If the Democrats feel so strongly about it, they could pass it over the objections of the House Republicans, so they are just as much to blame for the lack of progress on the bailout.
The Dems want the Republicans to vote for the measure too, so that later the Reps can't complain about all the earmarks without being hammered with "But you voted for it!"
If it passes with just Dem votes, then everybody will see the earmarks and Dem corruption.
While there are enough Dems to pass, (majority), there are not enough Dems who are willing to vote against their constituents, they are all up for re-election in the House here in just over a month. They need Republican votes to give cover to members who will absolutely lose the seat should they vote for the cr** bill, that's what has Frank's thong in a snag.