DeMint ping!
The rest of the Republicans in the U.S. Senate need to heed sage advice and get behind Jim DeMint.
100 Senators and the American people only have one voice. That’s not only a sham, it’s a shame.
We of course must thank GWB for pushing the first one through congress with his socialist RINO buddies.
Bookmark
Hey Democrats - You guys have the votes! So pass the damn thing already!
I don’t have much time, so forgive me for posting this on your thread.
From the WSJ:McCain Urges Supporters to Sign Petition Opposing Stimulus
Susan Davis reports on politics.
Sen. John McCain announced his opposition to the nearly $900 billion economic stimulus package in an email message to his supporters asking them to sign a petition that states, “I cannot and do not support the package on the table from the Democrats and the Obama Administration.”
A long-standing fiscal hawk, the Arizona Republican and 2008 presidential nominee wrote that he will not support the bill in its current form because it’s “big on the giveaways for the special interests and corporate high rollers, yet short on help for ordinary working Americans.”
McCain advocates against another massive spending package, instead calling for “a short-term stimulus bill” although he provides no further details or cost of such a bill.
McCain also chastises his former presidential rival for not involving Republicans more intimately with crafting the bill. “I appreciate the discussions President Obama is having with my Republican colleagues, but the time for talking has come to an end and we must now begin some serious negotiation,” McCain wrote, “But as of yet, Republicans have not been given the opportunity to be involved.”
Here’s the full email:
Dear McCain Supporter,
Yesterday, the Senate began debate on an economic stimulus package that is intended to get our economy back on track and help Americans who are suffering through these difficult times. Unfortunately, the proposal on the table is big on the giveaways for the special interests and corporate high rollers, yet short on help for ordinary working Americans. I cannot and do not support the package on the table from the Democrats and the Obama Administration. Our country does not need just another spending bill, particularly not one that will load future generations with the burden of massive debt. We need a short term stimulus bill that will directly help people, create jobs, and provide a jolt to our economy.
I believe we need to evaluate every bit of spending in this stimulus proposal with one important criteria - does it really stimulate the economy and help create jobs - if the answer is no, it does not belong in a so-called stimulus package. Furthermore, the stimulus must include significant direct relief to American workers in the form of payroll tax cuts and programs to help homeowners keep their homes. Finally, we need an end game to this stimulus so that when our economy recovers, these spending programs do not remain permanent and saddle our children with a skyrocketing national debt.
I appreciate the discussions President Obama is having with my Republican colleagues, but the time for talking has come to an end and we must now begin some serious negotiation. But as of yet, Republicans have not been given the opportunity to be involved. The House of Representatives passed a stimulus bill without a single Republican supporting it. In the Senate, the Democrat leadership is trying to jam the existing proposal through regardless of reservations from a number of members. With so much at stake, the last thing we need is partisanship driving our attempts to turn the economy around.
I have long been a fighter against wasteful spending in Washington and long an advocate for a balanced budget — that will never change. I realize we face extraordinary challenges with our economy today, but that is not an excuse for more irresponsibly from Washington. I hope you will join me in saying no to this stimulus package as it currently exists by signing this petition.
Sincerely,
John McCain
Chair, Country First PAC
Most of the rest of our House Of Lords just want to make "improvements" in the Bill. In other words, they want their piece of the pie for supporting it.
Mark Sanford for President. Jim DeMint for Vice President. Screw the rest of them including McCain and Miss Lindsey.
Rabs, DeMint must have been reading FreeRepublic. We’ve said all this before and more.
(from NR: Republican Governors on stimulus bill)
Not taking a position or otherwise have a mixed approach to the bill:
Idaho Governor Butch Otter has “reservations” about the stimulus bill, but has not taken a position.
Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman is not taking a position.
South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds is not taking a position.
Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue: “We’re certainly following the progress and trying to give input where we can and raise concerns where we have them, but we’re certainly not waiting on this money,” however,”I can’t give you a checkbox that he’s for it [or against it], it’s much more nuanced.”
Lousiana Governor Bobby Jindal came close to condemning it outright, but again, it’s not clear if he will actively oppose it. His press office forwarded an associated press story that begins thusly: “Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal said Monday that if he were still in Congress, he would have voted ‘no’ on the federal stimulus bill. But he said he will review the final version of the bill for federal money for Louisiana projects.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty’s spokesman said the governor has reservations but is also trying act in the best interest of his state: “Governor Pawlenty has serious concerns about the stimulus package passed by the House. He believes the bill should focus more on tax cuts and addressing the housing crisis and not the buffet of Democrat spending initiatives the bill now contains.If a bill does pass, Minnesota will accept its share of the money because we are a significant net contributor to the federal government. A study shows Minnesota receives about 72 cents for every $1 sent to Washington – so we’re paying more than our fair share.”
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has reservations about spending and increased deficits. However, according to a press release, “the governor has asked the nation’s leaders to look at these issues to ensure fairness in the stimulus package and that the package does not harm the long-term fiscal health of the nation. Contrary to some news reports, she looks forward to continuing to work with Alaska’s congressional delegation to accomplish the state’s goals.”
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels: “I really want to resist making comments about something I have no control over. Let’s just say I have great misgivings about the wisdom for our country, but I hope it is going to work. We all pray that it will work. We want it to succeed. I’m going to concentrate my efforts not on second guessing what somebody somewhere else did, but on trying to make certain Indiana takes maximum effect and takes maximum advantage of this development.”
Supporting the bill:
Vermont Governor Douglas “believes that the federal government should pass some form of federal recovery to assist states that are struggling right now.”
Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons’ spokesman: “The state of Nevada’s economy is in a deep financial crisis and any financial assistance, including the stimulus package, would be welcome.”
Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell’s spokesman says she “supports the idea of a federal stimulus intended to help states create jobs and help states pay for soaring health care costs. She has written Congressional leaders as well as the state’s delegation on several occasions advocating for such a package; in fact, as far back as Senator Lieberman’s Subcommittee hearing last March on corn, ethanol prices and the food supply, she mentioned in written testimony provided to the Subcommittee that some form of second stimulus package was needed.”
Additionally, it’s being reported this afternoon that 19 governors signed a letter in support of the stimulus bill. In addition to Douglas and Rell who responded to my inquiry, Republican Governors Charlie Crist of Florida and Governor Schwarzenegger of California signed the letter supporting the bill.
02/03 05:59 PM
As much as I like Sarah, she better watch out for these conservative heroes that Obama insists on creating.
If one of these guys would simply make the radio talk-show circuit (on a regular basis), he may just out in front of her. Sarah doesn’t seem to have the time.
(note: this is only based on my light listening to talk radio, please correct me if wrong)