem Representatives challenge Burr for the seat — Price, Etheridge, or Miller (all guys I would vote for enthusiastically). Only problem is that would be taking a valuable person out of the House, but I trust Perdue could appoint a worthwhile replacement.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:57 amI’m eternally amazed at the “cojones” conservatives have.
This was posted on a blog in Dallas:
TEXAS !!! A state that is swimming in blood-oil money is whinning about the stimulus !
January 29th, 2009 at 12:00 pmAAARRRGGG
The thing is, there are many issues out there and many positions that a Representative/Senator can take. How can one political party align all these? Which party is for someone who is “fiscally conservative” but “socially liberal”? Which party is for someone who is staunchly against abortion but wants universal health care, green energy, and no war in Iraq? Things just do not line up neatly in so many cases.
January 29th, 2009 at 12:09 pmFor those that were just elected: Do not let a bunch of Neocon republicans intimidate you. You were elected to serve ‘THE PEOPLE’ if you can’t or won’t do that, then expect a short job span.
January 29th, 2009 at 12:12 pmNote: The ones from the southern states are backing Toyota instead of American automakers.
krystalviews Says:
I’m eternally amazed at the “cojones” conservatives have.
This was posted on a blog in Dallas:
It looks like Texas is really getting the short end of this proposed stimulus. Looking at a per-capita breakdown, we end up 31st out of 50 states, with about $1,825 per person. Which state/place takes first? Why, Obama’s new stomping grounds (D.C.), with nearly $3,000 per person.
Hmmm…so Texas, with a population of about 24.3million, will receive roughly 44.3 BILLION in stimulus money.
DC on the other hand, has a population of 591,833 will receive ~1.78 Billion…meaning TX receives about 25X MORE stimulus. Cry me a river.
Even if you take the Washington Metro Area into account (pop.~5.3million), they would receive 15.9Billion in stimulus. I’m pretty sure that’s not where the per capita number comes from anyway.
January 29th, 2009 at 12:15 pmNow the President knows the areas of the Country that aren’t really in a recession and don’t want the help. Republicans would rather give the money to the rich and more to Wall Street and they have found some Democrats who feel the same way. When the bill does pass at lease the Law Makers that don’t want it have made their voices heard and more money can go to the area’s that are deep in this Recession. Obama is letting their voters voices be heard and that’s Democracy. Obama/Biden shouldn’t force States or districts within States to take money they don’t need.
January 29th, 2009 at 12:34 pmmisshusseinmolly Says:
I’d like to see one of our other Dem Representatives challenge Burr for the seat — Price, Etheridge, or Miller (all guys I would vote for enthusiastically). Only problem is that would be taking a valuable person out of the House, but I trust Perdue could appoint a worthwhile replacement.
The heart of NC is the triangle region, and I don’t want Richard Burr to have a career representing the state. He was elevated, as you certainly know, from a west deep-red district . A lot of people, for example, are moving down the Northeast to make NC one of the fastest-growing states, and that’s good enough for me to say that we’re past Helms. The House, fine per district, but the Senate, our state has no business elevating rabid right-wingers to serve.
Also, I’m eager to learn along the way what Gov. Perdue will accomplish. She was a very active lieutenant governor.
January 29th, 2009 at 12:37 pm2 years later, these guys will be the heroes because they chosed not to play politics and voted according to their conscience. The bill brings relief to many but it was a bit rushed out the door just like the $700 billion bailout for the banks.
January 29th, 2009 at 12:46 pmMcWars Says:
Too bad she won’t have one.
January 29th, 2009 at 12:47 pmI have to be somewhat circumspect here, lest I out myself, but I consider myself a fairly progressive Democrat — perhaps sitting under the fat part of the curve on the left-hand side of the distribution — and I live in a conservative district (R+4) that both voted for Obama and reelected the incumbent Republican MC.
I have flirted and then seriously considered campaigning against the Republican incumbent, but if I were to have any success at all it would have to be by at least accommodating some of the preferences of the district constituents.
So I wrestle with this — would I be betraying my principles by compromising with my constituents’ preferences, or all else equal would it be better to have more Democrats than Republicans in Congress? I think I know myself well enough to know that I wouldn’t compromise on bright-line issues — choice, for example — but perhaps on an issue like the stimulus, where passage was assured? Hard to say.
January 29th, 2009 at 12:50 pmIf they had a conscience they would have voted for it. Truth is they have made themselves targets of the American people’s will as witnessed in the recent election. You ignore reality in your praise for dissent against logic.
Their days are now numbered.
January 29th, 2009 at 12:52 pmAs long as we use private money to finance elections, we will get this. They want to keep their job, obviously more important to most.
Term limits would also help…two to a customer. If its good enough for the Prez, it’s good enough for the Hill.
January 29th, 2009 at 2:02 pmLT Dan, oh wise one! I have an idea, since you are so wise and learned, why don’t you offer up some ideas instead of pontificating about how everything’s going to go to hell…We could sure use your wisdom…especially concerning the horrible usury rates our credit card companies are charging…After all the Bible is your guide, and it says usury is not allowed…
January 29th, 2009 at 2:08 pmLTdan Says:
No one cares what you think Dan you are an ignorant troll
January 29th, 2009 at 3:43 pmWow!! As usual, divisiveness and anger reign in the house of the liberals when they don’t get their way, or even when they DO get their way, but some happen to disagree with them. Don’t forget “For the people” — the Representatives are SUPPOSED to represent their constituents. I APPLAUD these 11 Democrats who voted their consciences. The “reasons” for their votes give above don’t line up with those I heard interviews with. They made the right choice. This legislation is a classic example of what makes government corrupt. Under the guise of being an emergency piece of legislation to stimulate the hurting economy, they threw in every partisan provision (i.e. $2.5 BILLION to Acorn as just one of many examples?! C’MON!!) AND the kitchen sink, which have nothing at all to do with stimulating the economy. In the long run it will just pile more debt on the government and reach deeper into taxpayers’ pockets for generations to come — not to mention create a more and more government dependent society and DE-stimulate the ecnoomy. If Congress was serious about wanting a stimulus bill they would cut out the pork, not try to slide a bunch of other agenda items in through the bill’s back door, and make this STRICTLY a stimulus effort — they can always write additional legislation in the days ahead and vote on it separately if they must try to get some of this other stuff passed. Let them vote on EACH PROVISION separately. And for those who wrote, “Why don’t you offer an alternative rather than whine…”…Well, there were several alternatives offered but Ms Pelosi is so bloody partisan (so much for Obama’s attempts to encourage bipartisanship) that she won’t even allow alternatives to be considered in “her” House. Bloody hell! No wonder this was the lowest rated Congress in the history of mankind over the past several years!!! THINK, people. If this premature, overporked, rushed legislation is passed, we’ll be paying for it for years to come, and so will our children and grandchildren….and there’s VERY LITTLE true stimulus provision included in it. It’s just plain a BAD bill! They should take their time and do some housecleaning on it before passing it in the Senate, not rush it through, especially considering its very long term consequences. This was a bi-partisan vote — bi-partisan on the “no” side. It works both ways. Bravo to those who voted according to their consciences and intelligent reasoning.
January 29th, 2009 at 3:46 pmOh, and let’s not forget….re. the last election… Obama only won by 52%. That leaves almost half the citizens who voted that didn’t give him a mandate.
January 29th, 2009 at 3:48 pmJohn Kerry Says:
CONGRATULATIONS to all Republican and loyal Dems who DID not fall for this “PORKULUS” bill!!
STOP the lying libs!!
This bill is simply another Dem lib pork bill that Brotha O SUPPOSEDLY said he wanted to geta way from.
If you arseholes REALLY want economic recovery NOW and not in 10 years you should act properly and NOT with con job bills like this!
So sayeth the troll, oh I’m sorry, oracle, who supported the porkfest known as Operation Iraqi Liberation (OIL…)
What is acting properly oh wise one? Please enlighten us with your divine revelation…
January 29th, 2009 at 4:08 pmLetFreedomRing Says:
As usual the STUPIDITY of conservatives is a sight to behold. See their tantrums when they get tossed OUT on their ears because the American people have had enough of their lying, their incompetence and their basic lack of humanity. See the same people who called the tightest election win by an encumbent since TRUMAN a mandate then denigrate a shellacking of McCain by Obama. Sure they are ignorant but even THEY dont think that makes sense. They dont CARE about truth, facts, or reality. They only care about their mindless delusions and what their Limborg propaganda masters have TOLD them to think and regurgitate like the demented parrots they are. I know it is pathetic but nowadays pathetic is all they have
January 29th, 2009 at 4:13 pmI think a better question would be:
“Where is the $850 billion, and who is going to pay it?”
January 29th, 2009 at 4:29 pmLooks like we now have at least 11 republican wanna bees”’ I say lets target these fools, and put real progressive dems In their seat. These Blue Dogs has a yellow streak, If the last failed years of George Bush havent taught them anything, nothing will.
January 29th, 2009 at 4:49 pmJarhead,
January 29th, 2009 at 4:56 pmThe bill passed.
They voted to keep their seats safe.
They also voted for Nancy Pelosi for House Speaker.
Get your priorities in line.
These Dinos are no better then RepubliCons and they should be removed likewise.
January 29th, 2009 at 7:55 pmIf Obama is so sure this is going to work,he why does he want
January 30th, 2009 at 1:10 amrepubs vote.Now the dems can take all the credit.
I’m glad I foung this web site. It was the first under a google search to find the brave 11. I say brave but I fear it was more political calculation that motivated them. But I for one will take it. The only thing the “stimulus” bill will stimulate is dependency. A dependency that will require “progressives” to maintain the resulting nanny state. The details of this bill indicate a 40 year wish list of liberal/progressive initiatives. As Emmanuel said “you never want to waste a crisis”. In fairness I do understand from a tactical political standpoint. If you have the presidency, vast majorities in both houses and a convenient crisis to herd the people with then why not. I would offer some good reading to prepare for where we are going: Jonah Goldberg’s “Liberal Fascism” Doubleday. See ya’ in the Gulag
February 6th, 2009 at 5:43 pmHeck………. read ayn Rands “Atlas Shrugged.” We’re living it right now. It should be required reading for every politician.
That book clearly describes what the result will be from liberal/Progressive (Marxist/Socialist) economic policies BHO are going to put in place. Remember folks…. the 2nd Amendment is the reset switch on the Constitution
The 11 Dems who did not vote for the “stimulus” package did it for three reasons: 1- they were representing their constituents; 2- they want to keep their jobs and 3- they know it won’t work.
February 12th, 2009 at 11:42 amrepublicans hate facts Says: “…YOU DON’T GIVE A S**T about the country YOURSELF you think EVERYONE should have voted against a program to HELP US ALL?”
Reply: It’s not governments job to “help” the citizens of this country. You have all the freedoms and possibilities to help your own self. Look in the inner cities and you can see the result of government wanting to “help” citizens. Name me ONE government program that has worked. Welfare – FAILED. Social Security – FAILED. Medicare – FAILED. The War on Poverty – FAILED. The Community Reinvestment Act (the one that got America into this economic mess)- FAILED. Government-rum public schools – FAILED. Should I go on?
February 12th, 2009 at 11:56 amHoodathunk Says:
“As long as we use private money to finance elections, we will get this.”
Reply: Odd that you say that, after all of the private money that got BHO elected (Oh… and don’t forget the corporate money from those evil oil companies; the illegal overseas money from the internet and the voter fraud from ACORN).
February 12th, 2009 at 8:23 pm