CNN

Ahh, yes, the old compromise debate. GOP nor Dems rarely compromise. Would they do that for the sake of their country, their own families, friends,communities, cities, constituencies...Heck no. Would they do it for the sake of being re-elected...maybe. But a long-shot. Here's another paternalistic jerk who loves the sound of his own voice and thinks he still speaks for Ohio. He does not. And I suspect the next round of elections will show that fact.

Brunswick,MD

Its ironic that the repulcians our doing the most complaining about the stimulus bill but in the end they will deliver the fewest votes. Just lilke the bank bail out bill

It's interesting that Voinovich has "philosophical differences" against a bill that will put many struggling Ohians to work. Ohians should remember this when next he runs for office and express the "philosophical differences" they have with Voinovich.

Senator Voinovich has done what? Now what have I been saying for days! These republicans will laugh at your back for courting their support, and they will still do exactly what Voinovich is doing!

If I hear of one more Republican who thinks he knows how to solve the problems that THEY made.... I will seriously puke right on my laptop with pure disgust!

A CHANGE IS GONNA COME, COME 2010. YOU WILL KNOW WHAT IT FEEL LIKE TO BE UMEMPLOYED.

Those within the government should be required to do actual field work. Helping feed the homeless, rebuild homes from disasters, invest time at nursing homes and countless other acts before any discussion takes place. Better yet, they should be required to live in such conditions before making decisions.

perhaps now President Obama will realize that when Republicans say they want bipartisanship it means that "YOU agree with THEM"! Hard lesson to learn but at least he learned it early.

He has "philosophical" differences – hmmmmmm – is this about him or as a Senator from Ohio shouldn't he be representing his state's voters best interests?

Thank you for deciding not to run again Senator Voinovich!

Anybody with any sense at all will run, not walk, run away from this awful pork-bill.

To the constiuents of these idiots: Vote them OUT when they're up for reelection! Their ways don NOT work!

Hang in ther folks. Isn't it ironic that the youngest President in years is acting the most "grown-up" of any on either side,

GROW UP

Look at this freak here...let me guess, he wanted a Sprite instead of an 7up, huh? LOL!! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I just think sometimes I may do my government bogus be leaving there alone...but with these, I'm glad I took the other road.

...Hmmmm, you know, now is a good time if I can have that Casino here!! Plus, everybody is writing to Congress right now...maybe for the wrong reasons but the point is there's stock baby, there's stock right there...

No doubt one of my top 3 things I've been waiting for since, 1)Our former Gov is gone, 2) Waiting for the messiah and 3) having that casino. I'm livin it guys, I'm livin it now...

I should start with, "remember me?" LOL!! Cool...

People like him will be the death of the republican party. they sat there and gave bush any thing that he wanted for 8 years with out a wimper. they are the ones that put us in this mess to start with. now that some one is trying to straighten their mess out they think that they know the best way. more and more tax cuts for the corperations and their rich buddies.i will be very glad when there is not a republican in any office.

I agree with Independent_me

I am sick of these tired, old Republicans with "philosophical” differences that are out of touch. They should shut up and let the Dems have their way. The Repubs had their turn and failed miserably, so who are they to have any meaningful influence on the stimulous package?

Independent _me writes, "The Republicans believe that "compromise" means "doing things our way".

Who exactly was it recently that used that great "bi-partisan" approach telling Republicans, "I WON". Oh yes – the great messiah Obama!

Better clean off your mirror before casting stones, IM.

Testing, 1, 2, 3. Is this thing on?

Cut tax seems to be the ony thing Rebpulicans think about. The are nuts and 2010 we the people will vote you nuts out for good.

I can't stand Republicans... When will they ever realize there is more to the country than themselves and their self interest. Why can't they ever learn to respect other peoples point of view.

If they were such great leaders and thinkers. Why wasn't this put to use in the last 8 years?

THE COWARD SHOULD RESIGN.

Another toddler in the playpen. If you don't play with me, then I'm out...

What a bunch of Republican babies. Screw them. Let them eat CROW when their constituents VOTE of them OUT of office in 2010/2012.

I used to like him, now he is a tool

Independent_me February 6th, 2009 6:42 pm ET

I completely agree. Besides voinovich is not running again in 2010. so he doesnt have anything to lose (loser).

If I praise President Obama, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi will you post my comment?

He voted to send money to Iraq but can't vote to give money to the people that voted him in. Go figure. That's a ReThuglican for ya. Vote him out next time. Obama08-16.

maybe Voinovich should do the job he was elected for rather than leave the party like a spoiled child that didn't get the piece of cake he wanted

The Democrats believe that "compromise" means "doing things our way".

They don't know how to compromise. they are telling us the THEY know how to fix the economy... that is like the fox telling the chickens, "I know how to build a better henhouse"...

I can't wait unti 2010 so that there will be a Republican majority!

Another Ohio RINO. Retire already George!

What makes me angry with them is with the exception of tax cuts they have come up with no other ideas. The tax cuts don't work and I don't understand what part of that is not clear to them. That other things need to be done. They had no intentions of working with Barak or any other Democrat. That is why next year we have to get and really vote the rest of them out of office. Because if Rush Limbaugh tell them to do something then they will do it. The Republicans are proving that they are not for what's best for the country, but, just what's best for them. This is ridiculous and it is time to stop playing with them. Let's get them out.

Glad Voinovich is going to retire at the end of his current term...he has done little for Ohio which is one of the states really suffering in the economic crisis...he has always been..."...if it's not my idea...I will not support it" which is what the Repugs are showing now...they hate anything that is not their idea!

correction: their obstructionist PARTISAN stance.

Exactly Independent_me. And we're all carefully watching what the Republicans are doing, or more to the point NOT doing and taking note of their obstructionist non-partisan stance. It's becoming apparent that we need that 60 total in the senate. So there's a few Republicans that will need to be voted out in 2010.

VOTE HIM OUT!!! HE HAS FAILED TO SUPPORT THE COUNTRY AND HIS PEOPLE!!!

What a shock. Gutless wonder Voinovich once again buckling to the right-wingers who control his party. His legacy is now pretty solid. Talks like a moderate, walks in lock step with the far right of his party, and has no problem putting partisan politics above the needs of the country. What a waste of a Senate seat.

There is no place for dictatorship, in this country.

I apllaud the Republicans that have the tesiticular fortitude to do something and sign a bill. The others are fools and are playing stall tactictics, in the hopes that our new President fails. How about we stall their paychecks ad then see how fast they sign! They are playing politics and ALL of America is aware. I am neither a Democrat or a Republican and while i agree that Pelosi really screwd the pooch with her project, even after she told America NO PORK, She needs to step down. BUT, that doesn't give license to the Republicans to crap all over Americans that are hurting. They will pay, they will be voted out in a BIG WAY. The dumb Republicans and the Dumber Democrats. To the hell with party politics.

Just because Bush was wrong doesn't make Obama right. Our problems are due to the polarization of the two party system. Compromise between extremes does not produce good law.

The Republicans believe that "compromise" means "doing things our way".

They don't know how to compromise. They are telling us that THEY know how to fix the economy... that is like the fox telling the chickens, "I know how to build a better henhouse"...

I can't wait until 2010 so that there will be a solid Democratic majority!

Good Voinovich you will be out of the senate come 2010.
Bunch of losers

No they don't like it because it might actually work, and then Obama looks good and the obstructionist Congress looks like hacks, again.

As long as Republicans insist that creating jobs (spending money to create jobs) is wasteful, how can they agree to anything? And since they have been skewered for handing over billions to the bankers without a conscience, they are reluctant to give money to anyone. The trouble is, without some government intervention, Americans are going to hold tight to their purse strings, and the recovery will take much longer. I have not spent one extra dollar in 6 weeks, and that will continue until the stock market gets to 9000, and the unemployment numbers get to 5% or under.

Philosophical differences.Ya after the last 8 years there's a big difference.One Party got us in this mess and the other is trying to fix the mess.Anyways the democrats are bi-partisan,they can never agree in lock-step like the republicans.

These repubs amaze me,never heard a word from them when bush had the reins. Congress needs to act & STOP playing politics,do whats right for the people. remember we the people put you their & we can vote you OUT. We all would like to have your perks on taxpayers dollars,and this has been a real eye opener for most americans,be careful from now on with our money,drive your own cars,pay your own medical bills, pay for your own vacations,etc. etc. etc.
You bailed out wall street (700billion) on a gop watch, but you wont help the folks who put you there????? DISGUSTED

Good old republican IT MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY mindset.

We tried YOUR way for the last 25 years.

Change was voted in and change is NOT doing the same thing over and over.

Yeah!!!!! One more comes to his senses!!!!!!!

Sooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quitter!

People need to get it through their heads that the Republicans refusal to work together is not a reflection on President Obama's attempts to work in a bipartisan manner. It's not his fault that they think bipartisan means "do it our way".

Hang in there! We love you for trying to do what is best for us average folks.

President OBAMA needs to start calling out these states and the Republican districts which are the ones where the job losses are the greatest. Ohio, Maine, PA, and other states that have GOP senators except of course for OK, LA, IN, TN, SC and all these southern bigoted states AL, ID etc let them fend for themselves obviously their representatives prefer to give tax cuts and expect that will ensure the feds have money to reduce the national debts that Bush and the GOP created by cturning a 2 thrillion dollar surplus into a defacit, this is priceless for the GOP. The GOP isn't good at managing money!

These stupid repubs will forever play politics even with the country in such bad condition. Americans know that you repubs look to go after Reid seat, we are not as stupid as you think. By the way, no one cares about how you feel

Good bye republicans. The sooner you leave, the faster the bill gets done and the Americans get some relief.

WAH! If you're not going to play the way i want to play, then I'm taking my ball and going home! WAH!

I don't think Congressional and Senate republicans REALLY grasp the level of disapproval and revusion of this economic slavery bill.

Republicans who vote for it should realize a yes vote will mean the end of their political careers. When you cast your vote for this bill, go ahead and clean out your office and fly back to your home district, because we're keeping track of names and YOU WON'T BE REELECTED.

I'm with you ms collins – after seeing what you cut, I'm not as happy with it either.

Please save our nation from anti-capitalist and socialism. Please cut out all of the programs that will not stimulate the economy. Thank goodness we do not have a filibuster proof Senate. America needs help but not at the risk of tearing down this great country. We are still paying for the "New Deal" and the "Great Society". Our government has bankrupt social security and now they want to bankrupt our children and grandchildren. Please for the love of what is right and not what is expedient take the time to give the American people something that will work, something that will create jobs now and something that will make America the manufacturing giant it once was. Let us keep more of our hard earned dollars and we will spend them and we the people will improve our economy.

The real heroes are the Senators who will vote NO to this bailout.

Are some Americans masochists?

1. The Republicons have been known to shut down the Federal Government.

2. The Republicons are known for their recent destruction of the US Government under Bush The Wild & Incompetent.

So why vote people to Congress who will shut down government or destroy American government, if they can't get their way?

Clinton left a surplus and the Republicons wipe it out, to again create a debtor nation.

The Democrats are again seeking to keep the ship of state afloat; but he Republicons are again weighing down the US Government. Why? Because they lack the ability to build anything of value for America?

Obama said that our reps need to consider their constituents. I don't see any of that happening. Where is the input from the American citizens? Certainly we don't think like politicians. This is NOT a plan I would craft. No one I know would design a plan like this.

What would I do? I would hire a few key people with experience in profitable businesses. People who are financially smart and do not believe in creating more debt for our children. Where are those people?

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Pleeez take the time to study this plan carefully....our children and grandchildren and great grandchildren will be paying for it.

I guess all of his constituents are employed and wealthy. Poor example of a congressman.

They need to scrap the whole thing and start from scratch. Tax cuts will not be the answer. More debt is definitely NOT the answer. Each part of the solution needs to show how it can generate profit and income and jobs to repay back the debt we're incurring.

Remind me again, who are the economists here??? I don't have any confidence in them. They need to go to top universities and hire grad students who are Economics majors. They would probably do a better job.

Obama is spreading fear about job losses if something is not done now. All the while there are 30 million illegal immigrants and more coming every day taking jobs from these every people that he says are hurting and he is fighting for and yet he has said not one word about stopping the flow of illegal or visa workers that are taking citizens jobs.
Makes him sound like he really has no concern for the American workers.

My comment is about the insistence on more tax cuts in the economic stimulus package, and I feel this is a very important thing to consider: If you focus mainly on putting money in people's pockets right now (via tax cuts), as Senator McCain insists on, without the other necessary aspects of the package, people will stash away as much money as possible and pay only their essential bills, because everyone is scared and being made more so by the media (no offense). In that scenario, no one will be out spending, and stimulus will not occur. Tax cuts are not the answer; the multi-dimensional plan President Obama wants is. I wish Senator McCain and others in that line of thought would stop holding up the great plan of our new President and his co-workers.

I have read that the difference between a depression and a recession is a matter of degree. Well how much worse do Senate Republicans want the economy to get before they come to the table? We lost 598,000 jobs in January! Is a full scale depression what they want?

Their economic ideology didn't work. It has been in place for the last 8 years, and that is what landed us in this mess. The economy is losing almost 1 million jobs every 2 months. When does Republican ideology reckon with reality?

As a skeptic of all bailouts and stimuli I am convinced that this stimulus is now required as things have gone too far to turn back. As with most Americans am preparing for the fall of our nation when this bill fails since Congress cares more for themselves than the nation. So let everyone quit and at least firearm sales will increase and Americans can simply shoot ourselves since we have nothing left upon which to rely!!!

We need to vote EVERY SINGLE Republican OUT OF OFFICE!!

Here'e my question:

If President Obama is encouraging oversight, limitations and conditions on money lent to banks, auto manufacturers, insurance companies, and the like – is he going to be willing to be on the other end? If I am going to lend my money to the government (and basically lend my children's future earnings to the government as well), then I want similar conditions, oversight and thorough reviews of financial statements of all government agencies spending my money. I can barely get through three paragraphs of the pending stimulus package without feeling sick to my stomach. It is a daunting sum of money – and where is the accountability? In these hard times, I know where every penny is being spent. Will these agencies know the same?

TWO PEOPLE can stop progress to save our country?

Darn you Harry Reid. Why do you have to screw up everything? It's not like you won't cave eventually anyway. Do the right thing and get out of the way. You do more harm than good. Two days ago you said you had enough votes. Bring it to the floor before more is taken out. No money for Firefighter, Cops, Food Stamps. What's next? Tax cuts only?
I thought we voted for change. You and the media are ruining this country.

Between snidely declaring "I WON" to Republicans and then going off to House Democrats about "failed policies of the last 8 years"... I can't IMAGINE why conservatives in Congress haven't embraced Obama??

Obama sounds like he's a Pelosi Charm School graduate!

Another spineless republican. It is becoming clear that this bill will not be able to override the filibuster. Can we have an up or down vote on this issue? The dems have over 50 votes. Why are the republicans blocking? Sound familiar?

Can we have an up or down vote?

idiots ....

Sounds like the Republicans are not wanting to comprimise. You never leave the negotiating table when you want to reach a mutual agreement.

From what I hear from the Republican on TV they still believe Tax cuts are the way to go.. Looks to me that they do not learn... tax cuts got us where we are now.. along with the spending we were encouraged to do..
Remember Bush's advice to the people after 9/11 Go Shopping!!! they offer of tax credits on buying new cars and houses... without jobs.. does not look to me like they paid attention at all.

I say we lay off these congress men and senetors.

IT'S OVER.......YOU AND YOUR CRAPPY STIMULIS IS TOO LATE!!!

100s of thousands of people have lost their jobs and this bickering is reduculous.

It's the Republican agenda to KEEP THE POOR, POOR and THE RICH, RICH. TALK ABOUT ELITE

I say we just FORGET THE WHOLE THING AND WE STOP PAYING TAXES.

EVERYONE 1099 YOUR EMPLOYERS. TELL CONGRESS WE'LL PAY TAXES WHEN THEY CAN SHOW SOMETHING FOR OUR EFFORTS.

IT'S OUR COUNTRY, LETS TAKE IT BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What we are not hearing about is that their a hand full of Senate Dems who don't want to vote for this either. The Dems and the MSM will blame the Reps and not bring it up for a vote in order to hide the fact they don't have 100% Dem support yet.

The house Dems sent a utopian liberal fantasy bill up to the Senate and the more we learn about it the less the public likes it.

We need Repugs to come around. They want Bush's failed approach. America wants Obama's new approach.
We are watching.
We are so tired of Repug foot dragging. We are tired of power plays by whiny repugs. We want the stimulus package, relief, a turn around led by the man WE THE PEOPLE put in office.
None of you repugs can relate to the common man, the hard working nurse, the lab tech, the mechanic, the waitress, the car salesman, the everyday worker. All you guys know is rich, corporate, greedy, overpaid, out of touch, guys like the crooks of Wall street, crooks of investment corporations. All you guys know is what Bush/Chaney wanted you to do. THEY ARE GONE, THANK GOD IN HEAVEN. THINK ON YOUR FEET. THINK OF SOMEONE OTHER THAN YOUR OVERATED, PERVERTED EGOS.

he should resign.

Hmmmm – I'm not a violent person, but I've run across a few in my lifetime.

Bad things are about to happen to the Republicans. Don't know which ones, and don't know when or how, but I know people that are now unemployed, broke, homeless, their kids are hungry, and they no longer think like the rest of us.

Obstructionists had better watch their backs.

Figures Reid and or Peloisi would screw up any attempt to get this bill out of the muck. Why the Dems keep them as "leaders" beats me.

CONGRESS TERM LIMITS . . . 12 YEARS, NO RETIREMENT!

COWARDS, THAT IS WHAT THE REPUGS ARE. BUNCH OF COWARDS.

Why doesn't every unemployed person go to their republicandonothings and ask for a handout. Like maybe a job, medical care, food for their kids, money to pay their mortage, etc. I wonder if the donothings would have a change of heart then. Until they get an actual feeling for what people are going through they could care less. They are comfortable with their jobs, have all the medical care they will never need and usually have more than 1 home. I think its about time for them to share their good fortune with those who are losing everything. I think I will contact my donothing representative and ask him what he is doing for the unemployed and hurting citiziens of his district.

Please Dems and Libs. Please tell me what portion of the bill you support? I don't understand how millions to ACORN or STD education is going to help our economy.

If this bill fails, it will be on Obama's hands, but we will pay the price.

I don't care about your philosophical differences Voinovich. I care about our economy. Get back to work, you baby!

Whatever the fina deal it better include no handouts to Wall Street, Big Business or the Rich!!! If it does, there will be hell to pay!

FINALLY SOME ARE SHOWING THEIR SPINE - NO DEM PORKULUS - NOT THIS TIME!

There should be nothing bipartisan about the PLUNDERING and LOOTING the treasury and ripping-off the American taxpayer. If the republicans do not UNANIMOUSLY reject this INSANE PORK BILL, there is something very very wrong with the Republican Party.

The Repubs are upset that they lost the WH and are not going to support anything that will change the course of the last 8 years. There will be no compromising with them, in spite of all of Obama's efforts to have a bipartisan plan and include them in the discussion. Anything other than their narrow views will not be supported. The country will suffer because of their obstructionist behavior. Not enough of them were voted out of office!

HE IS A SMART MAN, AND HE KNOWS THAT THE BILLS WILL NOT HELP THIS COUNTRY. THANK YOU.
IT IS A GREEDY PACKAGE FULL OF PORK

So he simply gave up on helping the American people? What a trooper.

Other than huge tax cuts/breaks for the rich, exactly what do the Republican politicians want in this stimulus package? If there is "pork" that does not create jobs then cut it. If your state is not getting it's fair share have the governor call the president. If it is a good idea but not yours, vote for it anyway. If you have something constructive to say then say it and move on, but for our country's sake do NOT vote against the bill just because it was not your plan or it might make you look bad.

Okay. There are still 4 more Senators we can win over to get this stimulus through. I hope we can get the votes we need in order to get the help that the people need. Hope for the future

You people that write this stuff think we're all fools. Well – when all cable is disconnected, which of you will have jobs? Not you, Dana, and definitely not Loozer Dobbs or Campell Brown. We know the truth.

"philosophical differences" = the party leadership and the rest of the membership ganged up on me and made me wet my pants with all kinds of threats if I didn't toe the line

Man! Every time Harry Reid (ir Nancy Pelosi) gets involved it seems we lose ground on a decent bipartisan solution! The complete collapse of our economy and way of life will be on their head!

YOU REPUBLICANS ARE THE SCUM OF THE EARTH, YOU HELP BIG BANKS AND CEOS, YOU HELP OTHER COUNTRIES, BUT YOU WANT TO DESTROY AMERICA, SHAME ON ALL OF YOU.

He thinks we don't know that he's a major obstructionist.

He's out in 2010. Buh bye !!!!

And Susan Collins said "It's close" – is CNN lying again?

Ohio is one of the hardest hit states in the country! How could a senator from Ohio walk away from negotiations? Ohio voters need to get on the phones!