(CNN) – An influential conservative political action committee is pledging to support primary challengers to any Republican senator who supports President Obama's stimulus package - the latest public show of dissatisfaction from the right over the massive measure before Congress.
"The American people don’t want this trillion dollar political payoff that will just line the pockets of non-governmental organizations who supported [President] Obama in the election,” said Scott Wheeler, the executive director of The National Republican Trust PAC, an organization that calls for less government spending and lower taxes.
Related: For House and Senate, time to settle stimulus
“Republican senators are on notice," Wheeler said. "If they support the stimulus package, we will make sure every voter in their state knows how they tried to further bankrupt voters in an already bad economy.”
In a Senate vote Tuesday, only three Republicans backed the $838 billion measure - Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine, and Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter.
All three senators were involved in cutting spending proposals from the plan, and have said they may not vote for the final version bill if more spending projects are added to it.
From CNN Politics
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"GOP group gets tough against Republicans who support stimulus"
Not as tough as their constituents will. I would not support my senators if they voted for it. Of course, I've already decided not to vote for them since they voted for the last one.
I've decided to work to fire their butts.
Don't these people live in America? Are they not feeling the heat of this moment? God help us.
The GOP had control of congress until January 2007. They ran up the national debt, allowed NO BID CONTRACTS to anyone who had their hands out, had HUGE EAR MARKS on every bill.
When the Dems gained control in 2007, the GOP fillibustered a total 100 times (that is a total of 300 days that nothing can be done, 3 days for each). They made it a do nothing congress by their obstructionism.
And NOW they know what is right for the USA????
Al Qaieda is upset. You three lowly republicans who voted better watch out......This is such a complete joke. The President need to put these republicans in their place. If they don't like it, hit the road jack.
It's any Senator's perogative to vote as they think is best. At least Collins, Spector, and Snowe sat down and tried to reach an agreement, instead of yelling no ad nauseum. The GOP is allowing the fringe right to take over their party.
Good. Any Republican that supports this bill is a disgrace to the party. As for Democrats, this kind of bill is exactly what I would expect from them.
Kathy wrote:
February 10th, 2009 12:48 pm ET
The GOP had control of congress until January 2007. They ran up the national debt, allowed NO BID CONTRACTS to anyone who had their hands out, had HUGE EAR MARKS on every bill.
When the Dems gained control in 2007, the GOP fillibustered a total 100 times (that is a total of 300 days that nothing can be done, 3 days for each). They made it a do nothing congress by their obstructionism.
And NOW they know what is right for the USA????
****************************************************************************No comment. Totally agree. I just thought is this deserves repeating.
Group of losers!!!!! Grand old party of lo...osers!!
The three GOP senators are working for the American people who sent them to Washington. The other GOP members of both houses are miserable people, after fleecing the American people ( they contributed more than any group to this sorry state) they want this new administration to fail. God forbid!!!
The fortunes of the GOP is tied to what happens to the Economy, they figure if the Economy tanks they have a chance of coming back to power. God forbid!!!
Their latest stand will go down in history as the point where the GOP lost relevance in American politics( the GOP extinction).
God bless America.
Why is the GOP crying fowl in their own ranks now? Look what the GOP did to America under Bush these last eight years....and now they cry because 2 GOP Senators voted in FAVOR OF AMERICA!
OK, so adding debt to the federal budget is a big deal now ONLY after Obama is elected President and after eight years of reckless spending by the same party who created this mess.
What do these guys stand for????
This is exactly the problem the GOP has. They claim they Know what America wants, obviously they didn't get the word that in Nov, the American people Rejected Overwhelmingly the policies of the GOP. They just don't get it and they'll be scratching their heads in 2010 when there is even less of them. The GOP has become irrelevant, which is a good thing for America.
"trillion dollar political payoff that will just line the pockets of non-governmental organizations who supported [President] Obama in the election"
That is pure propaganda. I've seen people throw around arguments that $4.5 billion will go to ACORN. Right. Go to thomas.loc.gov, find the exact paragraph where it says that, and I'll believe you. Until then, try to come up a legitimate argument against the stimulus plan, of which there are many , yet Republicans have not brought them to the public eye as of yet.
"Buy America", "Go Union" exec order: why are these things not being hotly debated?!
Since the Republican Party knows so much, why are we in the economic straits that we are in? And John McCain calling this "Generational Theft" is like the pot calling the kettle black. Wasn't he involved in something called the "Savings and Loan Scandal"? That was generational theft.
I don't pretend to know if this bailout is going to work. But at least tax and spend makes a lot more sense than don't tax, but spend anyway...
Looks like the Big Tent ain't so big. There is a reason the conservatives aren't in power anymore. They are uncompromising. When they don't get their way they act like little kids. My way or the highway is not going to cut it anymore. We tried that and it doesn't work. If President Obama has taught us anything, it is that compromise is a necessary element to govern the nation.
Perhaps those three senators might consider swithing parties? Come on over to the Dem adult party. You are no longer welcome at the Republican kids party.
It's fun to watch the Republican party cannibalize their own.
GOP = Grand Obstructionist Party.
I, for one, admire and respect Senators Collins, snowe, and Specter. They considered the big picture and used their conscience to enlighten their actions (which, by the way, included hammering out sections in the original draft in order to make it more palatable). If only more legislators could use both their minds and hearts,instead of just lurching ahead (or backwards) by voting according to party lines.
Why do republicans still question why people are voting them out? The answer is in this article. It's seems the perfect time for both Dems and Repubs to grow up a little and start working towards real solutions and put their egos on the back burner for awhile.
"The American people don’t want this trillion dollar political payoff that will just line the pockets of non-governmental organizations who supported [President] Obama in the election,” said Scott Wheeler, the executive director of The National Republican Trust PAC, an organization that calls for less government spending and lower taxes.
Um – Yes we do!
You don't speak for me nor do you speak for the majority of Americans,
perhaps you have forgotten the GOP has LOST the W.H. and both houses of congress.
Liberals are out of control and thier messiah, the living god Obama is about to spend us into oblivion. any republican who voted for the " spendulus " bill should have thier party affiliation stripped and be deported to France.
The GOP is working to finish putting the U.S. in a economic catastrophe
and shun their constituents in the process. The 3 that support the bill
have guts and care that something gets done. The repubs totally ruined
the economy of the U.S. and then think that they're plan is what can
solve the problems that they created in the first place. Sorry, but the
republicans credibility is shot on this one.
The right wing idiots will not rest till they destroy this country.
"GOP group gets tough against Republicans who support stimulus"
Not as tough as their constituents will. I would not support my senators if they voted for it. Of course, I've already decided not to vote for them since they voted for the last one.
I've decided to work to fire their butts.
– Bruce
You know, the same do-nothing Republicans as want the heads of these moderates are the ones who got us into this with their tunnel-vision ideology. The time now is not for partisan politics, but to do something that helps the nation. We're going to go down if things are not turned around and fast. You're like the people who want to have a tea party in a burning building. Dope.
And we will remember who the three are and make sure they are moved forward to the future not left behind with the out of date people of washington.
Tennessee
So let them bully ... it shows their true colors
I am so sad that I do not live in one of the states of the targeted Republican senators that supported the stimulus bill so that I could vote FOR them. I hope that these conservatives start to wake up and think about why they lost the last election before they lose the next one. And they didn't lose because they were not conservative enough but because those particular conservative values they espouse today are the ones that supported getting us where we are today. Broke and getting broker by the minute.
Congrats to three GOP Senators willing to go against party leadership in order to do what's best for the country. As usual, the Dems reached out with an open hand and were met with a closed fist from the Republicans hoping to see the new president–and hence, the country–fail.
Most republicans won't speak it, but Limbaugh has openly articulated this party-line negativity for them.
Steve wrote:
"I love how the Republicans purge the people who don't toe the party line. They'd make really good Communists.""
You are so right...!!! if you too far to the left, you end up in the far right
If you go to the right you end up on the far left..
Great observation...
Great, let these idiots spend their money attempting to unseat Snow, Collins and Specter. These fools and their money will soon be parted.
This keeps getting better and better. It was just yesterday these same republicans were squalking about the money going to government entities. They are the ones who'd better watch their backs. It's time to start bringing them down, and I'm looking forward to a few of them imparticular.
This is how the GOP treats people who want to focus on problem solving rather than politics as usual. They do not like people to think for themselves and provide rational dialogue within the GOP ( ie, Collin Powell). It seems like they are turning into a dangerous cult like organization that is not healthy for them or America.
Considering Snowe is planning on retiring after her term is up, Collins's seat is safe until 2014 and Specter seems to enjoy primary battles; I don't believe this is really going to scare anyone.
Today's Senate Republicans are part of a dying breed.
Each time they block a new bill, they're just falling further into oblivion, which will be reflected in the 2010 election.
I wish one of those three courageous senators lived in my state so that I could go out and campaign for their re-election. The Republican Party just doesn't get it - and that's why they got taken to the cleaners in November. It will happen again if they don't get their act together and start making decisions for the good of the country instead of for themselves. Idiots.
Yeah... this is the "Country First" party. "Don't follow us and you're a traitor," but... what do you expect. Republicans seem to have a hard time accepting that they are a minority in both house of Congress. And not just a slim minority... and unlike some pragmatic folks (those mentioned in the article), the rest of the party wants to be the obstructionist party, more interested in touting their "conservative" values rather than putting "Country First."
I estimate this folly will be the beginning of the end of Obama's popularity. Unless most Americans truly are STUPID. And don't mind giving up theirs and their childrens future. Those who are poor now have no chance in the foreseeable future of any prosperity. It has just been guaranteed. Good luck Y'all.
AL QAIDA GROUP ARE MAD AT THE SELL OUT. WHY DO WE CARE
Ahhh yes Comrade, we shall go to a one party rule as this will be better for the underlings....
Kathy February 10th, 2009 12:48 pm ET
The GOP had control of congress until January 2007. They ran up the national debt, allowed NO BID CONTRACTS to anyone who had their hands out, had HUGE EAR MARKS on every bill
________
The GOP is not alone in ear marks. Senator Byrd has racked up over $3,000,000,000 ($3 billion) in earmarks. And Obama, in 3 years, had $740 million in earmarked spending requests. The list included $1 million for a hospital where his wife works.
So let me see if I get this right: voting for President Bush's $850 billion dollar plan (people claim it was $700 billion but don't forget the $150 billion pork added to it) and you are a good Republican but vote for President Obama's $807 billion dollar plan and you are a bad Republican? President Bush's plan did not address the housing and mortgage issue even though that was the impetus for the bill in the first place and they wanted the money without having to tell anybody what they were going to do with the money and they could not be held accountable for what they did with the money and they went out and used the money to purchase preferred stock in over 200 banks is a good plan. President Obama's plan that does address the housing market, unemployment, job creation and required accountability for how the money is spent is a bad plan. Hey Republicans the American population has regulated you to a worthless, meaningless party in the House and they have almost done it in the Senate. If you keep acting like you are, in the next election we the people will make you a completely irrelevant party in both the House and the Senate?
I don't see any Republicans coming up to the plate to help out the American People.
get rid off all of them and start over they all stink... both parties
Tax cuts are the answer!!
What was the question, again?
The Republicans are EATING themselves...
If I were a republican senator , I would shut up at least for a year, because republicans are those who are responsible for financial crisis and two wars. GOP wants to keep giving more money to oil and gun companies, the ones who got us into this mess at the first place, who always supported GOP to get elected. The conservative motion, depending on oil companies, will soon die in America and around the world.
Thanks to the three Republicans that voted for the Stimulus package......thank you for not listening to the do-nothing Republicans that would rather the people out here on Main Street just tough it out.....with NO help........you Republicans that didn't vote for it, you will be the ones that we will send a message to come the next elections......start looking for another line of work..........
I sent my republican representative (from the district I live in) an email this morning and let him know I'll work AGAINST him next election.
No threats – just that promise.
I don't see CNN telling the new that Sen. Arlen Specter office in Pittsburgh received a letter with power on it. These evil Republicans are going to do somthing that is going to get someone hurt.
Three Republicans voted for the American people and not their party politics. I don't think they have anything to worry about come time for their relection. It's time to work together and Put Country First.
Yeah....you guys who vote your conscious....you guys who vote by what seems right to your heart.....you're out of here.
How dare you tell someone else how to vote.....Is it really true that you guys have people so afraid to vote their conscious in your party that they dont dare, vote agaisnt you. Is that REALLY what America is about. REALLY?
Are you REALLY saying you will gang up on anyone who doesnt vote how you tell them to vote.....is that the Republican message now....you people are frightening.
Can't we all just get along?
Ok, I must say that I just watched the town meeting held in Florida by President Obama. Our President is such a smart man, and I give him much kudos for going on the road and really speaking to Americans and taking the time to answer questions that are important to them.
Can someone please stick a fork in these obstructionist Republicans, turn 'em over, and tell 'em that they're done? And then they can explain why the GOP hates America and wants to turn us into a Third World nation. Bunch of traitors and creeps, if you ask me....
Reps said yes to spend billions in the war in Iraq, but can't agree to spend billions to help Americans? They're just a bunch of rich mem who all have jobs and don't care about the poor people. They voted against provided health care for children....for goodness sake!
The GOP is dedicating itself to thwarting Obama, creating havoc, and generally being negative. For eight years they squandered our treasure and now they have the audacity to refuse to help in the clean-up.
I think peole would be more willing to take republicans seriously if they were actually offering a NEW plan. Their plan is to lower the capital gains tax, and to lower taxes on corporations. guess what?!?!?! WE TRIED THAT FOR 8 YEARS AND LOOK WHAT HAPPENED!!!! YOU LOST THE ELECTION, TIME TO TRY SOMETHING NEW
Dear Mr. Specter, I think is is so impressive how you swindled the dems out all those millions in agreement to voting for the stimulus bill. I read in the stimulus package how you are going to get all that money for your state for your pet project.
And people think republicans aren't smart? You probably made the dems and Obama pay you more in kickback than anyone else got in that stimulus package, if figures are accurate. Way to take them to the cleaners in their own game.
Some of the states already counting on these dollars are the states whose Senators are loudly voting no – is there no end to hypocrisy?
You GOP have ego's...I mean, come on, even we see it on your eyes. At least the Dems are happy for their progress and we don't blame them. They've been waiting for this, are you gonna blame them?? Maybe some might not have expected but some did and yeah, whether their ego's have grown like Steele suggested is a good way to say it BUT do you blame them?? As far as I'm concerned and last time we checked, you GOP ego's have been growing since 9/11...*wink**wink*.
I am guessing these Republican groups don't really care about how the rest of the country is doing. I would hope that these people get the understanding that no one else is spending and therefore the government is the spender of last resort.
If they follow through on the threat these Senators will get my support and many other Democrats. Maybe, just maybe, we can have a final purge of the obstructionists when they start putting thier resources into vendettas. That would be oh so sweet.
I'll write a check right now.
That will work –
If you can't beat the president, then beat up on your own kind.
It's absolutely insane how hyper-politicised the congress has become. Unlike the mayors and governors who generally support the bill, the congress is wrapped up in it's own little world, far away from roads, bridges, jobs and real people.
You people are so ridiculous. Your "children" and "grandchildren" are already in debt up to their ears because of the last 8 years of fiscal irresponsibility so get over it. You make it sound like this stimulus package is the end of the U.S.A. What a bunch of whining babies. Get an education, you'll feel better and understand much more.
well so much for "COUNTRY FIRST" and unity without divisions I guess, huh?
Republicans = Gangsters....or so they think. It will be a cold day in hell before they see the White House again. They had eight years to turn this crap around, but chose not to. Now along comes some one who is for the American people...really...and they want to act like thugs and chumps? Oh please. Kick azz Mr. President. Screw them.
Those you who like the bill and the courage of these Republican senators to vote for the bill, please send a 'thank you' note them. I just did.
The Conservative group 'The National Republican Trust PAC" and the the Repubiclan Party that is pledging to work against Republican senators who support the stimulus package is outright "BLACKMAIL".
The problem with this line of logic or political leveraging strikes at the core of what is wrong with politics. The idea that maintaining one's seat is more compelling than doing what is right by your judgment for your constituents and the country is just plain wrong. Politicians should not vote to keep their job; they should do what is necessary and right.
Now, before I get accused of being naive, I do understand that ego and prestige cause politicians to do the very opposite of what I am suggesting. But that is what is wrong about politics and why term limits came to the forefront of voters minds years ago.
We "hire" our legislators to represent us based on the ideas they share during their "interviews" with the voters. That is what they should be doing, not doing what is best for them to maintain their positions.
Perhaps these Republicans who are threatening Senators Snowe, Spector, and Collins, should look at the poll numbers. These three Repubican Senators should be hailed for looking out for the best interest of the country. The rest of the Republicans have spent all their time fighting against the package, but not one has stood up and offered an alternative or compromise. All talk, no action from the Republican party, with the exception of three intelligent, hard working Senators who are truly looking out for the best interest of the country and their constituency! Shame on the rest of them!
Communists, they are. You either thinks like they think or else.
Hey, we will gladly welcome Susan, Olympia and Arlen home to the Party of Tollerance and independence, the Democratic Party.
Let them leave these right wing nuts alone.
It's a sad day when Americans can't vote their conscience without being threatened. Is this a free country or not?
Maybe the three Republicans will change parties and that would really stop anymore Republicans mess.
All have forgotten that the Republicans have no problems voting for tax cuts and wars but do not want to pay for it. President Clinton left office the debt was around $5,000,000,000,000.00. The eight years of President George W. Bush left a debt of $11,000,000,000,000.00. My question is where in the heck were all these Republicans in Congress stating I am looking out for the American tax payer then?
The American people don’t want this trillion dollar political payoff that will just line the pockets of non-governmental organizations who supported [President] Obama in the election,” said Scott Wheeler, the executive director of The National Republican Trust PAC, an organization that calls for less government spending and lower taxes.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME. President Obama raised money for his election through ordinary Americans. what non government organization are you talking about
This is the perfect example of why a life-long Democrat from PA like me votes for Sen. Specter EVERY time. He has more guts and integrity than all 37 obstructionists combined. This PAC may want to take note that PA is a BLUE state and Dems will vote for Specter because of his moderacy. Other GOP candidates may not get the same consideration. We learned a hard lesson with Mr. Santorum, one we are not likely to repeat!
Specter never was a Republican and never will be
These guys are partisan morons. They are the problem with America. Maybe they'll sink back into the slime they came from. Senators need to vote their own concience, not fall in line behind a bunch of bone heads. Hurrah for Senators Snow, Collins, and Spector. They are the heroes of the Republican party!
For to long the GOP have done nothing but cry cry cry. Its time it ends! You people have done nothing but hurt my hope for a better life. YOU SHOULD ALL BE REMOVED FOR OFFICE!! In 2010 i will do what ever i can to make sure no rep wins a vote and i would ask the US people to do the same. Our kid need better. We need love not rep hate.
Whatever, America is suffering. They don't get it.
Good Lord.
Can the GOP become more infantile?
They need to change their headquarters to a pre-school somewhere.
That's it...send the Republican Party further to the right. Brilliant idea. Limbaugh must be so proud...
Well, guess after the 2010 elections, there will be at least 3 Republican senators left in the senate...oh well.