CNN

REPUBLICANS THINK THAT BY FIGHTING OBAMA NOW, THEY CAN WIN THE NEXT PRESIDENTAL ELECTION. WHAT A SAD GROUP.

Republicans will never change.. These are people who generally have not experienced adversity in life in regards to money issues, life issues etc. I advice the President to leave these guys out.... It's a wast e of effort and time...

This was not a stimulus bill. It was "let's throw in every liberal wish list for the past 10 years and grab the money while we can" bill. This was a money-grab by liberals and it will affect our children for the next decade....that is....until a Republican gets back in office (which will happen) and brings things back under control. Obama and the Democrats have basically used a managable recession to their advantage to take advantage of the American people. Unfortunately, the news media is so biased he got away with it.

This young man may have a very bright future ahead of him if he continues to stand his ground, and to articulate his positions so gracefully. Good on you, Senator Schock.

Keep it up President Obama, you're giving important camera time to future leaders of the GOP.

hey CNN any reason you're not reporting that the fearmongering president rushed the stimulus vote only to wait 3 days to sign it?

I hope this poor guy isn't removed from the United States for not doing what Obama believes is, "...the right thing for the people of Peoria". Now, let's see how the liberal comments attempt to destroy this young man because of his party affiliation...ignoring the fact that he IS an intelligent and refreshing CHANGE to Washington politics.

,” the freshman Republican said Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union. “It was not really a stimulus bill with the majority of the money going towards stimulating the economy.”
______________________________________________________

Why did we not hear these type of comments last year when the Bush tax rebates went out. In the republicans mind all you can do is cut taxes for rich and corporations and HOPE they decide to spend. After 8 years of tax cuts, how many jobs were lost at the end of Bush administration.
Message to politicans– Its not about your party. Its about this country

Just another repudiated nay-sayer – I don't care how young or good-looking – he's just another punk that puts ideology over action.

Poor young thing, already tainted

Aaron, you didn't listen to your constituents.... you listen to Rush Limbaugh and John Boehner. SNL had you Republicans pretty well pegged with this weeks opener.

wow, see, there are some smart 20-somethings out there other than myself. This stimulus plan will only drive us more in debt, creating more inflation, and passing the cost to our future generations. This will not create jobs, I'm sorry to say.

Good for Rep. Schock – that he knows what he's in Congress for – to do the will OF THE PEOPLE! Hope he stays that way!!

These Republicans WILL NEVER be SATISFIED with ANYTHING. That's their nature. You can't get bi-partisinship IF YOU DON'T PARTICIPATE.
The Republican 'agenda' is for President Obama to FAIL. Just as good ol' Rush Limbaugh stated.
They WILL FIGHT EVERYTHING FOR AS LONG AS IT TAKES TO RUIN THE PRESIDENT........AND IN TURN AMERICA

Just watch and see.........and BE PREPARED FOR A LONG HARD RIDE.

Good for him. The fact that any Senator or House member passed this bill is disgusting for a couple of reasons:
1. Almost half of it has nothing to do with stimulating the economy. It is long term goals of the left.
2. NO ONE has had a chance to read the thing to find out everything in it. That alone should get every single one of them who are just blindly following Obama booted out of office.

I'm glad someone in that state has the gull to stand up for what's right. Good job young man. You made the right choice not just for yourself but the people that elected you. Hope you continue to stand up for what is right.

Of course the proper thing for all Republicans in both the House and the Senate is to refuse any stimulus monies for the areas they represent and just take the tax cuts. Then of course they could have all the monies allotted for their respective areas taken off the total amount of dollars being spent.

Doing this will give them credibility as they believe the package is too expensive and tax cuts are the answer so they will all be getting what they want and everyone will be happy.

I would expect this to happen immediately if these people are being truthful and honest with the public.

I find it appalling that Republicans will vote without question for a huge debt if it involves spending in another country (e.g Iraq) but scream that we are incurring debt when we try to help our own people. Whatever happened to the surplus that Clinton had? It seems to me that the Republicans are the party of large government and big spending as well as the Dems. They just don't like helping folks unless they get something in return. I use to be a republican but not any more.

WHAT??? He rejected the Messiah's spendulous package???
Off with his head!!!!! How dare he turn down the chance to be part of the "great one's" mission to bankrupt this great nation???

Congratulations, sir. My hat is off to you. I wish there were more that shared your thoughts and actions. It's nice to see someone is still thinking clearly.

WHO CARES IF THAT LITTLE WIMP TURN DOWN THE OFFER. ROOKIE JUST SIMPLY TRYING TO KISS-UP TO HIS PARTY. YOU WORK FOR THE PEOPLE AND NOT THE PARTY YOU WIMP.

You in trouble no fool. You don't say "no" to the O.

Who cares now??? Screw bipartisanship!

Every economist this weekend has said the stimulus plan is what's needed. The only thing the Republicans can claim is they didn't have an opportunity to be a part. But yet three Republicans who were able to put aside their partisianship to be contributors to process did so.

Junior, its hard for me to believe that if you talked to any constiuents that were unemployed, that they told you they would much rather have a tax cut than a job.

Lets be real, the tax cuts may help those who are working but if you don't have a job what good is it going to do you? Do you really think an $800 family tax cut is going to cause someone to buy a car (maybe put gas in it), buy a new set of furniture? Every economist has said if people are not spending then the government is the only one that can.

Junior, stop whinning an be a man. If you want to play ball get on the court and stop complaining that "Nobody picked me!"

What's truly amazing about this article is the title. CNN says it's "ONLY," arm twisting in public.....well, where else to try to humiliate the young congressman, than to put him on the spot? Where else to try to sell a pork platter to people going through hard times, where you're saying it will help, but it won't....but in public? Obama shrewdly planned the public jabbing...all to promote himself as the savior, and to further his socialist agenda....Who cares if he tarnished the young man's career in the process? As long as ACORN gets it's money...right BArry?

What he didn't count on was running into a proud young man with morals.....you see, "Morals," are like krptonite to OBama.....he doesn't quite know how to deal with honesty; something that's totally foreign to him.

millionaire constituents, bozo.

but it's good for 99% of the people.

that's why you're gonna be voted OUT in two years.

How 'bout that a man with principles. Good for Aaron and good for his constituents!

Just another budding lockstep Republican.

“It was not really a stimulus bill with the majority of the money going towards stimulating the economy.”

What does this statement mean? Nothing. It certainly doesn't explain why this package doesn't help his constituency, which would stand to gain a lot from this. Well done Aaron Schock. If this is the next generation of Republican leaders, Democrats can rest easy, the public will let them know how they feel.

Good man.

well his party has already talked him into believeing what they beleive so what do you expect, know one knows whether this stimulus package will work or not you haven't given it a chance, everything else they have tried the GOP haven't , so give this a chance it just might, If they were so smart why when they had control, they never came up with anything that did, look where we are now because of them, and Rush Limbbard need to shut up he may learn a thing or too..

E E.
Greensboro NC

The GOP is being less than truthful, the bill has been on the Library of Congress website since about Jan 26th. I read it over the weekend it is not that bad and actually has more stop gaps than any money spent to date, including all the money spent during WWII. Just read people, unless you are one of the McCain Kool-aid drinkers that just wants to run with what you hear.

Schock to repug leaders: Baa Baa! Anything you say boss...

I'm not a fan of Begala's, but his commentary is on the mark. Those GOP leaders (and I use this term loosely) who were so vehemently opposed to the stimulus should refuse the money coming to their state. That'll show that President Obama!! McCain and Co. should ALL refuse the funds. that way they can show the white house that they can get the economy going in their own states by the might of their will. Since in Texas we have two Republican senators who both voted against the stimulus, don't send any money here either. When will these "elected" officials realize they don't work for themselves, they work for us. Politics will kill this great experiment we call a democracy! For sure!

The constituents of those who don't vote for the stimulus shouldn't benefit from the outcome!!!

Oh but Aaron if you would have really listened to your constituents you would have voted for the stimulus plan. You were elected because you were a young fresh face but so far you've proven to be more of the same tired Republican tactics. I'm sure your constituents who lose their jobs at CAT will remember that in 2 years.

Considering what your fellow Republicans did to this nation for the last eight years (six completely controlled by them) the least you could have done was give the bill a chance even if it won't work. I know neither the Republicans nor the Democrats give a damn about the American people, and only your CEO and banker friends, but at least try to fake that you care.

Finally, somebody with some backbone to stand up to Obama when he tries to schmooze them.

As a Democrat, I am actually grateful most Republicans voted against the bill. However, I am still in shock over what I perceived to be "change" I can believe in. Not one message of "hope" but a lot about fear...which only drives the economy lower.

This bill should have addressed the "root" of the problem...the housing market. Now we can expect housing to extend into construction, and even more failures no matter how much money you toss at it.

Thank you Mr. President.

Falling in line already kid????

You're gonna fit in juuuust fine in your party.

CNN is starting to spill out G.O.P talking points in the news. we need to build America not bash the President. I am getting tired of it

Two honorable men have a gentlemen's disagreement over policies about which they have differing opinions. They both treat the situation with respect and regard for each other, and will both continue to operate under valid convictions.

I really dread all the hate posts that will be posted by small-minded people berating either of these people.

I hope my post will be accepted by the moderator to show that there are some of us, at least, who understand that public servants can disagree and still respect each other.

At least someone is standing on his principles, I can't say the President has, bi-partisanship and transparency.........what a joke. I thought maybe, just maybe this President would be "change" he spoke of, if anything he is worse than Bush on this stance.

OK for all the Republicans that didn't support this stimulus bill, they all think this is wasteful spending then they should do as South Carolina Govenor said he would REFUSE this money........every state that is represented by a REPUBLICAN should not receive this money, give it to the three States of the three Republicans that did vote for it and to all the other states that their Representives supported it......I think that would end their careers real quick........but you know what they won't refuse this money even though they didn't vote for it. They either refuse this money or shut your mouth and quite complaining......

This PUBLIC INTIMIDATION ATTEMPT shows what type of thug OBama really is....I'm glad that Schock stood his ground; he totally makes Obama look so inexperienced and unprofessional....

couple that with Obama's definition of Air Force one....."Spiffy ride," Shows that the ilbs have elected a guy that's truly "dumbing down," American...
Heard of "No child left behind?" Well, he's going to cause us to be an "Entire Nation left behind." The media's slowly turning because, after all, their TRUE first love, is a hot scoop. Now, that the election's over, they'll turn on Obama, and rightfully so. We need a leader, not a coverboy. So, MSM, you helped put him their, start digging and printed the truth you've passed over during the election...you could save the country.

Don't settle into your office too well there buddy. You'll be heading home just as fast as you got there once the voters get their say.

“Bipartisanship is not one party writes the bill and we all vote for it....” Schock told King.

Funny, this is exactly what the GOP has been passing off as bipartisanship for the last 14 years under the Bush administration and the Gingrinch leadership prior to that.

The hypocrisy of the Republicans is as boundless and shameless.

Representative Schock, I commend you on your decision. For 38 years, I was considered myself a Democrat. Over the last year though, many times, I found myself leaning Republican because of dissatisfaction with my party. I honestly believe you are making decisions with the best interest of the people in mind. We definitely need more people like you in Washington. From a new addition to the Republican party in Texas, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

Evidently he took at face value what he thought was the good of the country. Per John Boehner, no one took the time to read the Plan so how in good faith can Schock vote "NO". Once again, sounding like a bad record, if the Republicans keep digging their heels in and say NO to all proposed by the Democrats, the American people will find a way to say "OUT WITH ALL OF YOU." This grieves me great. We vote the people into office to look out for us which means vote on what is good for the country. If it's not to your liking, offer up something that is. This should not take a rocket scientist to figure this out.

No House republicans are voting for the Bill. As a Democrat, I think this is fine. I think we will see who is right in the next few years. Tax cuts to the rich are not a good stimulus when they will just invest that money overseas or hoard it, although Bush tried that in 2001 to the tune of 1.4 trillion dollars.

I believe Republicans are fundamentally wrong on this issue and I welcome them to publicly sign their names away from it to finally prove who is right.

One of the things Senator McCain said needs to be corrected. I was able to read and print a breakdown of the stimulus package down on the internet. He implied that the President had misled the people on this. Senator MCCain is a mean and sad man who has lost the race for the office he has ran for three times. Now he will continue to defame politely the character of the man who cost him the race for the final time that he had to run. The war hero has no personal honor.

Because he's a d-bag?

The bill will prove to be worthless over time. The American sheep just have to be seeing the fallout verses preventing.

could someone please explain to me "What part of this do the Republicans not understand" After 8 years look at where this country is!

You run headlines about a republican politician for days but do not post the comments about him.
Typical CNN.
Read where MSNBC.com has outranked you in popularity for months. This is one of the reasons, your censorship.. There is no freedom of speech where CNN is concerned. You are becoming as bad as Fox,
The only difference is Fox does not try to fool us into believing they have integrity.

Good for him. The people should speak louder on this spending spree. We can't afford to wait for the trickle down in this package to stimulate our ecomnoy. It will take years if not decades to see any benefit. The is the biggest example of pet project and pork spending to ever hit our nation, with no tangible benefit!!!!!!!!!

Representative Schock.....I wish you were my representative in my home state of Washington. I write my representatives on a regular basis, but to very little avail. Neither of them represent the things I stand for and I admire your willingness to stand up for what is right. For all the money in this bill, there are actually very few little people who will benefit. It's like a big luau with a LOT of pork!

Stay true to your constituents and they will stay true to you.

Thumbs up to you Rep Schock!

Did this guy really say the following? "“It was not really a stimulus bill with the majority of the money going towards stimulating the economy.” He says right here that the majority of money goes toward stimulating the economy! The Republicans are so messed up. If just one of them could acknowledge any responsibility for what has happened in the last 8 years, they might have some credibility. Right now they are just the biggest joke on TV.

To watch OBama try to intimidate and "harass," this young man in front of his supporters, truly shows the lack of refinement and class OBama has as an individual. It was his typical plow of mentioning it, intimidating, and then playing the victim...all in status quo liberal fashion. I have 10x the respect for Schock than Obama; he already discussed this with his constituents; and is actually listening to and voting they way they desire...how novel! To elect someone that will actually represent the people!

This latest caper of Obama's long with his tactic of coercing the 3 RINOS, and blatant misuse of government money by flying in the demcrat for the last vote...shows he's truly not a man of his word.

Aaron Schock – stay true to your beliefs, listen to your people, and stay away from that corrupt individual...and his cronies.

"Not in the best interest of his constituents?" Sounds like a true Repug. Forget about the best interest of the American people. He just wants to be popular with his party. Another sad sign for America when our young people start off thinking about "them" and not the majority.

Lets see how many, "he's a racist", posts we get on this one.

Please show me your ignorance

Smart man. Don't let Mr. Charm fool you. He's all window dressing anyway.

According to Schock, the caterpillar employees told him not to vote for the bill, even though it would mean caterpillar would benefit by building machinery.

The UAW may be their own worst enemy.

first

Oh, Schock decided to toe the party line. What a Schock.

Some members of the GOP are sore loosers and it looks really imature.

Voters in November stated CLEARLY what they wanted. The majority voted for President Barack Obama. I think there is a deep seeded lack of respect for him because of his race and age and they GOP has to get over it. Look at the photos of the F=RNC Convention. There convention was "whiter" than any RNC Convention since the Voting Rights Act was passed. What does that tell you. They do not speak to or represent minorities. The "conservative" movement is so rigid, that it only fits a minority of the country and it is going to get smaller and smaller.

You really would have thought that a young mind would have had better sense. Maybe he is not old enough to be in the position he is in.
Glad I am not in his district, I would definitely be working the phones.

Republicans are like manipulative misbehaving kids with ADHD that keeps on whining when they didn't get what they want. While President Obama is like a well-rounded, patient professional sped teacher that keeps reaching out, encouraging and motivating them. And just like misbehaving, manipulative kids, these republicans need a serious time out.

Get a life Schock !

Why lead in to this article with "Ticker: 27-year-old turns down Obama's plea"? What does his age have to do with it? Also, the article itself doesn't even mention Rep. Schock's age.

My question to Rep. Aaron Schock is Why did you accepted President Obama's invitation to board Air Force One? He had no intention of supporting our President and voting in favor of the Stimulus Package. Then, why bother accept this invitation. Rep. Aaron Schock is an opportunist like many other politicians in Washington pretending to support President Obama. I find that quite Fascinating.

I don't like Aaron.

Obama 2012

The main reason the Stimulis bill is looking shakey is because the Democrats are bickering, and the Republicans are not helping Obama (neither are the democrats) while he is trying to mend fences with them. How is a leader expected to function if the people of around him don't want to help him get it done?

I understand the reluctance of the Republicans to vote for the bill because the Democrats are putting in things that won't help the economy. However, if the Republicans are not going to help make it better, then what use do they serve in our government? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Therefore, in my opinion, and I am speaking as a fellow Republican, Barack Obama has to push through and push it hard through both the Democratic bickering and the Republican laziness. I believe in Obama and how he can handle things. What I can't believe is that members of his own party are not listening to him and the Republicans are doing nothing to help make the stimulis better.

This goes to show that Republicans would rather stick together and be obstructionists than get real things done that help real Americans. I can't stand that sophomoric pack mentality that Republicans have – or should I say "PAC" mentality?? Where was their outrage with Bush? What a bunch of Hypocrites!

Lets see a 27 year old a freshman who is still new at this what does he possibly know about the economy and the stimulus bill? Ans: arm twisted by the stalemate republican party; he's certainly has his work cut out for him when you try to march in step with the big boys who knows Washington, he'll eventually get burned.

This freshman Republican had no choice but to toe the party line. What was he supposed to do? Go against their ideological beliefs? That's suicide where he comes from. A lot of republican congressmen and women really wanted the bill to go through but couldn't vote for it. Their party is more important than the country right now and they'll do anything to find a message that sticks. To them, anything that contradicts Pres. Obama's plan is good. A lot of them secretly wish they weren't in this position, but they will derail and destroy as much as they can before realizing that that strategy isn't working for them.

Wow, an Illinois politician who is honest, cares about the American people, and believes in the constitution, it truly is a miracle that he got elected.

With an overwhelming majority of people who have Blagovich/Obama values, he is going to have to do something very Democratic to get re-elected. I'm not sure if just not paying his taxes will be liberal enough.

How will he explain that he is too honest and decent to go along with Obama's evil anti-American plans to redistribute the wealth of hard working Americans to the lazy, hateful, angry entitlement class? Ill-libs will need to see more hate and dishonesty from him to feel that he is truly one of them.

Hooray as there is still someone with common sense left in the government (including Tom Price also). They should have elected this guy president. The government can't run anything right. If I live until 85 yrs old I get back 40 percent of what I pay in to social security. That is a 60 percent loss. Heck I only lost half that in recent market crash and the government wants to increase their control over private industry. Nationalization never works Go look up the country of Myanmar nationalization result.

SCHOCK: “Ultimately, I listened to my constituents and I looked at what I knew about the bill and determined it was not in the best interests of my constituents,” the freshman Republican said Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union.

Then do the brave thing for all us unbelievers! We NEED a leader with courage; step up to the plate and get your governor to REFUSE the money. Have you constituents to vote NOT to accept it. Put YOUR money where your mouth is than we will BELIEVE!

Bi partisianship didnt happen, because you didnt join the other 3 who DID want to co operate on writing this bill!!! Pres Obama even called McCain, and he refused to join the other 3 too ! way to go repubs, any one or all of you "could" have joined the 3 who did work bipartisian so why didnt you ? Now you repubs want to whine and cry it wasnt bi partisian ship because you wernt there to sit down and help draft this bill ? whose fault is that ? sure inst the democrats, who gave all of you the oppertunity to DO so ! I have yet to hear just exactly what the republicans stimulus bill "would be", so far all any one has heard is how the repubs would have done things differently..HOW ???? stop whining and TELL the public HOW your bill would have been different...details please !

GOP = Grand Obstructionist Party

Senator you belong in the congress , you said you LOOKED at this bill
and determined that your district didn't need this bill well why didn't you read it or have your staff give you a report on it ?
I will tell you the answer you voted no because your republican leader told you to and the party you belong to is more important than the people you represent c'mon just be honest or is that to tough.

Well what will you do for your constituents? That seems to be the big question. Republicans didn't fight for anything....ya'll just went to your corner and started whining about not being included, and the plan not being the right plan....... but you didn't seem to offer anything different. Most of your conversations seem to be about what someone else is doing wrong. So do you really have your constituents best interest at heart or your political career? Stop whining and....DO SOMETHING.

The GOP: Where you can be 7 or 70 and still be a moron.

Good for him... I would guess that this act of supreme insubordination will be listed under "the last act of great defiance". No more rides on AF-1 for this guy.

He didn't arm twist the americam public your party arm twisted you.
Your party as you did 4 years ago and 4 years before that are upset that you will not continue to send billions to Iraq and ignore the fact the americans will suffer in the end.....well it seems like that era is about to end now that President Obama is in office.You people have supprted Bush's policies for so long that you don't know whats right for the economy.Tax cuts for the wealthy , continue to let every barrel of oil that is drilled out of the american ground going that goes on the global market and letting countries like China outbid us?Take a look at what Exxon netted in the last year ..45 billion and guess what country gave them that net?. I can tell you it wasn't the United States but China.I feel for President Obama and YES if there are some hurdles that will be tough or he may not make because of the republicans it won't be that he didn't try.Your party seems to have all the answers for Obama now can you tell the american people where were the answers for the american people while this country was plummenting to the this economic disaster .Look guys it can't get worser only if he play your game and make the rich richer ,continue to spend billions in Iraq and allow ourselves to be dependent on foriegn oil so now we say .....THANKS BUT NO THANKS

the gop old geezer group scared him.

I am a single, hard working, tax paying, woman with no kids. I won't be getting anything from the stimulus package.
Of course, the money will go to the 'Octuplets Mom', so the government can support her and her 14 kids. Then she can spend the money from her book deals on more cosmetic surgery to look like Angelina Jolie.

Good for this young man; too many of your country's youth have fallen for the con job spouted out by Obama and his corrupt bandwagon.

In fact, the other article on CNN this morning:

"Obama to form auto industry task force,"

Stinks of more and more government....is socialist at it's very core.

I no longer support Obama. He's promised many things to inner city folks, and he's lied about them. He's not transparent.

This guy voted against the bill because the bill was not truly bipartinsanship. Are you serious! This bill creates jobs for the jobless. It helps the housing market. It helps America. Obviously no one else was running for his Senate possition, and he was the only option. Some one should remind these Senators that they are supposed to be the liaison between the people who voted them in and the government. So, form your own conclusions based on facts, and not what your collegues are voting on. Happy Presidents' Day!

I'm sure he read it.

I went to college at Bradley with this kid, disgraceful loser. Caterpillar can thank him for making such a reckless decision.

How about the press instead of sucking up to Obama at every turn start doing their job and report the news like...just what is in this stimulus package besides the payback for votes, and which does nothing to create new jobs, is going to turn this economy around?

maybe obama should listen to the people too!!!!!!!!!!

I understand the stimulus package is NOT perfect.
I understand that there has to be a certain amount of partisanship in American Politics.
What I don't understand is how Republicans can watch jobs, businesses, healthcare,infrastructure and education go by the wayside in order to get the "package" they want. What was it the Republicans wanted for a stimulus package in the first place?
There has been 8 years of Republican leadership in this country they had their chance and look where the United States is at this point in time.
The Republican Party at this point in time is NOT the Republican Party of my parents.

I've skimmed through this stimulus package and It seems to be a great layout for a recovery plan, I don't believe many of the lawmakers who oppose the bill read or even entirely skimmed through it... the integration of energy into infrastructure, money for education, money to states... it seems to be a plan that will kill a flock of birds with one stone, the question would be when would the recovery back to stability be. To me the best thing to do would be to manage the TARP funds so that it compliments the stimulus bill.

anyone, anyone, guess why this obstructionist did that? he wants the spotlight . these republicans should all burn in hell soon. i wish and pray everyday these people vanish off the earth one of these days.

Shock has some common sense!

If it wasn't for the Republicans and George Bush we wouldn't be in the mess where in now. So him and John McCain need to qiut wineing and move on and just get over it.

My question is .... Before mouthing off.....what percentage of the GOP actually read the bill? Ignorance and self- righteousness does nothing for the American people. My suggestion is....End the war in Congress before you attempt to end the wars in the Middle East, Iraq and Afghanistan.

I have had it with Republicans crying foul over partisanship. They write the book on it and when they were in power they had a "mandate" to do whatever they wanted, according to them, but as soon as Obama doesn't bend to their will they want to complain about it. He made several attempts to bring them into the fold, they wanted nothing of it b/c they will do anything to sabotage this nation just b/c they lost. I have more credibility on economics than they do and I'm a complete idiot when it comes to Econ policy!

looking out for his rich friends but thats his right 1 term and your out the people will not forget aaron

Looks are only skin deep. I'm not impressed.

Republicans seem to think that "bipartisanship" means pandering to right-wing extremists even when the majority of American voters have clearly indicated a different preference. Sorry, guys. This country voted for "change"–which means a "change" from the same kind of garbage Republicans forced down our throats during the Bush years without any attempt at bipartisanship whatsoever.

Obama angered a lot of people on the left by reaching out to the right and putting so many things into the stimulus bill that Republicans wanted. But they still backstabbed him so they could grandstand in front of their right-wing base. Well, that might help them out in a primary contest, but in a general election, they're going to be in big trouble...and deservedly so.

I guess you can afford to let the economy go down in flames when you have a trust fund, but the rest of us non-GOP-bigwigs appreciate Obama's leadership on the economy. No one can say he didn't try to reach out–it's not his fault that Republicans are intent on self-destruction.

But......but....Obama ASKED you to! Isn't that enough? Who the hell cares what your constituents think? Obama knows better.

Typical republican obstructionist . Republican policies got America to where we are today and they still want America to Fail. America voted! and we dont care what the republicans have to say. Im tired of reaching accross the isle. The republicans dont why do the dems. I bet the republicans loose even more in the next election.

Hopefully the great people of IL will not reelect this another republican obstructionist.

Barack,
It is time to move on. You have done your best to reach out across party lines, but still comes up empty. You are losing ground "licking" republican egos. It's becoming pathetic. This man nor any republican in the "House" will vote for anything you put out there as they don't want to be the one who is pointed out as a "traitor" by the Republican Party as well as their constituents. So please for the love of what's right, move on!

Ok, no more Mr. 'reach across the aisle'. You shake my hand and behind my back give me the finger – no deal, dude, next time take the freaking bus.

Good for him.

“Aaron’s still trying to make up his mind about our recovery package,”

If you're a Republican these days you don't get to make up your own mind. The GOP has already said they will work to unseat the three Senators who did decide to work for a compromise bill that they could live with. The message for the GOP is clear – either you vote the party line or we will get someone who doesn't want to think for themselves to take your place.

With this kind of tactic, how could a freshman legislator ever "vote their own mind."

Once again, it seems to me the Republicans are putting party first and country second or third or... do they even care?

Sorry folks, but Republicans as a group (except 3) are quite stupid!

Sir, you are a breath of fresh air. Thank you for honestly speaking out.

Schock is voting the way he is told to vote by party leaders. If he were to vote for his constituents he would have voted for the bill.

Obama is shameless.

I think what the republican politicians need to understand is that their programs and leadership got us where we are today and the do nothing stance is not going to get us out of the mess they created. And please don't give me the lame arugment that the economy was going bad when Clinton left office, you were in control for 8 years.

Ultimately, I listened to my constituents and I looked at what I knew about the bill and determined it was not in the best interests of my constituents,” the freshman Republican said Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union. “It was not really a stimulus bill with the majority of the money going towards stimulating the economy.”
---------------

It is about time these representatives took notice of their constituents. Smart young man.

This little spoiled kid is only listening to the GOP and taking a hard stand. The tactic is to allow President Obama to wine and dine them, then get him to commit to the issue that was "supposedly agreed upon, then without warning back out of the agreement or not acknowledge the agreement at all. He will then look like ehe was makking things up and / or his plans will be disrupted enough that another direction will need to be taken... not to mention the time that will be wasted.

Leave those idiological right wingers alone Mr. President ..... They will never work with the left to help the people... unless their RICH.

Rep Schock is obviously a man of ethics. He is exactly right when he says the money in this plan does not stimulate the economy.
The tax cut (which will allow me to keep and extra $13 per pay period) is nothing less than a slap in the face from the Democratic Party to every citizen of The United States. Although the Democratic Party views the average American as helpless and ignorant, they will soon discover that we are not and do not enjoy being treated as such. If this stimulus package fails [and I have no reason to believe it won't ] I think the Democratic Party will have a difficult time keeping their majority in tact during the next election cycle.

He's absolutely right. A prolonged depression is definitely best for the people of Peoria.

Republicans are utterly ignorant when it comes to the economy.

Man, the republicans are laying on thick! What shameful behavior from the folks who brought you "we don't know where the money went, we just had to get it out" and "It was only 2 billion, who's counting"!

What gall to try and frame this as some loss, the republicans are upset because they no longer control the mighty purse strings of the federal government.

He's a young REPUB! What do you expect him to do? He will side with his party regardless of how he feels about the stimulus package. He's looking out for his next term - knowing he will need his Repub buddies to get elected.

Good for Schock. He hasn't fallen victim to the cult of personality.

I love how all of the GOP Congressmen/Senators continue to have their panties in a wad over anything President Obama does. The obstructionist game plan might work for your core base, but it is not going to help you hold onto your seats when so many of your non-rich constituents are hurting (I am talking to you Lindsey Graham) Meanwhile countless analysts (including Republican George Will) has noted how far out on a limb Mr. Obama has gone in the the name of bi-partisanship. This is tactic of unbending wills is going to hurt the GOP in two years and I am going to laugh.

first!!

I think it is refreshing to see someone who is not buying into the new Celebrity in the White House. He is using his intelligence instead of just caving because of pressure from Obama.

Please tell Barack Canadians like what he is doing with the stimulus package and hope he enjoys his visit with our leader this week.

"i listened to my contituents".

In other words, it makes him a stonger republican.

Ok, then how about your constituents not receive any benefits from the bill either. The Repubican party line is such a crock...

Aaron who another GOP joke

How could he listen to his constituents and still vote against the stimulus. He should have been honest and said that he was listening to the Republican leadership.

I admire the young man for his position even if I disagree with his politics.

I hope he does not get in bed to much with the right wing of the republican party. I would hope he see the wisdom of the moderates.

It wasn't bipartisan thats the reason I didn't vote for it, even though it could help the American People, you are already showing signs of stupidity at a young age. Its like monkey see monkey do, Please find your own mind and use it. Don't be a follower be a leader.

Good for him! It's awesome to see someone vote how they believe and not be swayed by the President's rock star presence

I can't beleive Aaron wanted to talk substance. Good that John King was there to try to get him off that topic and on to more important things like what it must be like to be given an audience with Obama on Air Force One. I think King was disappointed that Aaron was not as star struck as he was. Maybe on that day, they weren't serving the Kool Aid to Aaron. Clearly, the press pool has had plenty, and I think CNN has its own supply.

Illinois politics are ugly and at the base of it is an unsaid truth. Racism is ailve and well in Illinois. It is the pink elephant in the room that no one talks about. I see Schock as the young White boy thumbing his nose at the Black President. This action would be in line with his "constituents " in downstate Illinois.

This bill only pushes our national debt up to 80% of our GDP. Whats wrong with that??

When a man will lie, cheat and steal to get into office what do you expect. He has arm twisted from day one.

President Obama need to govern accordingly and forget about reaching across the isle, the GOP aren't interested

"Issue with the legislative process that resulted in the massive stimulus bill"??? The legislative process has now been in place centuries longer than this young man from Illinois. This young member may find himself out of his new career at the next election if the stimulus bill works, a decision that may very well come back and bite all Republican House members. Eight years of Republican control brought our economy to where it is now. Do they really think the People want more of that?

Another smart Republican! Plus has integrity, dares to disagree with the president, I like that..

Not all your constituants opposed the bill, Aaron. I am one of them, who 110% supported it. You got to DC and chose to put politics before people. Didn't take long. All those adds you ran in the campaign portrayed a man of better character. You may have set a new record for how fast a person can sell out.

I like Obama but I think he is in the wrong on this stimulus package. I wish he had gone with 50 or maybe 75 billion in targeted spending instead. When the government tries to spend 800 billion, that means that roughly 80 billion will be wasted. That is just way, way too much money to waste, especially in these tough times. 50 or 75 billion would not have done that much damage, even though that is still a lot.

Does this mean that this idiot doesn't want the money for his state because we could sure use it in Florida? I hope the people of his state speak loud and clear at the election.

I'm sorry to bust people (Republicans) big bubble but huh... NON of the Rep. aren't doing any Bipartisanship... they didn't even vote for anything and try to work with the Dems to make it happen. SERIOUSLY they had their chance to fix something with Bush was there!!!!!!

Seriously the Rep must have forgot about what it is like to be a real citizen in the US... I'm a single mother working two jobs and sleeping on the floor and barely can afford food to put in the frig. I'm scared I will lose my job! There has been lay offs. Can some one make something happen? Bipartisanship....Republicans... Please ...you don't know the meaning!!!!!!!!

I am glad no Republicans are voting for this bill. That way after it fails miserably the Democrats will have no one to blame but themselves.

Poor Schock, the rookie Rep. of Peoria of the GOP! He is sure as heck going to deny the fact that he, most likely, was brainwashed by his seniors in a subtle way, to vote along party lines. We understand that, Aaron! Next time it will be nice for you to think independently.

I am so tired of these 'whiney' Republicans who chose not to support the stimulus package. They claim Obama is not bipartisan? Excuse me. He extended his hand of bipartisanship to them, only to have them slap it away. These are the same Republicans who supported the war in Iraq, the tax cuts for the wealthy, cuts in our education programs, turned their heads while GWB and his cronies trashed our Contitution. Sure, they voted to spend Trillions on an unnecessary war in Iraq, but they can't afford to spend a few bucks to get their own country out of a deep hole and back on track??? Give me a break! I hope they all go back home and get their socks beat off at mid-term. They don't represent the citizens that sent them to Washington, they only support more of the same failed policies.

What a ridiculous story. Who cares! Does it make someone at CNN feel good to put down President Obama?

This guy drank the KookAid too.

Why don't repubs wear the American flag pin anymore? Are they protesting President Obama?

Cong. Schock demonstrated he is just another lemming in the fading neocon-dominated republican party. He should wise up before he finds himself standing alone as the old lemmings go over the edge into oblivion.

I don't understand this. Truly I do not.

Lawmakers from both sides of the isle worked heavily throughout the entire past two weeks to make amendments, concessions, changed, and lots of removals to the stimulus bill. However, when everything was said and done it looks like the entire Republican party was just playing a game the whole time: They never intended to actually vote for the bill, just kick it around, beat some money out of it, force both sides to agree to money in other areas they favored (like tax breaks), then all voted against it when it came to the floor.

I'm sorry but this isn't bipartisan politics that is for the betterment of this country. This is hardline partisan politics, plain and simple. As a non-affiliated voter, I find this level of deceit sickening, uncalled for during a time of crisis, piety, and honestly just downright uncaring for the nation. The entire Republican party should be ashamed of themselves.

Mr. Schock (like several republicans) seems to be confused on the causes of his vote. At one point, he hints that "his accountability to his constituents" led to his vote and later says "lack of collaborative meld of ideas" led to his vote...against stimulus.

Republicans held the congress in last 6 of 8 years and white house for last 8 years. They have brought the economy to ruin. Esp with ideas like "economy is fundamentally strong?" – we can only hope for more ruin... Thankfully their ideas were kept out

2010 can not come fast enough. We need more Republicans.

What we need is a 3rd AIG bailout. Someone slap this guy.

Good to know there are people in Illinois with a backbone!

This summed it up pretty well.

"The Republicans set the economy on fire
and now they're blocking the fire trucks."
- Paul Begala, CNN,

If he's the future of the republican party, the GOP is doomed. He sounds like Boehner in training.

Another Republican voting with his party and against the American people.

REPUBLICANS: Stop listening to your fellow Rebublican's and start listening to true economists!

WHERE WERE THE REPUBLICAN'S WHEN THE CORPORATE BANKS WERE SEEKING AMERICAN MONEY?

Who is Shock kidding? His decision was not based upon the best interests of his constituents, it was fully based upon what he sees as HIS best political interests. Like so many, he thinks he can be President some day by suckling from the Republican consevative hog and the heck with the people he represents.

Yep......why would people want to eat/have a roof over their heads?
Silly. Right? Wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!oh so wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RIGHT ON !!! POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!!! This is what America needs leaders who listen to their constituents!!!!

Republican Rep. Aaron Schock stated the stimulus package was not the best interest of his constituents. Bravo young man. Our House of Reps., Congress and Senate are blind sighted to the american people. You reward failure with this stimulus package. I pay my mortgage and manage my money at less than $12.00 per hour. And, these elite, money mangers and leaders of ours are taxing me for those who fail. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CITIZENS wake up and get involved before its TOO late.

And just what is his responsibility to his "constituents"? To cast the same partisian programs, problems and political pandering that Bush/Cheney had all Americans impaled upon? "Meld together" he says "that didn't happen in this case." Has it happened for the past eight years? Hell no! It's all Bulls–t. Call it what it is; a national "ballgame:" one team vs the other. Outcome; simply "to win." At all costs. The winning team gets the big fat bonus and the American middle-class taxpayer picks up the bar tab. Why don't you vote on that, "youngest and hottest member of the 111th Congress"! You make me sick. This ain't and issure of GQ. It is the future of this country. Treat it as such or tote your young ass home where you belong.

I think this bill was a compromise. I think that some of the Republicans in office voted against the bill for honorable reasons (i.e. believed that government shouldn't be meddling in the economy) but most of them voted against it along party lines for the sake of being reelected. The change I want to see is a change in the Republican party. More tax cuts = More of the same = I'm not interested.

Good for you, young man!

It's good to see a politician actually do what's right, even when being shmoozed and kissed up to by the President, of all people. Are you listening, Sen. Specter? Much different than selling out after going to a Super Bowl party, right?

It's sad really. Of course most of the money will stimulate the economy. The hold-up among many Republicans is their idealogy. They want to go back to the days of Bush and Reagan, when corporations have less of a tax burden and decreased regulation (and pocket the money) and millionaires get huge tax breaks. Sad stuff, Republicans.

This is so amazing.........the Republicans ruined the nation in their 8 year run............put us in this HUGE Debt...........and they are trying to make is seem as though it's OBAMA"S fault???????? He got their mess on his desk, first day in office with a HUGE BOW ON IT!!!!!!!!! AND NOW THESE IDIOTS ARE TALKING???????? HERE'S A HINT IF YOU DON'T HAVE A TRUE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM........KEEP YOU MOUTH SHUT INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING WITH NO RESOLVE!!!!!!!!!! REPUBS HAD 8 YEARS TO GET IT RIGHT AND ALL THEY DID IS CREATE THIS MESS............WHERE WERE YOU COMPLAINTS WHEN YOU PREVIOUS COMMANDER IN CHIEF........THAT IDIOT BUSH WAS IN OFFICE???????? NON OF YOU HAD THE NERVE TO OPPOSE HIM ...........AND INSTEAD BACKED HIM IN CREATING THE MESS WE ARE IN NOW. TOO LATE TO SPEAK!!!!! SO SHUT UP!!!!!!!!

Monkey see Monkey do........

How about that, he's only twenty seven and already knows his constituents are the rich and corporations who only want those tax breaks and nothing for anyone else! Gonna be a short career isn't it!

Why is it that when republicans speak they only trash the bill without offering any solutions?

Give me a break. He was told as was all Republican members of the House to vote against it.

Republirats seek ways to frustrate and destroy Obama's plans. Seems like they hate this nation with a vengeance. LOL!

Well you have less than 2 years to convince your constituents, “That you made the right choice,” in choosing party line over the public well being.

Anazing!!! This young republican Congressperson is already political toast. He will never set eye or foot on Air Force One, ever again. Watch for this young man to be removed fomr office very soon.

YOU GO! STICK TO YOUR PRINCIPLES! I WAS WILLING TO BE OPEN MINDED ABOUT OBAMA AND I BELIEVED HIS RHETORIC ABOUT WORKING WITH REPUBLICANS – I WAS IGNORANT ENOUGH TO BELIEVE HIM – JUST LIKE THE SHEEPLE THAT FOLLOW HIM.

He should read the comments on McCain and find out what America thinks about the GOP.

I am a life-long Democrat, but it's about time someone showed some backbone in Washington and stood up to President Nobama. Good for you Representative Schock. Throwing money at every issue that's ailing this country IS NOT the way to fix the economy. Day in and day out, President Nobama shows more and more of his immaturity. Take the union's bill, for example. How can he support a very small minority deciding for the majority? This bill will only hurt businesses further and the economy in general. The only individuals that will benefit from this bill are the already fat cats at the unions. Take the social service/human services funding. This funding continues to throw good money after bad money. These programs are like a revolving door. Somehow the same individuals continue to participate in these programs year after year. Most of these services providers are ineffective and the training and jobs created is so insignificant that investing such large amounts of funding should be seriously reconsidered. So much for positive change.

Stay tuned!

GOOD FOR HIM! Now let's hope he doesn't become corrupted during his tenure in D.C.

“Ultimately, I listened to my constituents and I looked at what I knew about the bill and determined it was not in the best interests of my constituents,” the freshman Republican said Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union. “It was not really a stimulus bill with the majority of the money going towards stimulating the economy.”

Now THAT'S the type of politician we can believe in.

The only benefit I can see from this plan is that it may drive up inflation and the country will go into a depression and as a result, many of the illegal aliens will leave the country to find work in Mexico. And that is change we can believe in.

Obama needs to stop playing buddy with Republicans and start playing hard ball. Republicans had the "nuclear option" during the Bush Administration and didn't allow a single Democratic proposal get past the Congress the last 8 years. These people obviously do not like bipartisanship so the ones who got elected and hold power need to yield their power and make things happen. The Republicans have gotten us into enough trouble. Enough is enough.

Obama needs to stop playing buddy with Republicans and start playing hard ball. Republicans had the "nuclear option" during the Bush Administration and didn't allow a single Democratic proposal get past the Congress the last 8 years. These people obviously do not like bipartisanship so the ones who got elected and hold power need to yield their power and make things happen.

No matter how good or bad something is, change takes time and does not happen on one day. For Republicans to hold themselves higher is a joke. Where were those morals the last eight years? Oh, they had none; they just did as they wished. So, even though I do not agree with all the tactics of the Democrats, the Republicans have no one to blame but there selves for leaving such bitterness during the past last eight years. So, please get off your high horse of morals and join the rest. Illinois Republican Rep. Aaron Schock stuck with the other bullies in Washington, not his beloved constituents. As Republicans threatened their own party members to run their own candidate against them in re-election, great unity people, that’s the party I want in charge.

Finally a congressman with a brain. He will get re-elected by the people he chose to serve . He listened. He didn't fall for this car-salesman stunt from Obama. I guess Air Force one just is not what it's made out to be, or the truth is our President just ain't what he was suppose to be.I think the latter is right in this situation.God please bless this Nation and give a real Leader in 2010.

No surprise here. Schock is onboard with the GOP plan to discredit Obama and play obstructionist for 4 years. THe GOP really could not give a rat's patoot about America. It's all about the party.

I hope his constituents remember this when its time to vote again, and Obama's stimulus package proves to have a positive effect on our economy.

I hope all the voters pay attention to how their Republican reps, both in the Senate and House, voted and decided to pick their party over their country.

This is what what we need more in Congress, a politician making decisions for the right reasons, not political reasons.

Can someone explain to me what are the interest of his constituents...?
anyone?... do they match the interest of the country at all?
I need clarification...

Mr. Mark Carl Parisien says: it will take cooperation and time to fix the current problems with the economy. Thanks for your post.

Who cares what this nut thinks. The stupidity of Republicans is starting at an earlier age. God Bless America........Let the Demo, starting grooming some real down to earth american youth, who are sensitive to the plight of humankind. That's what we really need........................................... Obama, please do us a big favor, stop asking these jerk Republicans to support you. We can do bad by ourselves......................

Aaron Shock for Illinois Governor!

What is really going to be funny is that if the President Obama's stimulus package does restart the economy the Republican's once againg made the wrong choice. Instead of comming to the middle and showing us they really care they desided to keep themselves all the way to the right. I see that my party didn't learn from the election and is just digging us deeper in the hole.

How disrespectful to the Congressman to title this story "27-year-old turns down Obama's plea."

Why not "Illinois Representative turns down 47-year-old's plea?"

Must not have been anything in the bill for the, Ha, Ha, "Honorable"? Schock!!!! Republicans make me want to puke!!!!

Good for you! You are right....this is not stimulus.

And when we look back in a few years for scapegoats, Schock will be firmly on record against economic recovery.

Believe the move was Partisan; but, non the less, Congressman
Schock stuck to his guns. Brave and bold move; Congrats.

Wow somebody who cares about the country and not sleazy politics like BO. Good for him, Obama has been a disaster so far, the guy cant even put a cabinet together. You wonder why Illinois is such a disaster look who was running the place.

Gutsey move on the young mans part. It would hvae been easy to be intimidated or awed by the trappings of the Presidency but the young man did what his constituints wanted. I think he may have ben wrong not to support the stimulus package but I admire the heck out of a man who listens to his constituants. ARE YOU LISTENING REP GINGRY?

CANT THINK FOR HIMSELF.....WENT ALONG WITH ALL THE OTHER REPUB'S......ITS ALL OR NOTHING

Good for him!! He will get re-elected. Not so sure obama will, in fact he probably won't.

None of us are sure all of this stimulus will work but even when a part of it does wonder what response the Reps will have? This is going to be interesting to watch. We know who will take credit (oh thats the part I put in there) thats exactly what they will say. At least Obama has started some where, haven't heard one idea yet what the reps would do, that is what I don't understand they have griped and griped but made no plausible contributions.

Republican history apparently only lasts about 1 minute. We suffer through 8 years of REPUBLICAN dimwit and friends trashing everything from the economy to the Constitution with no concern for Bipartisanship.

Now these crying whiners are bitching like a bunch of babies about how they want "meld" their spoiled rich kid ideas into the mix. How about shut-to-hell-up and do something for your country and try and be cooperative instead of playing politics as usual??!!

I used to live in the Congressman's area. Mr. Shock's voting record is strictly down the party line. Believe me, he is never going to vote for anything proposed by a Democrat.

I applaud President Obama for reaching across the aisle and am disheartened by the lack of response on the Republicans' side. If they really listened to their constituency, they'd know that even when people decry the spending, they still want relief. The GOP didn't even try to work with the Dems as evidenced the the total lack of any GOP vote in support of the stimulus package in the House. They may really regret their arrogance in a couple of years when they're voted out of office.

CNN, My comment , like the GOP seems to be waiting forever to moderate. What is the deal? Is ther a page that explains the rules for getting messages posted?
Thanks

Good for you, Aaron, stick up for your own personal beliefs!

Now this is what I call integrity!
LOL... Obama cannot bribe this young man.

Rep Aaron Schock you are a young politician and you should use your brain not emotion or follow failed ideology of your party.
If I was you I will either vote Yes or simply not vote at all which by the way will be very smart to do. What if the bill worked and people in your district benefit from it big time? Are you going to come back and say i'm sorry?
When you are a young politician you don't gamble and put all your chips on one thing. Go back and learn OBAMA's history in the IL senate if you are looking for a political bright in the future.
Just a political advice.

I swear to you...just out of pure spite that these Republicans don't care if we all crash and burn. They are pissed that things have not gone their way with the elections so they are determined NOT to work with the president on ANYTHING. I am convinced, even if the president just decided to put a ban on abortion...even the repubs would oppose it just out of spite!!!! We have to do something! There is no perfect solution to our current condition....but we have to do SOMETHING. We at least have to try.

This is ridiculous and these childish little games won't go unpunished. The repubs will realize this in a couple of years.

Maybe this young Republican should worry about what is good for the people that elected him rather than what may be good for his colleagues. Republican continues to shoot themselves in the foot.

Um I think the only people this guy listened to is Rush and Hannity.

Don't tell me Peoria is NOT in line to get any of the money for infrastructure projects coming from this stimulus package!

Is it true that NOT ONE of the Catapillar employees wanted their congressman to vote for this bill? Why weren't none of them interviewed?

I would like to hear directly from some of Schocks constituents directly.

I’ve got great confidence in him to do the right thing for the people of Peoria,” Obama added.

And he did do the right thing by voting NO! Thanks for your learned advice Mr. President.

Arm twisting in public, even good naturedly, is a poor bi partisan substitute to actually working with the GOP Mt Obama . And it backfired with the first year Congressman from IL as thousands of caterpillar employees urged him NOT to vote for the spending bill because there was too little in there for infrastructure projects, and that is what Caterpillare needs in its business. and during Obama's speech at Caterpilar, Obama said the company would begin rehiring laid off workers when the bill was passed. The Caterpillar CEO corrected Obama after the speech when he told reporters that Caterpillar would be laying off more people – likely due to the fact that there is too much unnecessary pork in the spending bill and not enough for infrastructure projects as Obama had originally promises.

These two incidents underscore a growing bad practice of Obama – misleading the American people, and in some cases, outright lying to them.

I ask Americans:

Do we need jobs for teachers, or money for condoms at school?

Do we need to save jobs of police and firemen, or do we need to save Pelosi's white salt water marsh mouse?

Do we need to rebuild schools, highways, and bridges, or do we need to build a choo choo for Senator Harry Reid from Los Angeles to Las Vegas?

Do we need to give need tax breaks to small business, or shall we send money to Philipine soldiers?

Shall we rebuild school gymnasiums, or buuld frisbee golf courses?

Shall we buy new computers for schools, or new cars for federal employees and new uniforms for the TSA?

These are the choices Obama and the Dems have made for us .... does anyone believe they are stimulus? Does anyone believe they are the best use of our funds

Obama has extended his hand to the Republicans, but they are keeping tight fists. They are killing any bypartisanship agreements and it's on their heads, not Obama's! The change has to come from THEM!

Who is this guy! The Republicans had
8 years to make a change in this country.

8 long years to keep us from reaching this point
8 long years to figuar out we were heading toward a depression
8 long years to to convince Bush somethiT Png needs to change
8 long years to give suggestions to fix the ecomony
8 long years to stop the Banks
8 long years to create a better system
and
8 YEARS TO PRESENT THERE STIMULUS PLAN
SO SHUT UP REPUBLICANS

AND ITS TIME YOU PUT "PRESIDENT" IN FRONT OF OBAMA'S NAME!
WE ARE SICK AND TIRED OF YOU

In Republiban world, if it doesn't cut taxes for the rich, it isn't stimulating their donors (aka "constituents").

..

Mr. Schock:
Thank you for giving me back some hope that the younger generation CAN think for themselves instead of running in herds like cattle. You also showed me that not all politicians from Illinois are corrupt. I can only wish that those legislators in Congress who have been there for years would LEARN from YOUR example and be reminded of WHO put them in office.

BRAVO!!!!!! Good for you to actually vote for the people who elected you! Our two senators from Maine DID NOT DO THAT, and I will be shocked if either one of them ever gets elected again! Bravo for you not to cave under Obama's pressure. I wish you were my representative!

I believe this guy listened to Boehner, not his constituents, and voted no. The Republicans have no intenton of ever supporting Obama in anything he does. All the more reason to vote them out in the next election.

Ultimately he listened to the fascist wing of his party, deciding that he did not as an individual have the mind or the will to act for the benefit of the United States. He did not look like that kind of person when he got elected, but he will when he is replaced in 2010.

I pray to God that Obama's stimulus plan is successful, because if it is, then Republicans will eat their meaningless criticism. The GOP has some nerve complaining about this plan, when they spend 8 years getting America into the economic mess that it is in right now. They can offer nothing but criticism, because they don't have an original plan to offer of their own. Tax cuts are not going to stimulate the economy.

I know this is wrong to say, but I really do HATE Republicans right now! They are just a party full of idiots.

Bipartisanship happens only if both sides come together. Republicans should stop being sour losers and do what is good for the country if they really put their country first. Stop referring to constituents if the decision that are made to vote against the package came from party leadership.

Apparently he doesn't really know his constituents. Nor does he realize that for the last eight years NOT ONE republican extended a hand in true bi-partisan fashion.
Not to worry Schock ... YOU will receive FREE health care off the backs of Americans for the rest of your life!

I know people are going to call this kid dumb etc. . . .but the truth is, he is the smart one. Obama promised no more pork and bs attached to bills. That is exactly what this has. 30 mil for field mice etc. . . Ya, I know at least it is something, but we should expect better. Cali needs to tar and feather pelosi.

Good for Senator Schock, for standing up to President Obama. This bail-out is full of extras and needs to be trimed. This use of Air-force one to fly around the country to push this bail-out is wrong, when the cost is very high and persons need help with food and homes.
This Money could be spent for their help.

Conservative leaders have decided to topple the Obama presidency. They have returned to the Newt Gingrich playbook: block, delay, oppose, criticize, distort, prevent, impeach, resist, and dispute. They search for an objectionable paragraph in a thousand page bill and then act as if that paragraph is the entire bill.

Conservative leaders would rather rule a bankrupt America than help govern a prosperous one. Conservative voters, if they are middle class, are voting against their own interests. They are being conned by their leadership.

Just another congressman that hates this country and would rather spend money invading and rebuilding other country's with our tax dollars. Hopefully Obama has had his reach across the isles fix and stop appeasing these traitors

Wow, I am SO impressed..... a politician that actually will stand up for his principles and not be taken in by sweet talk and pressure. We need a lot more like him, way to go!! Could he be the next prez??

How is it that in the latest polls 66% of Americans approve of the stimulus package , yet all of the Republicans say they were listening to their constituents in voting against it. Does this mean that EVERY person who votes Republican is against this bill and everyone else supports it ? Well, maybe these Republicans should pay attention to what just happened in the election, and try and realize their ideas are outdated and have been discounted by the American people. Time to get on board or get the heck out of the way.

Come on! A freshmen Republican Senator listen to a Democratic President. This guy is still trying to find the men's bathroom. He's going to do what ever the minority whip tells him to do, or he'll be locked out of the "Grand Ol' Party."

good for him – he didn't bow to the "beauty & the bling"

That is the problem with politics today is that its all about the politicians own personal interest. As the young republican senator stated, he did not vote for the bill because it was not in the best interest of his " constituents". It's not about your constituents but the american people or have we forgotten.

These Republicans are a laugh a minute. They decry the Democrat package yet all they offer is the same old failed policies that got us into this mess in the first place. It's typical of Schock (read McCain) to play the same old nonsense about Obama having a rocky start and not supporting anything This of course is just sour grapes anyway because the Republicans just went along party lines even though there is a crisis in this country. It's obvious that Republicans are just puppets, wind them up and they all say it's anyone's fault but theirs.
If you think this is diversive just wait until the medical bill is pushed forward.

Free Ride....

Proof, once again, that Republicans march in locked goose-step. Too bad for the country that their little brains are so totally devoured by partisanship instead of statesmanship. Shame on the entire lot of Republicans.

Looks like Ilinois finally has someone with brains.

Bipartisanship is what Eric Cantor tells you it is, Aaron.

“Ultimately, I listened to my constituents"

No you didn't. You voted the way your leaders told you to vote. We all know that Republicans have to tow the party line or be targeted for replacement. That's why there are no more liberal and almost no moderate Republicans left in Congress.

Schock- Schmock...

Why is this important? Everyone knows that not one republican voted for the package. It is not news to us. I have watched my brother look for a job after his plant closed after over 25 years of faithful service. I have seen the worry on his face. I have seen the humiliation as we help him with groceries, bills for his family. His savings has dwindled and the unemployment helps very little. This story is an insult to me as I wake up early in the morning before I go to work. I pray for my brother and others like him. I pary for this man and others like him as well. I pray for my President as he tries to work with a party that is not concerned with the people. They do not want unity. They want to fight. I do not know who this young man is, but shame on him and others like him. It is an insult for the republican party to vote a Black man to lead them and think that Black people will blindly follow him. I am ashamed when I hear him speak. He has come to spar with our President as he stated. Yet my brother is depressed and doing his best to keep the faith. I know taht God will see us through this time. How Bush and others that caused this crisis can sleep at night is beyond my understanding. I do not want to hear or read of another person that states why thye did not vote for this plan. It matters not one iota to me. I am praying that God will sustain this nation. Where there is unity there is strength. A house divided cannot stand. This is not a direct quote from Lincoln, Jesus said it first.

What a suprise...the new republican is acting like the old republicans did... "Meet the new Boss....Same as the old boss". Apparently "bipartisan" to republicans means doing things "thier way" regardless of how the public votes and the disaster those very policies have led us too...i.e. tax cuts for the rich so they can hire Mexicans, Chinese, and Indians over Americans to make huge profits while we lose our homes and familys. So my question is this...Exactly HOW BADLY do the "Tax Cuts, trickle drown economics and privatization" have to fail before someone with an "R" next to thier name admits they don't frakin work?

Best interests of your constituents, eh?

Does this mean that his district shouldn't get any funding? Go ahead, tell us your district doesn't need it. There are plenty of public works projects in other districts and sates, since yours does not need it.

“Bipartisanship is not one party writes the bill and we all vote for it. Bipartisanship means you truly meld together both sides ideas and come up with a compromise bill..."
Compromise means no one gets all that he or she wants, but all get some of what they want. Although the Republicans might not have their stamp on the provisions, some of the provisions were what the Republicans wanted. Not all the Democrats got what they wanted either, but they still voted for it – as a compromise bill.
Republicans can spin this anyway they want, but it still boils down to them throwing a temper tantrum.

Um, I'm confused. The gentleman who was recently voted the "hottest Freshman" in Congress voted against the stimulus package because, quote, "it's not really a stimulus package with the majority of the money going towards stimulating the economy." I'm speechless.

President Obama was trying to save your re-election, not twist your arms. You didn't get it then and you didn't get it when you voted against a stimulus package that will help your constitutents. Too bad.

I'm an Obama supporter however I do believe that the stimulus is over doing it only because of the bail outs that have already been passed. These bail outs and stimulus packages are only going to make the big companies richer. The government will bail them out and those same companies will continue to collect bad debt from the american people which means they will end up getting paid twice. We need a plan that goes directly to the american people. If we do that then banks, auto makers and other companies would not need government help that would make profit from consumers payments and purchases

I'm an Obama supporter however I do believe that the stimulus is over doing it only because off the bail outs that have already been passed. These bail outs and stimulus packages are only going to make the big companies richer. The government will bail them out and those same companies will continue to collect bad debt from the american people which means they will end up getting paid twice. We need a plan that goes directly to the american people. If we do that then banks, auto makers and other companies would not need government help that would make profit from consumers payments and purchases

Who cares? he's a republican what did you expect him to do. Thet had a chance to fix all these problem when they had the power,but they saw fit to make it worse. same old failed politics did work then so why shold we listen to them now?

It does not make a difference which party writes the bill, at the end there are comments and edits anyway which comes down to the same as if two parties wrote the bills. Everyone has to work together for the country, too much negativity, we are in this together. Of course, there are those that are not experiencing financial drawbacks so they really can't identify with those people who lost their jobs and are experiencing financial difficulties. They don't know what it is for their family not to have medical coverage.

Disappointed not disappointment. Slight typo error.

Funny, for the last 8 years they locked out the Democrats but now things are supposed to change when they are the minority. Maybe someone should tell these sore losers that they actually LOST in both 2006 and 2008. Apparently they didn't get the memo.

Mr. Schock sounds quite naive to me. Does n't Mr. Schock understand that the Majority always writes a Bill of this importance, and not the Minority? By Bipartisan, President Obama does not mean that Bills will be written by equal number of the Majority and Minority sitting across a table, but that the Minority will be consulted and any constructive suggestions put forward by them may be reflected in the bills.

In my opinion, Mr. Schock is making the same mistake made by the Republican party by voting against the stimulus package. It seems to me that the Republican party as whole has decided to oppose the efforts of the President to work with them. In general, almost all of them seem to call the package " a spending Bill," arguing that it is not stimulative enough. What a lame economic reason for not voting for the Bill.

In the parlance of Economics, a stimulus economic package ,by its nature, is a spending bill. It is meant to stimulate the Demand of Goods and Services in the Economy in order to stir up Supply and ultimately Employment. Contrary to the Republican argument, Tax Relief, in general, is not direct spending; hence, it will not stimulate the Economy as direct spending will.

Unfortunately, Republicans generally tend to utilize Tax Relief as the single most important economic tool to stimulate the Economy, even though the results of such misquided efforts are dismal. Why then do Republicans always and even swear by Tax Relief?

The answer, in my opinion, is that most Republicans often claim to be Conservatives, and in the parlance of Finance, Conservatives by nature are those who are reluctant to update their information sets in the face of new information. Thus, Conservatives tend to get stuck with and often apply invalid Economic Principles- Economic concepts that used to hold under certain conditions but no longer hold under present conditions. Incidentally, this may explain why the last Administration failed so miserably.

John Boehner told these guys how to vote. That is the reason why he didn't vote in favor of the Stimulus Bill. It puzzle me how for eight years these Republicans didn't give a darn about what anything cost. Whatever Bush wanted he got. Now all of a sudden they are so concern about the debt. Tell me how much has that Iraq war cost the U.S. ? Really how much has it cost? What about the tax cut for the rich? What about that drug bill? President Obama didn't ask for this mess, it was left for him to deal with. Let us remember John McCain went around telling everyone that nothing was wrong with the economy,till it slap him in the face and he called himself canceling his campaign. For along time Bush ignore that the economy was in trouble. Now they want to tell someone how to fix something they caused and ignored. I think McCain haven't deal with the fact that he lost in November. If I was the President I wouldn't keep trying to reach out to them. He said he would, but I am so tired of the same old politcs in Washington. Finally Obama Supporters listen up, we need to get ready for 2010. We need to find the Republicans in our area who's up for re-election and go to the polls like we did November 2008 and get rid of them all!!!!!

I find it so interesting now that the Dems are in charge the republicans are screaming for bi-partisanship. Where was all this when Bush was ramming all those spending bills down our throat. I hope and pray after the 2010 election there is even less republicans in office. As for Rep. Schock keep drinking that kool aid from the house GOP and see far that gets you.

We will never agree on everything. I believe this man did what he was elected to do, represent us the people who don't believe in this bill and didn't give in to pressure to be "Bipartisan" when clearly people on both sides of the political spectrum disagreed. . Remember Mr. President you still have to earn the approval of the 46% of the people who didn't support you. I like you as a person Mr. President but I disagree with your stances on key issues.

“Bipartisanship is not one party writes the bill and we all vote for it. Bipartisanship means you truly meld together both sides' ideas and come up with a compromise bill,” Schock told King.

Hmmm–and here the last 8 years "bipartisanship" has meant that Democrats have to give the GOP whatever it wants. It doesn't matter if their ideas (or idea–more tax cuts for the rich) have failed repeatedly and with disastrous consequences. So apparently "bipartisanship" in GOP-speak has nothing to do with what's good for the country and everything to do with the GOP getting as much as it can for itself and the special interests who back it.

The GOP–they may be using the same words, but they're speaking an entirely different language from those of us living in the real world.

The GOP is so embarrassed that Bush destroyed the economy with their help and their stripping of financial and business regulations. They know how bad the economy is and that it will require much more from the President and his cabinet so, they will hope and pray that this stimulus package fails so they can should I told you so.

Trouble with that is that everyone of us who voted against Bush the first and second time can all shout with truth and proof on our side, "we told you so".

The GOP is responsible for the financial meltdown, the housing crisis resulting millions of jobs lost. From 2000 to 2006 it was a Republican President , Republican controlled Congress and a Republican controlled Senate. The Republicans allowed this nation to crumble, now, the Democrats have to clean up their mess while they give their useless opinions about procedure.

I do not know why Obama is trying to please republicans congressmen. It is very sickening. They have proven over and over that do not care for the ideas of liberals or Democrats. When they held office, they show us no mercy with thier polices. I no longer care for bipartisen with the republicans. Obama, I feel you are going to waste your whole 4 year term trying to appease them. They hate our ideas, and their ideas are ineffective. Conservative ideas just do not work in reality. As far as attacking Obama, we are watching you. If it is a fight that you want, then it is fight you will recieve.

Rep. Aaron Schock lacks personal initiative and sense of understanding burried in the ruble of decade politics. Otherwise, there is no way on earth will any lifely person will ever think that a multibillion dollar corpoaration to recover with thousands dollar project stimulus package. We all know that if it is package meant to be squandered for unrealistic war, GOP will be for it. But the one to bailout the main street, which GOP will not benefit, it will not earn their vote. Rep. Aaron Schock belong to this generation and he has failed his generation.

It really is sad the way this bill went down. The Dems wrote it behind closed doors, gave the Repubs about 8 hours to read it after they both agreed to give everyone 48 hours to read it, and then voted on it. Sad. And why is Obama traveling around? Isn't the campaign over?? Doesn't he have work to do in Washington??

what is this, try and please a republican month? Please, all obama has to do is fix the economy, these guy will quickly jump on board when it is politically beneficial.

It's sadly pathetic that Schock is playing partisan politics as a "freshman" – Republicans have zero ideas other than "If it's democratic, it must be bad." If Schock doesn't like the bill – HE SHOULD CRAFT HIS OWN. But instead of bothering to do his job, he cowers on the sideline. America needs action, not Republican partisan tricks. McCain wants Obama to be bipartisan? He needs to propose salient concepts other than "cut taxes" – rhetoric which is unfounded at best, pathetically stupid at worst. Also, if Republicans want Obama to be bipartisan, THEY need to be bipartisan as well. I haven't seen one filibuster yet.. McCain must not actually mean what he says.

For God's sake leave the man alone! The man has only been on office for not even a month yet and you Republicians think he can work miracles. Who got us in this mess anyway? He should have been thrown out of office the first year. Worst president in my lifetime of 70 years!

It's about time one of our leaders went against President Obama! Way to go! You should be our next President!

....and apparently "Bipartisanship" to a Republican means:
Democrats should ingore the top economists who say the bill should really be more like 1 Trillion; Cut out "wasteful" things like reconstruction for schools, and Surprise Surprise- CUT TAXES FOR THE WEALTHY!
Always worked great before, right?

The party of NO (new ideas) strikes again...

Representative Schrock can be proud of his decision to vote against the "stimulus" package. Anyone who has closely followed its creation and final result cannot be fooled by either the attempted intimidation of congress or the media. It is refreshing to know that some of our elected representatives possess the personal integrity and courage to stand up for what is right for our great country, and not allow themselves to be duped into voting for something that is in no way the resultant transparent, bipartisan and "shovel-ready" legislation promised by the president. Sadly, it is difficult to acknowledge that our president has been dishonest with us.

This guy is destroying himself politicaly. In preorie lot of people are loosing jobs and want something done about the economy to be able to work again. Caterpillar announce publicly that they will be able to rehire people if the bill pass. What is he talking about?
Do they have a brain supporting him to vote against the bill or this is just another lie from a republican trying to follow party ideology.
Sometimes I just don't get it. Some people are really empty brain.

Right, they had good time looting and they wrote patriotic laws, two face dollar dogs, they don't care about people of America.

Good for you Mr Schock keeping your resolve!! I voted for Obama and I want him to be successful but I want him to keep his promises. Five days of sunshine to review something is not too much to ask.

Good job standing up for yourself!!

Good job, Mr. Schock – way to use some common sense.

what's wrong with the republicans? The campaign is over and they lost. Prez. Obama is trying to clean up your mess and you want him to fail? You guys will be disappointment badly because the Obama team already knows that. They are using the bi-partisan move to get rid of you but you guys are not smart enough to realize that. Idiots.

And on CNN's "State of the Union," Gibbs said, "I think what you saw from this president was an unprecedented effort to reach out to Republicans. Not just in meetings at the White House, but you had the president drive up to Capitol Hill to meet with Republicans where they work."

McCain fired back. "Look, I appreciate the fact that the president came over and talked to Republicans," he said. "That's not how you negotiate a result. You sit down together in a room with competing proposals. Almost all of our proposals went down on a party-line vote."

When the next major piece of legislation aimed at helping the economy recover reaches Congress, McCain said that he hopes "we will sit down together and conduct truly bipartisan negotiations. This was not a bipartisan bill."
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McCain added, "Republicans were guilty of this kind of behavior. I'm not saying that we did things different. But Americans want us to do things differently, and they want us to work together."

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In order for Bipartisanship to work Republican can not just say NO on principle alone. They have to work in the best interest of the country. BOTH DEMOCRAT and REPUBLICAN need to stop this political bickering and get some REAL change done.

What is really sad about Rep. Aaron Schock comments on CNN are a couple of things
1. They are inaccurate. TRep. Aaron Schock specifically stated that only 8% of the stimulus package was devoted to infrastructure. The Chicago Tribune on Sunday Feb 15 states that 91.7 billion of 787 billion package are devoted to 'Infrastructure' That really is 11.6% and not 8%. To make matters worse, there is 19 billion for heath information technology which could also be considered infrastructure. If one reads through the list, there are a number of other items that could readily be considered infrastructure.

2. There is an old saying that says "When you need a plumber, you call a plumber" With all due respect to the folks at the Caterpillar plant in Rep Schock's constituency, I have to ask what their qualifications are to comment on economic issues that are extraordinarily complex and for which they don't really have qualification to make an intelligent decision as to what is good or bad for the over all economy.

3. And lastly, the only proposal I heard from the GOP was 'tax cuts' Well, one should look at the list of items under the $281 billion in tax cuts. I am not sure I can 'see' a relationship between those 'tax cuts' and infrastructure.

Finally, I really wish the media would challenge the statements of individuals (on both sides of the political spectrum) to substantiate their statements with facts. This would require more than a sound bite, or if all one can present is a sound bite, then you don't present it. This sort of reporting is confusing and frankly totally fails to represent the truth. And I suspect that CNN will not allow this note to be visible.

I am one of those citizens that is fed up with the political/media system of misrepresentation of the information and allows individuals misrepresent the facts in a politically driven process.
Steven
Steven

3. Even

This comment on are twisting is not the basic truth. On the day that the Stimulus Bill was to be voted on in the House, the constituents from the most populous city in the district called is his office until the vote. There were some in the office that took the information and stated the congressman was not going to vote for the package. Eventhough the package had the needed money for Head Start. This statement is disingeneous because this freshman rep voted the party line.

Thank God there are some Senators out there with a backbone.
THANK YOU Senator Schock. This 'spendulous' bill is a Democrat pet project spending wish list.... and you are a credit to the people of the United States.

Who is he trying to fool? He got marching orders from his party and is blindly obeying them...Are you telling me that every Republican in congress had concluded the same exact thing? Give me a break!

Glad to see that Republican partisanship is alive and well in the Congress. Knowing how the legislative process really works, its hard to believe that absolutely no republican idea like "tax cuts" were part of this bill.

Oh tax cuts were.....

I'm sure they are banking on the economy continuing to tank and then they can say.... "See it didn't work". God help them if it does work, because they will look like partisan idiots. I for one want people in Washington who are going to make decisions. Inaction and rock throwing is so childish and out of touch. Too many people have lost their jobs, homes and dignity....

Who voted for this young guy? Why are the Republicans so dumb?

President Obama should stop going out of his way to gain
support from these republicans that have been threathen
by their watchdog committees. Just go ahead and ram it
like the republicans did when they were in control. Senators
like lindsey Gramm are nothings but cry babys and moruns.

Peoria is well represented by their Congressman, poorly represented by their ex-Senator.

Stop acting like a republican dumb. Read the bill with your brain and then vote

Republicans do what's best for America. Vote Republican – dependable, and proven better for our future.

The GOP likes to put all the blame for lack of bipartisanship on Obama, but it takes 2 to tango. They're just doing this to send a message and to set themselves up for their re-election campaigns.

Boo hoo. I guess it is only ok for the GOP to use peer pressure. Let me go find my tiny violin...

I hope your constituents vote for you again, the Republicans are only thinking about themselves because they want to have control again, they will pay for this when the constituents vote. If all the republicans were really concerned about us, we would not be in the mess we are in. You would have done something to stop this mess a long time ago while Bush was in the White house, after 8 years of a big mess you want to start thinking about us now "Give me a break" , just how dumb to you think we are. You don't have enough sense or backbone to do what needs to be done, your just playing follow the leader.

I understand where this guy is going. We all need to take a closer look at this bill. and i would vote for this bill but if the pork is more than the benifits then maybe congress should think this through.

If Aaron doesn't think that creating jobs is good for your constituents, then, Aaron needs to be replaced. He does not represent the people hard hit in this economy.

About time somebody had the balls to listen to their people and vote against all of this mess that the are forcing upon us. I really don't understand where all this mythical money is coming from and if we have so much to give away and take away from real issues like education why can't we get rid of this trillion or quadrillion or whatever it is deficit?

Why does the ticker say, '27-year old turns down Obama plea'? It should say, 'Illinois CONGRESSMAN turns down Obama plea'. The ticker always slants the headlines about Republicans to make them look ridicules, while the headlines about Dems (especially Obama) look like heroes and the people's saviors.

Come on CNN, at least try and cover up your bias.

One more loser Republican in the making. He has the gall to say he's listening to his constituents? Hasn't he listened to hundreds of thousand of people (incl his constituents) being put out of work?

He sounds like a good guy.

President OBAMA, please stick with your own kind. These guys didn't vote you into office and they sure won't support you. They hate you and want you to fail. So stop kissing up. Try pleasing the folks who elected you. 2012 is around the corner.

wow !

I commend this young congressman for voting the will of his constituents, instead of what he (may) have desired personally, or to simply "please the president", who was publicly gushing over him. It takes far more ba!!$ to do the right thing when it's not the popular thing. And I commend him for listening with descernment, and realizing this "stimulus bill" is anything but that – it's a bundle of lies that will put generations into debt.

oh really? u listened constituents or GOP . U WORRY ABT UR RE-ELECTION AND I AM NOT BLAMING U, U DID WHATS RIGHT FOR U SELF.

GOOD LUCK NEXT TIME

Sounds like Schock is one of John Boehner's new buttboys.

CLM=Career Limiting Move, but hey what do you expect from a 27 year old anyways......

These Republicans need to get on board! They haven't been concerned about the American people the past 8 years and now they cannot even try to work with Democrats to find solutions.

A refreshing story of someone with the integrity and guts to resist an obvious bribe.

Congratulations and thank-you, Mr. Schock.

Congressman Schock:

Trust absolutely no one!!!!! Ever, ever, ever......especially in and from the State of Illinois..........while your in the State of Illinois.

Oh yes, how many campaign promises have been stiffed since January 20, 2009?

Good luck America????

The stimulus bill may be far from perfect, but doing nothing like like republicans have done is worse. Pouting will not put America on track. Eight years of failed policy can not be corrected in 3 weeks of
the Obama presidency. Now republicans, either help or go home.
By the way, thanks Arlen Spector and the other 2 of you that had the
fortitude to do what is right in this critical time.

What a shame, the young lad HAD a promising career, oh well, i hear they will be hiring in Alsaka to build a bridge!

Way to stand up to the Messiah, worst president ever. 1,435 days until Inauguration 2013, and hopefully the end of an error!!

This guy is a total douchebag. Just wait until 2 years from now when he will have become a has been

Obama did not become president by being a fool. He already knew that Schock was gonna vote against him!

Schock was a victim of 'keep your friends close, and your enemies closer!'

Once the stimulus starts to take effect as the economic 'multiplier effect' begins to drive the economy, Obama will come back to Schock's district and tell everyone that he voted against the good things ( jobs, etc.) that they are now enjoying.

He (schock) will be history!

We can hope the voters of Peoria will make a former Republican congressman in 2010. Why would anyone turn down thousands of jobs for their district?

you go congressman...stick to your guns no matter what the meshia says!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Democratic Party is becoming a Religion....and CNN is trying to become the church

The Democrats have just proved many things with their bill,and I am sure most, if not all of the Democrats are proud of their priorities.

Nearly all items for Veterans Affairs were reduced and the $2 billion the Senate wanted for VA construction was wiped out altogether. The VA did get one thing: $1 billion for medical facilities renovation and retooling.

# Military construction: Cut and put into a general pot, a change from targeted money for each branch of the services. Army construction alone went from $600 million in the Senate and $900 million in the House to $180 million in the final bill. But negotiators compromised over a general military construction fund - the House wanted $3.75 billion while the Senate allocated $118 million and settled on $1.45 billion for all services.

This in its self pretty much says it all.

The three Republican senators made sure it was a bipartisan bill by demanding changes...and not necessarily good ones...but none the less, their demands were met and so it is just a flat-out LIE to say it was not bipartisan. Secondly, your constituents, Mr. Schock, will appreciate any help they will receive out of the bill and maybe they will remember that you were not the one who delivered it to them. Hmmm. The train is leaving the station and you had better get on board or you may be left behind! Thanks for nothing!

Republicans have always acted scared, fearful, paranoid, and seem to desperately need to turn everyone into "the enemy," a sign of mental illness.

A lot Republicans just consistently complain and criticizing everything that Obama attempts to do for the American people. Of course, we already know that Repugnants aren't going to be agreeable. The Republicans are typically very angry people. They are angry that most Americans have thrown away their "conservative ideologies" because they don't work for a modern society . Republicans have classic symptoms of denial. \

Of course, we already know that Repugnants aren't going to be agreeable. The Republicans are typically very angry people. They are angry at themselves for voting for Bush twice. They are angry for being duped into trusting the evangelicals with the direction of their party, voting for a "born-again" Bush who basically lied to them and to the country for 8 years. They are angry that most Americans have thrown away their "conservative ideologies" because they don't work for a modern society . Republicans have classic symptoms of denial. They are angry with themselves, so they project their anger onto anyone who doesn't think or look exactly like them. For the most part, Republicans pretend to be perfect, godly, and righteous, but their masks are cracking and we can see who they really are. Their polished philosophies no longer shine. Republicans have always acted scared, fearful, paranoid, and seem to desperately need to turn everyone into "the enemy," a sign of mental illness.

The kid has character no matter the detractors.

A lot Republicans just consistently complain and criticizing everything that Obama attempts to do for the American people. Of course, we already know that Repugnants aren't going to be agreeable. The Republicans are typically very angry people. They are angry at themselves for voting for Bush twice. They are angry for being duped into trusting the evangelicals with the direction of their party, voting for a "born-again" Bush who basically lied to them and to the country for 8 years. They are angry that most Americans have thrown away their "conservative ideologies" because they don't work for a modern society . Republicans have classic symptoms of denial. They are angry with themselves, so they project their anger onto anyone who doesn't think or look exactly like them. For the most part, Republicans pretend to be perfect, godly, and righteous, but their masks are cracking and we can see who they really are. Their polished philosophies no longer shine. Republicans have always acted scared, fearful, paranoid, and seem to desperately need to turn everyone into "the enemy," a sign of mental illness.

another republican born.......it's a damm shame! brainwashed from birth.....

how do the republican know this won't work what they have done in the last 8 years have not work . I think they really want Obama to fail and do not won't to work with him . republicans only are for rich people of their color so you other republicans of other color watch your back because they really put up a show when you're around turn your back and listen what they're saying about you

I'm a little unclear as to why on the cnn.com home page it says "27-year-old turns down Obama's plea" for this article. It seems like they are unnecessarily focusing on Rep. Schock's age. Would the headline read "64-year-old turns down Obama's plea" if the article was about former Rep. Ray LaHood, whom Rep. Schock replaced?

Barack Obama has the task for solving the economic problem that developed during the time period that had Republican leadership. As Obama has indicated, he did not cause the problem, and he is busy with a solution that has the blessing of well known experts. He states that he can't put much faith in the republican methods to solve our economic problem since their solutions have been tried in the past and failed.
Now it appears that the Republican Party is acting like a group of critics of the Democratic Party rather than looking out for the good of the nation.
The Republican Party can't be much anymore since members have indicated that Rush Slimeball (sic). still sings their song and he hopes that Obama fails. That remark sounds Un-American to me. Schock can't be much, He is following all of the Republican talking points.
regards, Ralph Yetter

Interesting...
The majoriry of approved ammendments were from the GOP.

Thank goodness the Dems refused to go along with McCain's huge $2.5 trillion tax cut for the rich...aka the Bank CEO's.

During bush's REIGN the republicans followed him around on their knees trying to be the first to kiss butt. No matter what he did it was wonderful, starting a war, killing millions of people and throwing the country into a tailspin with banks failing, people in foreclosure and 8 trillion dollar debt. Then this nutcase starts to follow the path the republicans are taking with this administration.

Do everything you can to deny
Do everything you can to obstruct
Start rumors
Tell lies
Darn the American people let them float like bush did them on Katrina
Their job is to sink this country further just to try to get republicans back in office. The American people are the ones suffering with the way the republicans are acting. And if they think they lost big in 2008 wait til 2010 rolls around. The republican will be like the expression old soldiers..."they'll just fade away". And good riddance too.

I am not a republican by any stretch of the imagination, but hearing a politician today say they are listening to the will of their constituants is like a breath of fresh air.

Obama campaigned on brining the voice of the people to politics, and not politics to the people.

well everybody is doing a lot of selling, and a lot of talking, but no one seems to be really listening

Lincoln, gave his life to represent AMERICANS, Martin L. King Jr. gave his life representing Americans, many men and women in uniform, and great men and women for civil rights gave the ultimate sacrifice for Americans, will you put your career on the line to represent Americans?

You have the legacy sufficient for this time, immortalize it! give Americans the American promise

Bipartisanship means you truly meld together both sides ideas and come up with a compromise bill,” Schock told King. “That didn’t happen in this case and ultimately, that’s why I voted against it.”

“Ultimately, I listened to my constituents and I looked at what I knew about the bill and determined it was not in the best interests of my constituents,” the freshman Republican said Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union. “It was not really a stimulus bill with the majority of the money going towards stimulating the economy.”

So...ultimately did he vote against because it wasn't bipartisan or becuase it was not in the best interest of his constituents? I'm unclear!

Freshman Rep.Schock voted in line with his leaders as all other
Republicans.He knew if he voted for the President's stimulus bill
his name would be mud as the old saying goes,and he would have been the only Republican to cast an aye vote.

So he says his constituents put pressure on him to support the bill, but he decided against it because of his responsibility to his constituents.

With that kind of double-talk it sounds like this guy has just what it takes to be a republican congressman.

He "looked at what [he] knew about the bill", but did he read it?

With guaranteed salaries, health insurance and pensions, Republican politicians find it easy to "just say no" to everything the President wants as he tries to help the Americans who are suffering.
When they say they "want Obama to fail" we know that a President's job is to bring prosperity and peace back to America - so they want America to suffer even more purely for the sake of their own political benefit.
Many of my customers are hurting badly due to eight years of doing things the Republican way.
They claim they hate government and swear it doesn't work - but they're always running for office. Why are they so intent on being a part of something they're always demonizing? We found out the hard way that when Republicans run it, government doesn't work.
They had two years and the longest most expensive election ever to argue their views and America voted for someone else. Since they refuse to help, they should quit and make room for someone who will.

Towing the party line, even against the President. I can't say I'm surprised.

These republican guys are the dummest ever. They really don't care about their constituents. They just want to say "no" to anything proposed by the WH. Just like their coocoo leader Rush said, they just hope that (not just Obama, but) the whole country fail so they can go back to business as usual like the past 8 years. This is incredible. I can't wait to see many more of them booted out of congress for good in two years. After all the wrong they've done to this country, they still have the nerve to want to lead us into anything...or anywhere. OMG, WHEN WILL THEY GET IT????

Wow, a senator that listens to his constituents and does what they want instead of telling them what is best. Can we clone this guy?

We are living in a world where we are taxed, but not represented very well. Some major tough roads are ahead and we, the people lack political efficacy as our reps do whatever they please once they get to Washington.

Let's see, a central Illinois, red-neck, conservative doesn't like a Black, Chicago politician, turned-president and won't vote with him.

I'm stunned!!!!!!!

Remember Rep. Schock, your party caused this problem and your up for re-election in 2010! Enjoy your short-term experience in Washington, son!!!

I think that when this Republican Congressman, who is new in the Senate, is basically going along to get along with his fellow members of the Senate. I think that he was trying to score points with his party. The interview would have been more credible if you had interviewed someone from the factory, and I mean a worker. John Kings is usually more thorough and either asks questions to present the other side or talks to someone on the other side.

Can anyone say " Political Suicide?

“Ultimately, I listened to my constituents and I looked at what I knew about the bill and determined it was not in the best interests of my constituents,”

What a load of crap. Just like the rest of shrinking members of the "grumpy old party" you can't even tell the truth. Why couldn't you simply say "I'm sorry but the GOP leadership told me that if I don't vote no and sell my country out that I won't have any help running for re-election in 2010"....

IDEOLOGY above America, you simply don't get it do you Republicans...

I'm so glad the Republicans are trying to stonewall everything. That should make it a lot easier to dismantle the Republican party in the next election. It appears they don't understand that there was a mandate for change. Oh well at least now it is easier to see who they look out for now.

Good for him! He made the right decision and actually listened to his constituents!

THIS is the kind of fresh perspective we need in Washington!!! We need representation in touch with the PEOPLE. The House and Senate are full of people that are so close to the forest they no longer can see the trees. Two words...

TERM LIMITS

We dont need Congressmen or Senators that have bragging rights to being in office when we had only 48 stars on the American Flag!!!!!

THIS kid is a hot cup of cocoa on a cold winter's Illinois night and CHANGE we need!!!

I don't believe what he says (Schock) All the repubs say they want to work with the Pres, but none of them do. I think they are all "sour grapes" attitude. They lost & they can't live with it. To bad. Pres Obama is doing a great job & will continue to succeed, to fail is not one of his options, unlike the last Pres admin.

Somehow I feel that the Republicans are still running for their campaign. Nobody has told them the campaign ended November 4, 2009. Many of them are still mad about two factors: A smart man won and they lost.

Awesome. Way to vote your conscience.

They all have been given the same speaking points.

If the Greedy Obstructionist Party knows so much about how to behave in a bipartisan way, why have they not done it in 8 years?

They want power – that why.

Google PNAC and see what GOP has in mind.

I'm proud of him for making what he though was the right decision. He took what he saw, and made the dedcision based on the facts. He definately sounds more than his 27 years. No wonder he became a congressman

Good to see a young young, well spoken, conservative congressman stand up for his constituents.

Just another GOP tool, it was obvious that his constituents wanted this Bill passed, he only voted no because that what his party told him to do.

Obama needs to shut these morons out, he needs to play hardball and show them that he will not be held hostage by partisan BS.

Obama, forget the republicans. They will never support anything you do regardless, and are hoping for the failure of any economic recovery so they can crow about it in the next election. Quit pandering to them and move on.

Interesting that Obama used these tactics to try and bully the vote.

I'm curious as to how much these after election campaign stops are costing the taxpayers. First we had the coronation train ride, then Peoria, the Florida and now he has to go to Phoenix to sign a bill he could sign in his office. All this traveling needs to be added into the cost of this white elephant bill.

Someone please give him a clue. The campaign is over. Let's try to rein in the ignorant spending for photo ops.

Interesting that Obama used these tactics to try and bully the vote.

I'm curious as to how much these after election campaign stops are costing the taxpayers. First we had the coronation train ride, then Peoria, the Florida and now he has to go to Phoenix to sign a bill he could sign in his office. All this traveling needs to be added into the cost of this white elephant bill.

Someone please g

It seems like CNN can no loger afford investigative reporters. I am still waiting to hear someone from CNN say that the Republican proposal during the discussion of the bill that just passed was 2.5trillion dollars in tax cuts. For John McCain and this guy to claim with a straight face generaltional theft after he supported such a measure is not only hypocritical, it's outright stupidity. After they gave away 1.3 trillion dollars in tax cuts in 2001 and then advocate for another 2.5 trillion in another tax cuts is armed robbery in disguise.

What a little shmidt!

How could he, a freshman, have gone against the Republican machinery when he needs it to help him in consolidating his hold. He knows the drill: you fall in line or leave the hill. Self-preservation is a primal instinct. The nobility of surrendering it for the greater good is not attractive.

Another bitter republican who wouldn't vote for the stimulus bill no matter what's in it.

Rep Schock voted no on the stimulus?

I see the GOP is back to where its historically proven to be best suited: Kneejerk opposition.

Bipartisanship is also not the minority holding the overwhelming majority hostage to a failed ideology that is responsible for the problem in the first place. What the heck do you want? Should it all be done your way? and if so, WHY? I hope none of the stimulus money comes to your district due to your lack of support. We'll see what the people who gave you this job think of you then. IDIOT.

What good news! Rep. Schock says the stimulus package is not in his constituents' interest. So I guess we can assume that Peoria, IL is doing great, and hasn't been hit by the economic downturn at all. And therefore, Mr. Schock will inform the government that his district doesn't need or want ANY of the stimulus funds that were in the package.

In fact, let's apply this to EVERY voted against the stimulus. If you didn't vote for it, your state doesn't get a dime. That leaves more for the rest of us who live in districts where our representatives voted FOR an economic recovery rather than against it. Thanks, Aaron!

Schock said he "listened to his constituents."

Maybe one or two.

This guy has no future; he is a liar.

he will be a one-term congressman. People will punish him by voting against him in Peoria. We don't want useless low-govt representatives when they take healthcare and pension from taxpayers money and then act big. Hope voters will show them the door next election.

I heard from another congressman that the bill itself was 1,100 pages and they received it the morning of the day they were to vote on it. I think we're in big trouble.

The Republicans were the ones pushing for all the stupid tax cuts instead of spending the money to hire folks. They wound up with almost 40% of the bill being tax cuts just to try to be bipartison!
We know the tax cuts only help the folks protected in their jobs. If you are not working, you don't get a tax cut!!!
We went down hill when Reagan gave too many tax cuts, fortunately Clinton helped pull us back from the brink. And we've lost even more with Bush's tax cuts! They only went to the very rich, who got even more very rich while the rest of us fought and lost.
The Republicans won't be happy until all branches of gov't are republican again so we can have another recession (or depression next time) and give their lobiest and rich friends some more.
Tell your republican representatives to get with the program or retire.

This is lame. These Rethuglicans are all brainwashed. They need to get with their program or their current term will be their last term.

I am getting fed up with hearing Republicans cry about spending in the stimulus bill. These people belong to a party who has historically run on record budget deficits for years. Are they talking about bipartisanship because they aren't the ones proposing this spending?

Who the is this guy...to tell you the truth never even heard of him. It reall doesnt even matter what he thinks.I cant understand why everyone is giving the president a hard time, if we would have been watching every step and decision our last president did I dont think we would be so deep in the muddy waters. I think that we need to give him a chance...hes bound to do better than the last eight years, and Mccain just needs to relax...there is a reason he wasnt elected.

Sir, your constituents were those in the audience with President Obama, were they not? The ones out of work, out of money, nearly out of hope?

How could you let these people down, just to help McCain give Obama a lousy start? The Republicans got us in this potentially fatal freefall--now you just want to watch your "constituents"-your friends and neighbors-fall apart for the sake of the GOP??

Sick.

Schock, you are in dire need of a reality check.

Look at the content of the bill rather than whether it was "bipartisan". how many bills were passed a few years ago when the repubs dominanted congress that were "truly bipartisan"?

You may have been elected by the people of Peoria, but youre a complete letdown. Here's a tip: divorce yourself from your party affiliations, look at the bill, and THEN decide if you think it will serve the people.

At the end of the day, the American people dont care whether a bill was bipartisan...they care as to whether it will help them with their day-to-day struggles. Its a good thing you have good-looks, cuz sadly, thats all you have going for yourself...nothing more.

I bet all the libs will say He's a racist. Lets count how many " he's a racist!" posts get on here

“It was not really a stimulus bill with the majority of the money going towards stimulating the economy.”

That quote sounds odd are you sure he said this? Is it just me or is he saying the money is going towards stimulating the economy ??? Either way too bad he voted against the bill I understand his supporters might have been against the bill. But isn't that what leadership is all about? Making tough decisions when others don't want to? Just because they were against it doesn't mean its not a good bill. Looks like another republican fell towards party pressure, who knows maybe this guy was actually for the bill but did not want to stand up and defend it because of people like Limbaugh.

Mr. Schock and the rest of the republicans need to wake up. The country wants change and will have it. By going against this will only guarantee that many more republicans will be voted out in the next election. This mess happened because of republican policies on deregulation, tax breaks for the wealthy, and greed is good. Democracy was invented to spread the wealth since the natural path of wealth is to always end up int he hands of a few. We need to take care of our country now... we need high speed trains, we need better schools and equipment, we need access for everyone to attend college without going into debt, we need a national health care system, and we need to raise taxes on the wealthy to pay for everything. Wake up America!

I have news for Kid Congressman: Politics rarely involoves bipartianship. His party offered nothing other than the same tired garbage about tax cuts curing everything from an economic meltdown to the common cold and also improving your virility. Instead, they demanded the new majority roll over and do nothing other than bail out those with five homes or more and tell the others to fend for themselves. This bill is far from perfect, but the Republican solution was behave like an ostrich and stick your head in the sand. He needs to look beyond the phone calls from those who don't work and listen to talk radio, and remember what he saw and learned during his campaign. I just hope the Republican Freshman orientation process does not include a lobotomy.

What a dirtbag. He can't even make up his own mind. In his own words he let others decide for him. He did not do what was best for the Americans out of work but for his "constituents" (AKA rich people). I repeat...DIRTBAG

Mr Schock"s idea of bipartisan compromise seems simply to forget te results of the election and folow the Bush policies that got into this mess. Evev the US Chamber of Commrce recognized that this was a necessary compromise Mr Shock really voted against the stumulus because his oarty leadership gave him no choice. Republicans (and democrats) once followed their conscience but since thhe days of Gingribch the GOP members of the House have been in a partisan lockstep in which no dissen has been tolerated! Bipartisan does not meet surrender ti the old policy which led us into the worst mess and
the deepest debt - in favor of tax cuts for the wealthy - in our history.
Thank heaven we avoided Republican compromises on Social Security - but Mr Shock may stick with his party on that issue as well.

Hey Aaron,

Blew your chance. No guts, no glory

Hello, is it newsworthy that Republicans are being obstructionist? I think not. They are much better at being against things than coming up with solutions.

I am waiting to see what they have to say when the economy turns around in a year or so. Will they then say it would have happened anyway (which will be contrary to what they said when Bush was pusing for TARP) or will they concede that they voted against the measures that brought about recovery?

hey CNN any reason you're not reporting that Obama rushed the stimulus vote only to wait 3 days to sign it?

The President was obligated to try to change minds, and did so kindly, and the Congressman was obligated to vote his conscience, so they both did what they were supposed to do and both did so kindly and honorably. Nothing else.

Good for both of them!

Remember to tell the unemployed people at Catapeller and the people of Peoria that you voted against it so they know who to ask for money from when their unemployment runs out. I love how you can ride on Air Force One but turn around and bad mouth the Stimulus Package and this President's ideas on getting money back into the hands of Americans. Your only 27, don't let the GOP take you down with them.

Hey, good for him for having a backbone. It's not easy to say no in any situation, let alone when the President is asking you.

Typical Republican. He is more concerned with the GOP line than he was with his constituents. Hopefully he'll be voted out in 2010.

if anybody REALLY thought this guy would vote against his party, even if he DID agree with the bill, then I got some swamp land here in Houston to sell you. They probably already told him how he was voting and what to say if he was asked. I'm sure he wants to keep friends or make some with the right wing side of his party so no way can he call himself a MAVERICK yet. This is really a non-story CNN.

I guess all republicans are taking the do nothings approach. What a bunch of losers.

I guess all republicans are taking the do nothings approach. What a bunch of losers. After the mess they made in the last eight years I wouldnt trust a republican to even clean my toilet.

why is OBAMA listening to these losers? Just roll over 'em like Rove did in Bushie White House who care? Repubs got us into this mess with trickle down economics and all they can do is whine like the babies they are. GO BARACK forget the whiney babies and just do you dont ask them anything and vote some more of them out of office

Have fun climbing the ranks in a party that will be extinct in 20 years.

Good man!

WHY is it, we the People, get a bowl of watery gruel, while NYC's crooked bankers, Greenwich Hedge Fund pirates and Boston's thieving mutual fund owners get beluga caviar, wild scottish salmon, Prime Steaks, fine Bordeaux wines and French champagne, chocolate truffles, and Baked Alaska? THAT is exactly what this vulgar, disgusting POLITICAL bail out is ALL about....taking even more from working people and giving it back to the thugs and goons who STOLE it to begin with. TWO election cycles (2010 and 2012) gives us the only opportunity to show our.....'appreciation' to the thugs like Pelosi, Frank, Dodd, LIEberman, Baucus and hundreds more, UP for re-election.

i dont know why republicans dont realize they arent important anymore.

Ah yes, here's a young articulate, intellegent politician that actually stands up for the people! Rep. Schock sees through this Trillion-Dollar-We're-All-Going-To-Die-Unless-The-Government-Pays-Off-Liberal-Interest-Groups Act.

So sad, freshman in Congress and can't think for himself. Follow the lead of the do nothing Republicans. Wonder what he will be saying when the plan begins to work. Oh well so much for reaching out to the President. I hope Mr. Schock finds its worth it.

What a sad state of affairs GOP senators and other republicans are. They persist in negativity. I am tired of the media ready to beat up Obama before they give him a chance. Apparently it is the nature of mankind to do this. What a sad world we live in.

Smart guy! This guy will go far.

This is anything BUT a stimulus bill and Obama and his fellow partners in fraud will go down because of it.

I think it is a sad day when our elected official are look for what is in the best interest of their "my constituents" rather than what is the right thing to do for the people, economy, and our nation. Lets put all petty differences aside and do the right thing. I don't know about anyone else but I am tired of hearing about party lines and bipartisanship.

Well, the idea Aaron was to give you an opportunity to be your own man but instead, you decided to vote against the people of this nation. You have to do what is best for the country not the party. Let me give you a news break Aaron. THIS COUNTRY IS IN A DEEP RECESSION AND THERE ARE MILLIONS OUT OF WORK!!!!!!!

Well Done, young man!!!!

Good job Schock. The Dems said that the republicans are trying to use scare tactics. Do they have selective hearing? Obama came out and said that if the stimulus is not passed it could be disastrous.

The media said that Palin did not have the experience necessary to be in charge during the election. It is only now that the media admits Obama has a serious learning cuve ahead of him.

Why is everyone so hateful toward the republican party? Yeah they screwed up, but so have the democrats. Speak against your own foolish party members. Or are you all homers?????

All obama does is fly here
then fly there
he is going to sell us out
to the mexicans wait an see

I'm a constituent. I wish he'd voted for the package but apparently he and 176 Republican intellectual clones managed to place the 2010 House elections in the forefront instead. About a year down the road as the world economy continues to struggle as it must from the damage done to it by the deregulated banking, lending and investment industries, these clucks will be campaigning on the 'I didn't vote for it!" platform. God forbid we patiently and persistently move our country toward recovery instead of playing politics. Hey, rocket scientists, it was going to pass whether or not you admitted the need or benefit of it. So instead, play the time game, listen to Rush and Sean for the sound of the drumbeat, and take the rest of us back to the economic Stone Age the next time you're in the majority. Idiots.

This is not news

I can't believe how Congress decides it is okay to bailout the big banks, Corporations & multi million dollar salary CEO's, spend $10 billion a month on the war in Iraq, but could care less about the hard working American people. Typical Congress. They don't have to worry about losing their homes, healthcare that the American public pay for & know they are financially set for the rest of their lives. They don't know what it means to struggle neither do they care. They have their pockets full so the heck with the majority of the Country. I hope the Country wakes up & takes names. I would rather my tax dollars to go to help John & Mar the hardworker than these greedy financial institutions and Corporations. Every American should be fed up and mad as hell.

So many stupid "editiorials" on so many other threads... CNN, taking a rather supine role in reporting facts during the Bush criminal empire years appears rather terse in it's position while running stories on Barack Obama. Well, no surprise here considereing CNN and most other media "news outlets" have adapted the FOX news paradigm! How many more stories can you drum up on the plane crash CNN? I can't believe it's time to let those unfortunate people rest in peace yet!

Good for Mr. Schock, he should not bow under oressure but do the work he was ELECTED by his distrisct to do, represent them. The majority of congress forgets they are were they are becasue we elected them to work for us. From Pelosi to reid the arogance is astounding. I hope that in 2 to 4 years the people will remember that this was a DEMOCRATIC piece of legislation and was not bipartisan. I think the Democrats will be running as far away as possible from this piece of garbage.

My heart bleeds for the republicans who want to stomp their feet, throw a tantrum, take their ball and go home. All the nonsense about not having time to read the stimulus package. It has changed little from the time it was introduced, just some numbers lowered here, a plan cut there (whoopie) Get over it boys and girls, fall in line and help the country out of YOUR mess!

The president needs your help, NOT your blather.

If Aaron Schock really told the truth, he would have said, "I dont care about the people of Peoria, I just do what the corrupt right wing nuts of my party tell me to do."

Who cares CNN. The bill passed anyways.

You rock, Aaron!!! Love you.

“It was not really a stimulus bill with the majority of the money going towards stimulating the economy.” Sorry? Did I read that correctly Congressman? Where do you want the money to go to? And isn't the entity that we are trying to stimulate the economy? Sigh.

Good job for using your head. That is very disturbing that Obama would take him on Air Force One and try to strong arm him into voting the way that Obama wanted. Obama is a scary individual, I like to think on my own. Not have someone telling me what I should think and who I should listen to and take over my entire life.

Thank God we have some people that are not merely followers in this country but actually use their brains.

Now, this young man is one that shows some common sense and potential. This Obama clown needs to be stopped and stopped right now. Obama is nothing but damn communist.

Looks like he'll be one-term and out when the economy bounces back and he didn't support the stimulus plan. Maybe the district will see the light and put a democrat who wants to get things done into the seat he vacates.

Except that parts of the bill were changed when republicans objected to it. So actually they did have input into how the bill was organized. But then they voted against it anyway so why bother giving them any say at all if they're just trying to sabotage everything by being obstructionists?

Hope you have fun running on the plane. Just remember the taxpayers pays for that plane. Mr Prez, I will think of you tomorrow when I am signing the lease on my apartment, due to the fact my house is being foreclosed on. I regret the day that I voted for you!!!!

Good for you!! you did the right thing, If President Obama wanted to redeem himself, he would veto this spending bill with all the pork and send it back to the house to put together a stimulus bill. He has lost all credibility with this bill .

For eight years, republicans did not vote against or challenge any of Bush's spending bills. Now that Obama is in office, they want to start being conservative. It's more of the same game that Republicans play time and time again. Republicans want more tax cuts. Look what tax cuts have done for us these last eight years. Tax cuts during a war! Who does that? You want to spend money, but you have no revenue coming in without the taxes. What school of economics did you all attend?

Thank You for listening to your constituents. They did hire you and it is up to you to represent them. And you did . Thanks bunches.

Good for him–Obama tried to shame him into doing the wrong thing and he did not cave–typical Chicago thug technique!

Just stopped by to say the CNN really sucks! John King is a royal ass and as soon as he gets his nose out of John McCain's butthole he should be fired. Gotta go, enjoy your demise CNN, the days of lying are over.

glad to read Congressional leaders, members are examining the stimulus package and learning it's costs exceeds the benefits.

The longer the stimulus package takes to be approved, if ever, the better. It's this generation; slient, baby boomers who caused it and they need to handle it, manage it, solve it without passing the "buck"; literally and figuratively to their children.

Funny guy this Obama da "American Pimp" using Air Force One as his personal pimp mobile. Maybe he should throw in some crack, I heard that he is familiar with it. What a shame, couldn't sway a freshman member of congress to join his little entourage, what a joke, using Air Force One as a " Pimp Mobile" telling everyone one us to conserve while he flies around the country touting his stimulus bill. Stop being slaves to the social programs of the democratic system, rise above and better yourselves, they are your pimps and you are the end business of it. Why do you think that we have so many illegals taking advantage of our programs, they are conditioned on our government just as you are, wake up and stop drinking the kool-aid. A former migrant field worker who now earns over 76k

What a tool. The Republicans seem to have forgotten who won the election, and they have a weird idea that bipartisanship means continuing the policies that they followed to get us into this mess. They are desperate to see Obama fail, no matter what the cost to the country. Party first, country last, that's the GOP.

I wonder what constituency Schock is referring to – the Republican Party; Rush Limbaugh; or Michael Steel? The people of Peoria are worrying about their jobs, as if their last meal is coming up real soon. Caterpillar, the major contributor to Peoria’s economy, is taking a bad hit in the wallet which is causing massive layoffs. The constituency Schock is not listening to is hoping the Stimulus package will create jobs, fueled by the rebuilding American’s infrastructure, which means, an increase in sales for Caterpillar equipment. Republicans like Schock are taking orders from his party’s Generals in stead of listing to the people that elected them. Instead of saying no to a Democratic lead bill, unlike a similar Republican lead TARP bill, I would like to see the Republican and Conservatives extend a hand and finally work with their Congressional counterparts in place of all this crying. All I see is one party hoping the other will fail, so it can regain or retain its power, and the people are the ones who's losing every year. The only division I see is our elected officials creating a divide between the people and making us choose sides. We need to throw the bums out.

Republicans, as always,..........party first...........country last!

It's pretty sad how Obama had to put pressure on someone to vote for his bill and he didn't. What does that tell people? Evidently the bill isn't good for anyone? Especially since the Republicans didn't vote for it. Nice job Dems, keep up the um, good work? Congrats Aaron. Finally, someone is actually look out for the American people. I especially like how Obama called out Aaron, tried to bribe him and still didn't get his vote. Are you feeling the love now Obama?

Poor Mr. Schock, getting bullied into voting against helping America for the sake of his "constituents". WTF, really!

If I hear one more Republican congressman say that the bill was bipartisan I'm going to scream. Bipartisanship doesn' mean that Democrats or the president give up everything they want to accomplish it means they make some concessions for good ideas. That clearly happened. Billions of dollars in spending was removed from the bill, and tax cuts were added.

Unelect Schock.

Did he listen to his constituents, or his party elders? If the Republicans think the President is off to a bad start, he must be doing fabulous by the standards the rest of us measure him with.

Mr. Schok did not listen to his constituents, he listened to the GOP, and he will be in trouble in 2010

Coward!

Does anyone, other than "die-hard I would never vote for a Democrat, even if my life depended on it" Republicans, really believe any of the Republicans and their accusations that Obama hasn't TRIED to be b-partisan? He allowed them to water down the stimulus bill to the point that maybe it won't work now and then they not only do not vote for it but criticize it in every way imaginable.

this youngster has a lot to learn....the tax cuts his colleagues proposed? Well they will DECREASE the top taxpayers burden to 25% DOWN from 28%. Talk about generational theft.

So tried of the republicans crying over nothing. They are just so behind the times. Their all angery over losing the elections the past 2 times .

Get over it and work with the new congress and presidant. Divided we fail.

You republicans got us here and among some others. You knew for ages there was a big problem brewing in the banking and housing loans. But did nothing to correct it before this mess we are in now. Now it is up to a new President to fix what you all broke.

Schook is no better than any of the rest of the Republican members of Congress - other than the three Senators who did the right thing. He should be defeated at the polls in 2010.

It should be remembered that in America's time of need, Schook chose party loyalty above all else.

Schock is a young jerk brainwashed by Rush and the other sorry 'so-called" conservatives.

He's cute, but he's a republican robot who went along with the group think. I heard him say that no one in Peroria came to him after the meeting to ask him to support the bill. I just don't believe that. The crowd at Caterpillar cheered for the plan. They are being laid-off as we speak and they don't want extended unemployment benefits. Sorry, I just don't believe that.

Kudos to a freshman senator to stand up and say HE CAN'T VOTE for a bill that he does not truly believe in! And please, do not say he was going with party lines. Democrats are all on this bill because they want ot show unity but the American public are not ALL on board with it so can someone tell me who group is off with what we want?

It seems that something that was in DESPERATE need to be voted upon without giving anyone ample time to read through the entire bill (very BUSH-esque) ONLY to have President Obama go on a vacation a few weeks into the job! All I have to say is he is the leader of the most powerful country in the world so he should be working 7 days a week. Democrats, and I am one of them, chided Bush for his many holidays so why is Obama now following suit?! Plus, he is more in the media than he seems to be in his office working. For example, judging his basketball skills today on CNN!

By being hateful and disrespectful to a Democratic President and his party is the very reason the Republicans find themselves on the negative side and falling. Surely Mr. Schock has enough sense to know this even if he has no manners. Bet this is the last time he'll be asked to board the President's plane!

and another thing.....

On September 10 2001 Donald Rumsfeld announced that 2.3 TRILLION not billion...TRILLION!! was missing from the pentagon books....they had our attention till the next day. Those trillions have not been recovered as of this day.... where did the money go????

WHY AREN'T YOU REPUBLICANS angry and outraged about that??? yet your angry about a stimulus bill designed to create jobs....what are you guys smoking????seriously????

even if those billions for the stimulus go up in smoke for nothing...it still doesn't compare to trillions STOLEN with the money going god knows where.

Bravo to Aaron Schock for sticking to his beliefs and supporting what is best for Americans. I hope I see more leaders like him taking a stand.

PUNK!

Well buddy I hope you enjoyed your freshman run, because we will now make sure it is your only one. See you in '10!

Balanced reporting, CNN. Enough with the endless bashing of Obama.

Of course Republicans are going to say whatever they can to make him look bad. That's politics. It's not news.

he is a republican...what do you expect?? ? not a shocker CNN...NEXT!!!!

tell me you didnt know Obama was a game player and regular lieing DEMONCRATE. I saw this in him from day one. He lies about change and is a normal taxing DEM, watch and see, his administtration will try to tax us now.

Give this guy a cigar. He is young, but he's learning in a hurry. He's got the Democrats' number and he is so right when he says bipartisanship isn't one party telling the other what to do. No matter the party in power. One only hopes he will stay this honest and tell it like it is. He was right about Obama being one thing in public and another behind closed doors. Just glad he didn't bow to the pressure and play the game.

Aaron Schock – you've had your 15mins of fame – your immaturity and novice was evident today on your interview. As a freshmen remember you need to survive and get reelected......'not one of the CAT employees asked you to support the package.....REALLY.....remember Rush will drop you like a hot potato when convenient.......sad display of politics.....CNN is looking more like FOX everyday.......

"Obama is off to a bad start" ya know what if the Republicans were as concerned about the country as much as they are on gaining power this mess could be fixed. I haven't heard ONE idea from Republicans except TAX CUT, TAX CUTS well didn't we do that in '03 and in the stimulus there are 42% of tax cuts a lot of good bush's tax cuts did. I truly believe that the Republicans are now the obstructionists party and the grand ol whining party and need to die off and go away.

This representative actually voted with his constituents in mind? Why isn't there more of this in our supposed "republic?"

These guys are a piece of work. They brought us to the edge of the worst economic disaster in modern history. They were trumped in the election. And now they say that Obama is following the wrong economic course. That's Chutspah!!!

Yea the ride on AF-One may have been a bit showy and over the top - but does this freshman Congressman really believe what he is saying or is he mouthing the Republican line? While the stimulus package may not be great, it is a start - given that this is the worse economic crisis since most of us were born, do we really know?

Your consultants ???- Use your own head buddy – Good luck on re-election

Just another out of touch Republican!!

Obama, I hope you learned your lesson. Let this whip go down with the rest of the Republicans. However, because you gave him some publicity, he will be re-elected.

This guys is a loser seeking attention and is being coached by dumb stupid republicans without brains to overlook the importance of what's best for America.

Typical untalented, forgotten loser!

It is obvious that Congressman Schcock learnt his Republican lesson very fast; he probably thought: "Right or wrong, I will stick with the brethren no matter what, because we have to make the Dem. President pay for daring take away our power." I guess President Obama was wrong, and this guy is not as smart as the President trought.

this guy is sharp. smiles and knives go together and are more effective then stones or lies.

turned down the prez's plea because POTUS is black and democratic.

"Ultimately, I listened to my constituents and I looked at what I knew about the bill and determined it was not in the best interests of my constituents,” the freshman Republican said Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union. “It was not really a stimulus bill with the majority of the money going towards stimulating the economy.”

So I guess non of your constituents have lost a job, their house, healthcare benefits, job hours cut back or been affected by the recession? Well, its good to know that your "constiuents" are doing very well.

Next lie, please.

He's a do nothing Republican they're all self serving.

Dear Republican Party...
You have done everything in your power to bully America into following your conservative policies over the past 30 years... now that your entire ideology has been proven extremely flawed, you need to take a step back and let America try something different. Your bull headed self righteous braying is completely destroying what's left of your party and prohibiting this nation from greatness. Get out of the way of progress!
The Republicans are going down in flames.
It's pathetic... truly.

Another rubber stamp GOPer

President Obama need to stop dealing with these people. They will do whatever to try and make him look bad, but they don't see that it make them look bad. I have never seen people want to see a man fail so bad that they would go to any length. It does not matter to them if the people fail just long as they try and make him look bad. Well GOP stop it is not working, but it does shed another light on you all and it does make your party look like trouble makers. President Obama is really trying to cross party lines and make everyone come together, but you all are fighting him on every hand. This country is in too bad of shape to keep fighting we need to come together and help one another move forward. My hats off to President Obama for trying to make you all look better, because Bush did not do a good job for your party.

Don't ya love how the Republicans are calling this the most bi-partisan President ever? LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Obama invited them to talk – and they refused. Obama visited them at their offices – and they turned their backs. Now McCain has the NERVE to call him bi-partisan? After the filthy lies McCain spread during his campaign???!! Are they serious?

Barack, stop grovelling and act like a President.

Politics is a tough business. You are wasting your political honeymoon on people who are determined to get you and your party out of office.

I feel like I am the only one in the world besides this guy who realizes that Obama is a snide hypocrite. Anyone read the Air Force One article? So much for saving the planet, Obama SUPERSTAR.

Another man of integrity who would not buckle to the bully we call Barack.

I give Barack credit for trying. He even played the game in public and tried to embarrass the kid. The kid stood by his values.

The young man is a true Republican politician. Bringing the stimulus package down lower to accomodate the Republicans, they still voted against it. Perhaps the young man saw that the 2 Republicans who backed Obama are being ostracised by their own party – for voting their consciences. He was merely being a "good little boy" Republican, voting in a most PARTISAN way. (It's kind of funny how the die-hard partisan Republicans are calling Obama partisan! tooooo funny!)

So you're saying that your constituents aren't having money, housing or job problems. Well good for them. I also suggest that you refuse to take any of the bailout money for Peoria too. In fact, since things are so good in Peoria, I think we should all move there and we can be better off too. President tried to work with you people, but you're always the same – the conservative way or the highway. Also, since your are an Illinois rep and our state does have problems, who the heck to you represent anyway?

First, he doesnt even know that under W's leadership, W left us 5 trillion dollars, so why would he even know or understand Peoria needs help?

The young man's ignorance and immaturity is showing...

Hmm... a delusional, complete, ultra right-winger says no to Obama and CNN posts it. This is not suprising considering John King's awful reporting and bias. It seems his goal is to get as many negative Obama stories as possible, and he will NEVER EVER challenge the republicans. Never. Won't happen. He's a typical media hack. Everything the GOP says must be gold, but everything Obama says, well... "we should hold them accountable."

Please cut this garbage, Mr. King. You're an absolute disgrace. ANd you're right-wing hackery is completely apparent to anyone who's paying any attention.

So this guy says that over 1,000 people don't want this federal bailout who are Cat. employees and 0 people are for it? This guy has a credibility issue. There's no way thats even close to an accurate depiction of the views of Catepillar employee's.

Good for Mr. Schock. He made the right decision.

It looks like you will be losing soon, dude!

Oh COME ON. The Republicans don't think this bill was bipartisan enough?? They already met with the Dems and cut out a bunch of important stuff like allocations for women's health, and then they STILL refuse to vote on it and pretend like they didn't get their way with anything during the deliberations??? [Let me also add that all the members of Congress who met to take out the provisions for stuff like women's health were all male - how selfish and repugnant is that?]

Stop whining, Republicans. The Democratic party is already a watered-down version of your party and tries to be "moderate" all the time to appeal to your ridiculous demands. The people who should be complaining are the people like me and my wife who get screwed over by the Dems because they're the only remotely "liberal" representation, and they vote against our equal rights in order to pacify the offensive Republicans who still cry that they're not being catered to enough. This is all pathetic.

Schock should not use words like "compromise" if he and his Republican collegues are unfamiliar with the meaning of the term.

Yes.

15 mins of fame...I'm sure Obama had more important (and well known) Republicans to smooze than this one...either way, the bill passed...deal with it...

After the Republicans having 8 years to write a stimulus bill but letting the economy tank, instead, why should their input be of any value? It would be insane to give credence to their version of a bill, particularly when they brought us to this terrifying brink of depression and they now refuse to acknowledge its impact on ordinary citizens. Schock should get voted out when he comes up for reelection. I will contribute to his opponent.

Look young and dumb: Your party LIED about WMD in order to invade Iraq for their personal gain and in return we lose over 4000 of our military, over 100,000 innocent Iracies, and more than 2 trillion dollars of the American tax payers money. President Bush sighed a bailout package for wallstreet without regulations, Voted down the big 3 bailout because it had regulations put in by congress, and 1 week later past his own with no regulations. Do you think we are stupid or something? Take a hike PUNK!!!

Great. Thank you sir for standing up for what you believe. You will be proud of that choice in the future.

I predict the name of Aaron Schnock will not play in Peoria in 2010...in voting NO on President Obama's economic recovery package, little Aaron has set himself and his office against the enlightened self-interests of the citizens of his district, and in turn obviously finds himself up "Schnock" creek w/o a paddle....poor guy! Maybe Aaron can shoot himself in the other foot tomorrow!

sorry cnn, last post must have been too critical of your guy. Sufice to say only the buisness, bank, and political groups want this bill, everyone I talk to thinks its wastfull and irresponsible. There's no there there, you know? it's full of big ticket items that will create new projects for existing large entities, and tax cuts where they won't help. If government is going to get involved at this late date, then its pretty obvious that the horse is already out of the barn, and it's a little late to close the door. And no this did not happen in eight years, or the eight years before that, it's a long time comming, and it will be a long time going away. obama or no obama wont really matter much in the long run.

Question....Is Obama signing the bill in Denver because that's where they're going to print the money?

"It is time for Congress to act, and I hope they act in a bipartisan fashion," President Obama said.

Unfortunately, Obama’s definition of bipartisanship is for the Republicans to agree 100% with him.

God bless Mister Schock.

Nice to see a repub with a spine. Hopefully he's not doing it just to be contrary.

sayin no.this 27yr old is naive, he would rather listen to his older constituents who are clearly still sore from the november elections. This would come back to bite him. He isnt different from his 60yr old republican coworkers....he would look back at this and tell himself that he shouldve stood up to his republican seniors. but instead wanted to gain acceptance within his group. what he doesnt know is that all we people care about is that things get done instead of easily

The Republicans need to get on board the Obama train or Get Off and turn off their voice recorder! Quite frankly I'm tired of hearing their incessant dirge. They certainly have no track record to base their mythical assumptions on! Do something or hush up!

I feel sorry for this junior congressman. He'll learn that listening to Rush Limbaugh and the senior republicans who got us into this mess will not do him any good in Congress.

Let me understand...there are 435 Representatives, and 100 Senators> How in heck were Democrats supposed to "meet" with Republicans and work out details? Aren't bills done by committee, and then the larger body sees them and argues parts? Isn't that common practice? I'm a little tired of the spin going on here, when news reports indicated that Obama reached out more than anyone in recent history to get Republican ideas into the bill, many at the expense of his own job creating ones.
I believe that all Repubs are terrified of this bill working, are were afraid to sign on so that IF it fails, they can go into "told you so" mode for the mid-terms. Politics is no way to run a country!

This guy doesn't listen to his constituents. He's a Republican robot just like all other Republicans. He doesn't think for himself or for the people he represents. For God's sake, 20,000 people are being laid off from Caterpillar and he's listening to his constituents in voting against this stimulus? He's a dog in training doing what his Republican masters tell him to do. When oh when will we get Republicans who really do care about their constituents. They love kicking us when we are down. That's what they are all about. Party above all others and stick it to the working stiff.

A very ill advised young man-and a wimp

Take heed Republicans! Either be part of the solution or part of the problem. President Obama and the Democratic leadership in Congress reached across the aisle, but you refused to reach back simply because it was a "Democratic" bill. President Obama compromised, yet nothing can make the majority of Republicans happy unless it is only their way or none at all. Well, the country is not going back to the way it was under Bush even though you all want it to be. Grow up and work with our President and make this country a better place to live. President Obama is doing his part, how about doing yours?

Solutions can't be bipartisan, when one party stubbornly insists on the same old policies that caused the problems in the first place. The idea is to have bipartisan solutions, NOT bipartisan continuations of the problems.

Money given directed directly or indirectly to the consumers does NOT create jobs. It only maintains a few retail jobs for a short time, at the most. Records show that the public is now on a savings spree, NOT a spending spree. What jobs will that create? It was public free spending, as incouraged by the finance institutions, that created our false economy, which ultimatety collapsed.

Why continue to encourge people to buy more long-term houses and cars that they can't afford to pay for nor keep up with jobs? Why continue to pump money into broken institutions with the same crooks running them?

Why not create jobs, jobs and more jobs so as to supply more people with a continuous income to support those long-term purchases; and also, replace those over-paid thieves at the banks, etc.?

HERE WE GO AGAIN ANOTHER WHINING REDUB WHAT A BUNCH OF BUT WIPES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I appreciate Schock has his own judgment. I would also like to know how many congressman who had read the whole bill page by page. Bipartisanship is a two way street. I have not heard of the Republican has counter proposal and take the initiative. They just sit there, attack & make negative comment without giving any constructive recommendations.

Yes! the congressboy sticks to his principles and was not strong armed by Obama's "praise".
Maybe we'll be OK

I think this is absolutely ridiculous! Are all Republicans brain dead??? When history shows just how great Obama really is – I hope people will remember these Republicans, and remember how they deliberately blocked progress for our entire country. Better yet. We need to vote some more Republicans out of office!

Good for you Aaron. We need more like you running the show.

sucking up to opponents and playing the old "do the right thing" card. Well once again the inexperiance and over confidence show themselves. This guy shot his wad on the campain trail, and is now coasting on fumes, he's going to have to do a lot better than this pork filled trillion dollar band-aid. I mean this is exactly what the repubs did in April, Nov, and Dec, against the will of a majority of voters. Thats why obama won in the first place, and turning around the world wide economic melt down will take a long long time. Adding this sort of massive government waste and graft will only prevent an actual recovery by revisiting this spending on our grandchildren, if this republic still exists by that time. They say that those who dont remember the past repeat it mistakes, well the new deal destroyed free will and individual responsibility in this country, and this crap will ensure a new generation of tax-slaves working themselves to death for the state all to save the emense fortunes of a handfull of tycoons who have never paid their fair share in this land of the free.

Should this be a surprise: a baby Republican with a baby's sense of that which will stimulate the economy. Do all GOPers have to be small-smart? Is it genetically engineered? I find President Obama extraordinarily uncommon for a politician in that he thinks in large, fully smart, future-leaning ways.

senator you're an idiot,you have shown that you are not capable of being your own man.Playing follow the leader does not show good leadership qualities!

No of course the Republicans are not going to vote for this bill; their best interest were not in mind; CEO's Banks and large corporations.
We need infrastructure work; over the last 8 years our roads bridges Dams and river banks have gone all but shot to hell because of a "war" we didn't need to be in.
Now the country after being greedy and materialistic wasn't the banks to refinance their mortgages, help with their credit cards etc and look who is the target to blame? Obama and his administration.
How can you sit around and want to collect unemployment and yet not want a job? I am self-employed and it is harder for me to make ends meet than a family of 4 but I am not a spend spend spend democrat nor and I a fan of big government, yet somewhere the sour pusses of the country need to ask.. what is it that is really more important? helping the economy by giving me a job? or a tax break no I don't want a stimulus check because as soon as I get it it is gone I never got the first one that #43 had us get.. ( which by the way doesn't help the self employed) or having the $$ go to the banks who are still jilting people as I write this.
a Jr. congressman has a lot to learn and well while he doesn't have to worry about where he will sleep or get his next meal ( no thanks to the people that put him in office they DO have to worry about where their $$ will be spent.)
I wonder.. 2000-2008 didn't tach the greedy and the blind nothing.
If the regular average American that has to get up and go to work or go to the unemployment line everyday really had their chance to say what we need.. it Jobs not hand outs.. Last time I looked This was the United States of America.. not the American Welfare Office
Come on America something needs to be done.

How is it that a bill with 1/3 of it's total amount devoted to tax cuts ($200+ billion) isn't something a republican can back? Oh – because the tax cuts are going to people who don't deserve it (ie: poor / middle class).

Seriously – if the GoP philosophy isn't to support the lowest economic ladder of people in society as a hard and fast rule, they should just say so instead of lying about "this bill being all about spending".

I use to live in Peoria, and now live in Chicago. I wish Rep. Schock was my rep. Its a shame this "stimulus" bill was passed.

Congrats Rep Schock on looking out for the best interest of the country. This stimulus is an expensive bill that will not help the economy and will saddle our children with extreme debt. As a freshman congressman, I think that you are off to a great start. I would encourage you to work honestly with the Democrats to help rebuild a strong economy but that doesn't mean you give in to a bad idea in this bad bill. We need to stablize the banks but not hand out money, and we need to cut spending and reduce the deficit. The recession will be tough but in the long-term we'll be healthier if we can break our addiction to debt. Thank you for your efforts.

That's right, Congressman, because the Republicans STILL think tax cuts are a stimulus, so when those were added and real job projects removed, you no longer have a total stimulus package. Blame your Republican ideals, not Obama.

Say what?

“Bipartisanship is not one party writes the bill and we all vote for it. Bipartisanship means you truly meld together both sides ideas and come up with a compromise bill,” Schock told King. “

Is that the way it worked for the past 8 years? I don't think so. Democrats only had the weakest of majorities in the last 2 years and certainly couldn't override a presidential veto. Republicans voted lock-step against anything Democrats attempted. Any sort of cooperation will probably take replacing a lot of the radical right-wing with some moderate Republicans. They own the $4 trillion deficit piled up for the last 8 years that got us into this hole. Now they sudden discovered "oversight?" Good grief!

I looked around the internet and I have not seen any evidence or for that matter first hand statements that say he is lying when he said of all the CAT employees at the rally not one told him to support this thing. Of course there is plenty that claim he is lying, but none share any facts...of course. Good job Mr. Schock

So his district would be happy to be cut out of any money then? Maybe that's what should happen, all those who voted "no" should see their districts cut off from any funds...and then see what the people in their districts will think about it!

Another obstructionist. Its appalling.

Realistically, I think the US and probably the world in general is at the beginning of a substantial economic contraction. The general mood of disdain towards capitalist principles, paired with increased government spending, will strengthen the contraction and prolong it. I've already sold my second car and moved into a smaller house and cut back drastically on my spending, and I think many Americans are doing the same.

Good for Rep. Schock ! Our egotistical Messiah can't win them all.

I imagine there was some arm twisting bigtime from the Republicans to keep the Congressman on track . They intend to fight Obama in everyting he tries to do. What a sorry bunch...first, they run the country into a ditch and then refuse to help the president get it out. They want him to fail...that is their whole goal.

The honourable congressman, Rep Schock did certainly vote against the welfare of his constituency and I believe they will one day hold him accountable. I believe the honourable Rep. voted out of peer pressure.

Another payed off politican. listened to his people right...........he listens to those who have the big paychecks

So, if your constituents and you are so against the bill, you should show the depth of your republican committment and refuse to accept any of it for your congressional district. That would be a real meaningful demonstration of sticking to your principles and your philosophical disdain for the stimulus package. I am sure your constituents would agree and be happy to refuse any of the dollars or assistance.

If not, then you all are merely hypocritical, trash talking spineless poseurs.

Horray for the Peoria Hometown guy!

He stood his ground in school!
He stood his ground in the State Legislature.
How he is proving he can stand his ground when on the shifty sands of the Beltway.

I appreciate a person that actually represents his constituents and not his own agenda.

DC Young (former long time Peorian)

Aaron Schock has now joined the Republican lock step of saying no. When the economy shows improvement before the next election, it will be bye, bye Schock.

I guess Rush Limpballs, Sean Handityjob and the boner are your "constituents" huh?

Why don't you go visit that Caterpillar plant and explain what your plan is to save any of the 20,00 jobs they are losing?

Chirp, Chirp, Chirp......

Better visit in an armored car you vile little GOP toadling!

Aaron "Do Nothing And Everything Will Get Better" Schock.

He's no different than the old guard Republicans still leeching off of the American citizens.

YOUR CONSTITUENTS......I THOUGHT YOUR THERE FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE..............YOU WON'T BE REELECTED FOR SURE.

Not that this will get past moderation, but... Most of the money in the stimulus bill goes toward tax breaks, which, we saw last year, will be used for savings or (more likely) paying off debt. That's what Republican Congressmen want – more tax cuts that will NOT be spent. And they have the gall to say the stimulus package will not be stimulative!
So... Schock didn't vote for the bill because the bill was not written by Republicans and Democrats? Maybe he should have decided based on what was best for the country... Oh well.

He is hanging with the rest of the Republicans. Me first gang!

we all know why he turned down Obama, it's because he's the GOP's mind controlled boy toy.....May he fester in hell with the rest of the republican trash...as if Obama needed him anyway(eyes rolling)

Aaron Schock, you could be telling the truth and nothing but. But, because your compadres' have been so wicked in promoting their evil agenda, I have to include you as the newest and youngest liar of the bunch. To me your another political ploy, just like the Steele guy. We've seen the same old faces telling us the same old lies for so long, that they actually think if you tell the same old lie, we would somehow believe them. No. It's over. Behave like men and women, act like you care about America, get into the flow of the new direction of bipartisanship, or kiss your new career goodbye!

Politics are back after just a few days...

Obama can give up working with Republicans because it will never happen. The Republicans basically got what they wanted when they were the majority and drove this nation into the ditch. Now, they are being obstructionists. This party is an embarassment. Keep it up Republicans and you can be on the wrong side of American history yet again. Keep listening to the Christian Right, Rush Limbaugh and the neo-con fearmongers...it can only lead to the loss of most Congressional seats and then we can get this country going in the right direction again...

Obama made a mistake trying to placate the Republicans with yet more tax cuts....he needs to stop trying to be all things to all people. Forget the Republicans and push through what the people want.

DCCC: take this guy in 2010.

Oh, spare me.

Schock is a 27 year old congressman? There's no way on this planet that he could have gotten the money for campaigning, unless he was fully funded by big corporations, e.g. Caterpillar. And Shock is an ARISTOCRAT! He was born into Big Corporate world, and now he's working for them and them only. Republican legislators being funded by big corporations are LIVID that this bill passed., and that's a good sign. That means that the stimulus package is made for the middle class. Slander is Republicans' way of doing things. But their diabolic ways did not win them the election, and it will not win them anything else down the road.

Typical republican Idiot. Even the young ones never learn.

maybe he'll get a better understanding after the next election, when he's wishing he had won, but dang it he lost!

This guy should be commended for not allowing his youthful optimism be overpowered by tradiitonal partisan pork and the President's prized popularity in passing this exorbitant "stimulus".

“Bipartisanship is not one party writes the bill and we all vote for it. Bipartisanship means you truly meld together both sides ideas and come up with a compromise bill,” Schock told King. “That didn’t happen in this case and ultimately, that’s why I voted against it.”

So he basically admits that he didn't vote for it because the GOP didn't write it. What a neocon-poop.

Jerk! What a jerk this fellow is. I hope he loses his bid for re-election when the people in his district only keep their jobs cause of the bill he did not vote for. Idiot!

Good on the Senator, continue to stick to your morals, standards and, ideals and don't let anybody change them

Schock is trying to make an impression. He has.

Unfortunately, it wasn't the impression he hoped to make.

Ah well...he's young....he may have been "hot" but so were they all - once. He'll cool down fast once his constituents realize his lack of political savvy. (And his reluctance to develop some.)

Too bad...if he'd worked on that "political savvy" he may have retained his "heat."

Even the freshman congressman can recognize redistribution of wealth versus actual stimulus and job creation. Too bad the "big boys" couldn't.

Even the freshman congressman can recognize redistribution of wealth versus actual stimulus and job creation. Too bad the "big boys" couldn't

Ultimately, I listened to John Bohnert and Eric Cantor, and they're helping me not to get reelected. I really don't want to be a Congressman for that long.

GOOD FOR YOU!!!!

This is exactly how you will end up as a one term congressman!

Does ANYONE care what the Republicans think? They are in large part responsible for the mess we're in now. Mr. I'm-27-years-old-and-don't-anything-Schock: Sit down and shut up. Quit trying to make a name for yourself and start working with the Democrats instead of against them.

Goofy liberal opinion of the day:

"If you don't like the stimulus package, we're not giving you the money!"

Great idea! And when the BILL comes due to actually pay for all of this insane spending, can we opt out of THAT, too? Can we tell the government, "I didn't support the stimulus, didn't get any benefit from it, so you're not allowed to raise my taxes to pay for it."? I doubt it.

Liberals love the right to dissent when they are not in control of policy decisions. When it's THEIR program on the line, everybody better shut up and go along!

As a freshman, do you think for one minute he would have voted against the republican party no matter what the plan had... give me a break.....as it has been stated over and over again the republicans are out to bring Obama down...

Translated ... I must be in lock step with the rest of my vindictive colleagues.

Got to hand it to them.

As a party, they have failed at everything they've touched for the past 8 years, or as they would put it, have had 'catastrophic success.'

Yet as the drum beat goes unchanged in a perfect vacuum devoid of any new thought, they do have solidarity.

March on soldiers; one or two more elections and your party will be irrelevant enough to make way for a new second party.

Typical thinking for a republican. Those guys had controll of the purse strings for 14 of the last 16 years and look at the mess they got us into!

What makes them smart all of a sudden? Why don't they start thinking about the people instead of their business cronies.

Every one of them needs to be voted out of office at the next election! Starting with Insane McCain!

Just another Republican for the DCCC to knock off in 2 years. If the GOP keeps it up they won't have many members of Congress left.

I guess your constituents have enough green jobs, low health care, and nice schools. And I think your constituents would have a tough time accepting tax breaks to those make $150,000 or less.

Sorry Mr. Schock. Your ideas lost big time in the last election. Trickle-down doesn't work so you better come up with new ideas that help average folk. You're young so maybe you won't be like these old codgers 3 times your age and dig in your heels with old and discredited ideas.

Only three Republicans supported the Stimulas Bill. What a statement by the GOP.

Is there any wonder why we have the problems today. I always thought that our leaders get elected to do a job. I am really disappointed at this very sad piece of American Political History. Only three!!!!

Thank G-D Obama was elected.

he's got the Republican rhetoric memorized... good boy.

Sorry, President Obama, Aaron was just like the rest of the House repubs as dictated by Boehner, he told them to vote no before they had heard it.

He may be young but no change, 'sides Rush might jump him.

How can anyone still believe in the republician party?They are a disgrace to the nation and should be jailed for treason.Americans overwhelming ly elected Obama to be president and these morons are standing in the way of progress.

Thank you Rep Schock for listening to your constituents. This seems to be one thing that many a representative seems to forget. They work for the people. Thank you again for not forgetting this.

Well, it's still an improvement over the rancor of the past eight years. Which probably explains why the bipartisanship is still not there. But maybe some small steps at a time we will get there. We just need to be patient.

Here's what I didn't like about this interview, and what is so frustrating about the media these days:
Rep. Schock was saying how he didn't vote for the stimulus bill because he listened to his constituents and they agree with him that it isnt going to do what is needed to stimulate the economy. The next logical question should be, "What do you think WOULD stimulate the economy?"
But instead, the interviewer decided to ask him about what it was like being on air force one with Pres. Obama. And as Rep. Schock was answering, he started giving a real substantive response about what was wrong with the bill. So the interviewer interrupts him and again tries to get him to talk about what the president was like.
Please try to get more substance out of the interviews, and less fluff.

Obama thought he was just so smooth inviting this young congressman on AF 1 and then shaming him in public to "do the right thing". If this is the Presidents MO then we are dealing with a complete novice.

This kid is a real brown noser and probably would do anything to please his party.This is a prime example of how not to raise your kids.people.No heart and no soul no compassion for people.

Republicans wanted the trillions of dollars in tax cuts for the wealthy and a trillion dollar war of choice in Iraq, but now they're suddenly concerned about the budget? Right. This is purely politics. They gave Bush anything he wanted, and now they want to obstruct Obama.

Republicans want our president to fail so badly that they're saying so publicly and even going as far as compare themselves with the insurgency of the Taliban! Yeah, that's EXACTLY what America needs - a Republican party that patterns itself after terrorists.

With all due deference to vindictive high school girls, Representative Schock and his fellow party members are exhibiting the worst sort of spiteful, adolescent behavior. One wonders what creative responses they'll come up with next? Bubble gum in the President's hair?

This is getting ridiculous. Like noone never said NO to Bush.

So this means Obama DID reach across the isle. As I recall this happens all the time.

What about doing an article on the TWO Republicans in his administration who say the Republicans are merely playing politics? This is getting so pathetic.

When this cat's constituents make out on the stimulus...then what? I hope he gets voted out the next term. 15 minutes of fame.

Where is this Republican's flag pin? Is he protested the Obama Presidency too. The Repubs quit wearing Flag pins on their lapels after the election.

He's scared of McCain.

Congressman Schock did what he had to to, he followed his conscience. I disagree with him, as I'm sure the President does, but as good as it would have been for Congressman Schock to have voted with his President, his President would always tell a citizen legislator " to consider the facts then do what, then do what your heart and your head tells you is right."'

I suspect a freshman Congressman is under enormous pressure from his Party which may well give him "talking points," but little if any intellectual freedom. Hang in there Aaron, you will have plenty of chances to stand with the President once you get your footing.

Horse crap.

You listened to the Repubs, not the people you represent. One term only. You will be out on your butt next time.

He is too young to stand against the pack. The older republicans would have torn into him.The older republicans are out of touch. In the end, the freshman made a weak choice that will come back to bite him. Obama tried to give the guy a life line. Oh,well. What people need to understand is that Obama is a winner. Bin Laden has never been in more danger. I would not want Obama to have a target on my tail. Obama has grace and humility and is a honestly decent person. That does not take away from the fact that Obama sets goals and gets them done. I would bet on Obama.. even when the cards look down. Not to is... your loss. Obama is a winner.

Lets just leave the Republicans behind on this one. I hope this stimulus package works tremendously well and makes the Republicans look like a bunch of a idiots, even though they already are in my opinion. Fiscal conservatism is a good principle when the economy is doing well but when the economy is in a downturn, it will only make it worse. Unfortunately, the cornerstone of the problem is the housing and banking sectors. Like Lindsey Graham said today, a Republican, he is even afraid that the only way out of this mess COULD be nationalization of the banks. If you conservatives want to tout fiscal conservatism then what in the hell happened the last 8 years? Where were you then? They were nothing but a rubber stamp on the biggest spending in US history, and they did not set a very good precedent. Now they want to play Mr. Fiscal Conservative at a time when these bogus games only hurt worse. Their solution to everything is "cut taxes." Im sick of it.

Not a good idea to stimulate infastructure projects that will lead to equipment purchases for the people that used to work for Jon Deere in your home turf?

I'm sure the Rebubs told the "freshman" congressman to vote against the bill if he wants a second term. The Prez seems to reach out to the Bubs but they are like little children, who when they don't get their way, stomp their feet and pout.

I am sorry to say that Obama is no better than the Clintons.
Stupid, false, Democratic liars.l

The bill passed...period. So obviously, this kid is in the minority. As far as the Republicans are concerned, they have this plan from now until 2012 to turn down any sign of bipartisan politics. What they will see in 2012 is that Americans are not stupid people. Sadly, the Republican campaign for President in 2012 began on Jan 20, 2009. There will never be any cooperation from them. They do not really care about the citizens they represent. It's all party, party party politics. Judd Gregg is a good example of the low lifes the Republicans are.

I highly doubt that this guy "listens to his constituents," unless constituents means Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.

The GOP and everyone in our country needs to admit to and accept how desparate the state of our nation is.

This is NOT the time for POLITICS AS USUAL. This is NOT the time to draw lines of separation of any sort. This IS the time to be SMART, PATIENT and work slowly TOGETHER AS ONE UNITED FORCE to work through the dreadful details, and pull ourselves out of this mess. We can and will have a bright and glorious future, as AMERICANS if we will stop drawing lines which lead to separation of ANY KIND.

OBAMA must first address the FEAR and then the LACK OF TRUST that exists among our people. Simultaneously, tear down many ridiculous institutes and policies which DON'T WORK and truly have never worked or the masses.

PLEASE – STOP THE LOUSY POLITICAL MERRY-GO-ROUND. We don't have time for that. Apparently the MEDIA thinks it's NEW WORTHY. WELL, IT ISN'T. IT'S BS and most Americans understand how really obsurd it is!!.

Get this BUZZ going. STOP THE POLITICAL MERRY-GO-ROUND. Stop posturing for the NEXT ELECTION!! Use your might, intellect, influence and money to work for the people, for our country. We owe it to each other as humans and as AMERICANS.

Give me a break. He didn't want the GOP monster to ruin his young political career. This was not about his constituents. Peoria is getting crushed under the weight of the economy and he could care less.

Thankfully a member of congress who actually does what his constituents ask and stands up for their principles. I'm tired of the liberal definition of "Bipartisan" being everyone falling lockstep behind Obama.

“Bipartisanship is not one party writes the bill and we all vote for it. Bipartisanship means you truly meld together both sides ideas and come up with a compromise bill,” Schock told King. “That didn’t happen in this case and ultimately, that’s why I voted against it.”

No, you all refused to communicate and stonewalled this bill any way you could. Only three Senators- Snowe, Collins, and Specter- actually stood up and did their jobs. The rest of you went on a media crusade bashing the bailout for the rest of us (after you literally gave away 700 billion to your friends on Wall Street with no questions asked, and not a single string attached).

I hope you are proud of yourselves. Welcome to political oblivion.

Mr. Schock is a very courageous youg man. It's not easy to face down Obama's hate machine. To do so under withering press coverage is an act of defiance not lost on those of us who still believe in the America ideals of rugged idiviualism and ecoomic liberty. Bless you Mr. Congressman.

I guess the Republicans don't think that adding more tax cuts than Obama wanted and cutting more programs than he wanted is compromise or negotiation.

Maybe they don't recognize compromise because they never practiced it themselves when they had the majority.

The prefix "bi" means two. As in what it takes to tango. Obama offered bi-partisanship the GOP ( Greedy Obstuctionist Pin-heads) refused. My hope is than now that he has shown he is willing to put it on the line and get it done without them they may come around. If not some of the agenda will have to wait til 2010 when the Democrats will get even more Senators

One wrong start. One sad political ride for you Freshman. Hope you succeed to sophomore year because, frankly, i don't see that happening.

Obviously, Mr. Schock could care less about what's best for the country and Peoria. Maybe he can help his fellow GOP'ers to further increase the national debt, or perhaps start another war. Why do Republicans hate America?

Tax cuts and spending are not stimulus? So besides the fact that he is lying because he was actually pressured by the GOP leadership to vote in lock-step with the rest of party, can someone please ask the Rep what a stimulus bill would actually look like in his mind, then?

Aaron will do well in Washington. He is not a difference maker. His dad or grandad probably left him millions of dollars thus, like most of the others he really could give a hoot about helping the American people.....deregulation is how his folks made their millions. He is in it for the power and recognition. Our democracy is reaching a very sad state.

He did not listen to the people – he gave in to the Republican click. Even Arlen Spector said that quite a number of Republicans were glad that the three Republicans had the guts to vote yes, because all of the others wanted it to pass but didn't want their finger prints on the bill – so they can blame the dems for it later. I think the Repubs need to find a new job, because they are self-serving idiots, and do not care about their country or people.

Sort of sounds like a bribe, doesn't it? Something doesn't smell quite right about that whole attempt. Way to follow your principles, Rep. Schock!

Good for Aaron!

The stimulus bill is the worst boondoggle to occur in decades.

The very idea that somehow the fiscal irresponsibility of spending even more money that we do not have, to correct years of fiscal irresponsibility by individuals and corporations alike, should strike every American as the height of idiocy.

Throw in the incredible amount of pork in the bill (Yes, Pres. Obama, there was pork in there – otherwise the bille would have been maybe 25 pages long instead of over 700 pages), and the American public should really be angry about this thing.

CNN you'll repeat any Republican talking point.

Schock, you Republicans raped this country economy during the last eight years. I just hope that on the next election the people of Illinois get your ass out of there.

As a fiscal conservative and social moderate, it appears to me that Obama has clearly made efforts to reach across party lines. I am disappointed by how much the Republicans have dug in with their unfounded objections. They seem fearful that Obama's competence will weaken their own positions, which may actually prove true over time when voters become even more weary of their fear-driven rhetoric.

Sort of sounds like a bribe, doesn't it? Something doesn't smell quite right about that whole attempt.

the Gov't can't even co-ordinate a simple coupon distrubution for digital TV...little weary of them borrowing $787 Billion dollars (thank you japan and china) and figuring out what to do with that. I genuinely hope this puts a dent in this mess that is our economy...however hoping doesn't go very far.

It is as simply as this CNN. Obama fails we fail. Cut the BS. If this report is true, then what you are saying is that these people at Caterpillar are stupid and they rather than accept a plan that would allow them to make living, they rather stand firm w/this self-serving idiot of a Republican. My God! What are you trying to do compete w/Drudge. Whatever happened to the rules of the Fairness Doctrine? These are serius times and these kind of schoolyard games should noy be promoted by Corporate News Network.

a freshman congressman? talk about inexperience.. he listened to his constituents because he is not seasoned enough to know and/or understand.. what about listening to the people? if you're gonna be a puppet anybody can do your job.

Bravo, esp. to someone in my age group who stands up for what he believes is right!

If he doesn't think the stimulus bill is in the interests of his constituents, none of the money should go to that district.

I think he may have made a mistake when he said "constituents" I think he meant to say "Republicans" like Cao in Louisianna succumbed to "Republicans" in the house. These two were not thinking about constituents but if they are smart next time they will think about their state before party or be booted out of office sooner rather than later.

this punk will be just a footnote in the transformational presidency of Barack Obama....

Bottom line here, America.

Republicans are NOT Democrats
Democrats are NOT Republicans.

By their very definitions, they must never mix, like water and oil.
Sad but true.

Add a little resentment on the part of Republicans over the fact that they lost the election, is it any wonder only 3 senators voted along with the stimulus package?

They're all heeding the call of Rush Limbaugh when he says bluntly he wants Obama to fail.

Thank you for continuing to make America a 3rd world country, Bush & Co.

Now there's a guy that votes for what he believes is right, rather than allowing himself to be schmoozed (or pressured) by the most powerful person in the U.S. Can't fault him for that.

This is front page on CNN but Burrisgate isn't? You may get tired of covering for the Chicago politicians that are running our country pretty soon.

Just like the many other issues the Republicans have!!! IT is there way or the highway and they do not think us as americans are noticing. They are dead wrong. They just want tax breaks for the rich and the TRICKLE down policies of the past. By all means de-regulation did a lot for middle class americans HA HA!
I wrote my congressman over and over and he get on TV and said the american people do not want this stimulus. What a bunch of you know what!!! They only listen to the people with monet to line there pockets with. Just look at the MN by all means seat Frankin he earned it
GET THEM OUT IN 2010 ASAP

Peoria should get any money from this bill. Let them get "help" from Mr. Schock. I'm sure he has a much better plan...yeah, um, nope.

Of course he voted against it. The republicans know it will pass anyway, so they can't get heat for what would happen if it failed to pass. The republican political machine will be out to destroy any republican who votes against it. They have promised this publicly.

This is disgusting behavior by the republican party. It is what happens in banana republics, not America. It only proves that republican congresspeople are cowards driven by bullies.

Can any one ask all these senetors who voted against if they wouldn't touch the stimulus money coming there way?

Actually he listened to Rush or McCain, the people want help (PERIOD) which the Republicans will find out next election

get a life you stupid rthug trying to make democrats look bad. GOP destroyed this country!!!!!!!!!!!

he didn't look at his constituents. he looked at the GOP caucus and figured if a young guy like him went against party lines he'd be screwed.

He is already off to a BAD start with the President. He is just like all the other Rethuglicans......and that aint saying much!

I would slit my own throat before voting against the President on the stimulus bill as it contains nothing malicious only things needed regardless of the timeframe. Congress should vote down things that would hurt our nation not that conflict only with their agendas. Arguably, the total amount is daunting as is the situation. The President is merely looking to the future and seized the opportunity to make progress which will ultimately prove worthwhile. Our economic situation is not for the weak minded nor the timid!!! Folks must

I just find it astonishing that these GOP 'leaders' are so flippant in turning down the President when he invites them to things that dont apply to policy.

This plane ride...McCain turning down the President's Super Bowl party.

NEVER has this type of distain occurred with a sitting president. Talk about disrespect, and childish behavior.

Stop trying to make a 'statement' because your party didnt win.

Damn fool.

Schock will take a handout just to get some freebies and say to his family he rode with the president. But he is a rookie soldier like Lamborn from Colorado and they march according to the orders they receive. Some years down the road, they might think for themselves, well, Lamborn probably will not. I can't say about Schock. Schock will probably wind up being like most junior congressmen, always a junior. He claims to have receoved a 1,000 phone calls from Caterpillar employees telling him to vote against the stimulus. It's possible, but probably a gross exaggeration-B.S. is a better term.

I would love to hear from folks in Illinois about this. Do they really not want this package and if so, exactly what should be added to help them? And what was their opinion of the first stimulus package that went out right before President Bush left office?

This kid voted against helping the people of Peoria get back on their feet. Can't wait till 2010 to remind the voters about that.

Is anyone buying the GOP's story????

We see the tax cuts all of you wanted in final version of this bill. If the Democrats didn't include your suggestions, there would be no tax cuts and all infrastructure, education and social service spending, like in the first house bill. Do these Republican Senators think we are idiots?!?!

If I was President Obama, I would stop extending my hand to the Replublicans becase the have one thing they want to accomplion and that is go against President Obama every move. President Obama go over broad to be bipartican and the Taliban Part reject the Presdient hand and then came President Obama really not trying to be bipartican. We, the people, see right though you evil Party of the white men.

At least someone in congress actually listens to his/her constituents. Thank you for being a voice for the people, Gov. Schock.

Good for you, Illinois Rep. Aaron Schock! It sounds like President Obama tried to manipulate you and you didn't allow that to happen. Thank you for representing the people of Illinois and standing up for what you know is right for our country...
President Obama said he was going to represent all the people in the U.S. but so far he has fallen very short of that promise. He is signing a bill that more that 50% of citizens disagree!

This kid is either going to go down in flames or becoming a rising star.

YOU KNOW WHAT – YES I WOULD LIKE TO ADD A COMMENT. WE NOW HAVE A PRESIDENT WHO WITH ALL HIS HEART WANTS TO GET THIS COUNTRY MOVING AGAIN IN ALL WAYS. AND WHAT DO WE HAVE SITTING UP IN THE CONGRESS – THE SAMEO CRAP THAT THESE GOONS HAVE DONE FOR YEARS. IT WAS OKAY TO SPEND ALL THAT MONEY AND STILL SPENDING, IN IRAQ FOR ABSOLUTELY NOTHING – YET WHEN SOMEONE VERY QUALIFIED COMES IN THE PICTURE TO WORK THE CHANGE THAT IS SO DESPERATELY NEEDED, HE IS KNOCKED DOWN AND REFERRED TO AS SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING.
PLEASE, PLEASE AMERICA – OMIT THE BAD ONES, FORGET THEY ARE EVEN THERE AND LET'S MOVE ON..........................

Schock didn't listen to his constituents–he listened to the GOP party hacks, and fell right into lock-step with them. Glad to see he is one of the new champions of bipartisanship. Do these Republicans mean the same kind of bipartisanship we had for the last eight years? What a freaking joke.

His comment makes no sense nor does it justify his vote.

Schock could have been an all-star and supported the President and the working people of America. Instead, he let himself be cowed down by the Mitch McConnell / John Boehner party that believes that all working Americans should be treated like Wal-Mart slaves while their elected representatives take bribes for shipping America's jobs overseas. Too bad Schock, you coulda been a contender. Instead, you took the fall for a cash payoff. And that's what's wrong with this country.

Mr. Schock–We need more like you to think and listen to your constituents. Congratulations!! I'm sure at other times you may vote on measures or bills you may agree with Mr. Obama!!

Illinois is fortunate to have you in Congress to represent them. Some good news from the "Land of Lincoln" is always welcomed compared to other times.

It is unbelievable that after 8 years of riding rouughshod over even the minutest of Democrat suggestions and inputs, they now have the effrontery of complaining about Obama;s"partisanship". Obama was elected to exterminate the Republican disease from the country which has caused us two terrible and unwinnable wars as well as plunging not just the US but the whole world into financial disaster. Now they want "bipartisanship" all of a sudden! They blew up the world – now we should politely listen to them? Have they no shame?

The answer is: NO, they are shameless

HEY CNN! THERE IS NO STORY OR SURPRISE HERE.

"Why am I not "Shocked" by this story.

Guess what CNN, the Rushthuglican party is becoming more irrelevant every day.

I heard he is gay. Why are people talking about him?

He listens to this constituents – Rush and Hanity.

Being from Aarons ligislative districk I had high hopes for this young man but I am disappointed he decided to drink the rethuglicans cool aid on his first chance to make a name for himself.

Being recently out of a job I had hoped he would do the right thing and vote for jobs for his district folks. Instead he makes a lame excuse about no input for this historic bill.

Obama gave these rethuglicans a heck of a lot more input than GWB ever did as he stole the treasury for his neocon friends, wall street CEOs and oil company friends.

Aaron has done himself and the former district of Honest Abe wrong by not showing he is independent form the lame opposition who just voted along party lines.

Maybe with time Aaron will grow a pair of his own, We are watching Aaron, please help us in your district!

This young congressman is not supporting the stimulus bill over fear other republicans wont back them next election. They are scared. Its rediculous!

We have spend hundreds of billions on Iraq.. oh, but thats ok to republicans! forget the USA, lets help the world first. thats their thinking.

The republican party is a dieing party in my opinion. I ll be voting democratic next election for sure.

Yes, the Republicans complain about the White House not reaching out across the isle, but it's really their party that has their heads in the ground. They want, so badly, to hold onto the failed policies that brought us into this mess in the first place. President Obama, and his administration, will bring back all the good things that America stands for with, or without, the interference of the fallen Republican party.

sorry
Rush limblah says obama should fail

Obama! . . . Please leave the Rethugs alone and lets move on to better things.

Well, it was wrong of Presdient Obama to put you on the spot like that.
That would make most people uncomfortable.
Truth be told, he knows it..you know it, all the politicans know it and corporate leaders know it...unless this country heeds God's prophtic warnings to get straight with him..nothing will change, in fact it will worsen (see quakes, famine, winds, floods, fire, diseases). Does that mean this is pessimistic..not really...it means that Judgement comes on those who mock God...he will not be mocked. He's not an illusion, he existed a long long time before any idea of a big bang came along, he is all powerful.
God is grieving right now.....remember grief has several stages...this is just the beginning

The Repubs made a pack not to support you no matter what young or old.....leave them alone they will come home wagging their tails behind them

I was under the impression that the Republicans had a say with what was in this bill also. A lot was taken out and more tax cuts were put in because of them. Did Rep. Schock miss out or is he not informed about this. Of course Rebublican Party is really not a fan of bipartisanship. aka the last eight years, Debbie, pa

these republicans are are clowns, especially this moron. talk working together, what a waste of time. all republicans should burn in hell and i hope that is soon, these people are obstructionist and they are the worst terrorist they have.

President Obama,

Please move on. It is not worth your efforts. First the snitch Gregg, now this little pip-squeak. 2010 is not that far away. We'll take our battle to the polls.

Wow....good for him standing up to the pressure from the president AND actually listening to his constituents! We need some good conservative leaders to take a stand.

I'm glad someone else can see thru Obama's crap and smoke about the stimulus, I'll bet that within 2 years those demoncrates will raise or try to raise our taxes since they have already bankrupted our kids.

The president need to listen to the needs of
Americans and try his level best to address them accordingly with or without the Republican support...........History is in the making and it will not be easy should the economy go well, for the republicans to convince the American people that they care deeply about them. The republicans care for the 5% Americans who have more than enough to feed Americans. The 5% are in fact drugging the economy by hoarding their cash any way. But one day it will be a bright sunny shining day and we all shall look back and appreciate president Obamas efforts towards recovery of American economy. There are several signs that things are going to okay. especially in the middle east, if the wars over there stop and our troops come back America will be fine. President Obama should not look at the few who let him down but look at the majority willing to work with him. The republicans have not recovered from the blow of loosing election and so they will try to make things hard for him any way.

Schock is a rep from the caterpillar area. I wonder if he will get beyond the title of 'freshman', or if he will face the ire of the community.

"Bi-partisanship" means both sides get listened to...something that never ever happened in the My Way or the Highway Bush administration. "Bi-partisanship" does NOT mean that both sides get to go 50-50 on a given bill, law or issue, particularly when one side (the Republicans) are responsible for the crisis that we now face. Elections really DO have consequences, and whether the Republicans like it or not, this is the first time in 8 years that they really do have to sit down and shut the hell up and let the grown-ups get some real work done.
Aaron Schock was not listening to his constituants...Republicans don't give a rat's ass for their constituants...he was listening to his Republican Party Masters who told him "If you side with Obama, you're dead to us." He was merely marching in goose-step with his fellow Republican obstructionists, quietly (and sometimes loudly) praying for President Obama...and America...to fail. Heil Rush Limbaugh! With America's continued failure (put in place starting with Reagan and Bush I, continued with the best Republican President we ever had: Bill Clinton, and firmly cemented with Bush II, the Republicans will be able to scream "Look, we told you so!" (never mind that it was their undermining that caused the failure to continue). And then maybe they'll be able to regain their power...it's all they are really after in all this.

This guy, like many republicans, show their stupidity. When will people understand that unless we make government more efficient we will continue to bleed money and be in this mess. The housing fiasco may have brought many issues to the forefront, but wasteful spending on behalf of the Bush administration over the past eight years as well as lack of regulation are the real reason why we are in this mess. If you are not willing to spend the money to create the efficiencies that are needed then we will be forever blleding money. I believe Obama is on the right track. Make government, science, technology, and medicine more efficient as well as invest in our infrastructure and we will be saving trillions in the long run.

HA HA HA! Good Man, at least he could see past BO's BS!

We don't need you, little one.

Another example of Republicans determined to hold our government hostage until they get the power that they lost during the last 8 disastrous years back.

Good for him, way to vote your for what he believes in.

It is both sad and humorous to hear the Republicans these days. Today John McCain says Pres. Obama is not playing bipartanisn politics...McCain who lost the election., Republicans and George Bush got us in this mess to begin with. Do they want us to forget history...this Ill. representative should wise up or he may be out of a job...then of course he might be for the stimulus...

Enjoy your single term kid.

"Ultimately, I was a sheep and went along with the rest of my flock"

If these Republicans did not vote for the stimulus bill, their district should not receive one dime. They believe that this bill is bad, then the media should talk about their deceitfulness. However, I do not believe that the media like accountability.

You have to love the Republicans – they run up massive deficits and ran roughshod over the Democrats, then pout over the stimulus plan and claim Obama is not being bi-partisan. I guess deficits are only bad when they are spent on our country. Why don't all of these hypocritical Republicans go to Iraq and run for government positions there, since they obviously care more about the Iraqi economy than the US economy!

So ultimately the Republican got his little feelings hurt by not being asked to the table. So for the Republicans their feelings are more important and not the future and well being of the American People. We need some better representation in Washington.

Okay, he was afraid to vote, so can they take the money that is slated for his district and give it to democratic district. I wouldn't want him to accept money from a program he doesn't support

Born again bipartisan. I know what bipartisanship means. I know by the what the Republicans did during Bush's administration that they don't know what it means. When they first started to complain, they only alternatives they presented were tax cuts. They still don't give specifics about what they would have done differently. They just agreed not to help.

The Republican ideas got us into this mess. Thank goodness Obama didn't compromise with the Republicans who had no new ideas and just wanted to complain.

There is no way this kid had the courage to break ranks with the Republicans. His career would have been over. And then to do all this posturing like he's frustrated with the 'non-bipatisan' approach, when in reality all he is doing is being partisan.

The problem that needs changing is not so much the politicians, it is the parties they must cater to in order to get elected. People need the courage to waste more votes on independent candidates if we are ever to get of the mess that the 'Coke vs. Pepsi' politics of the Rebulicans and Democrats have gotten us into.

Funny how all Democrats and 3 Republican senators thought it was in the best interest of their constituents. Funny how only Republicans (except for those 3) thought it wasn't in their best interest. What does tell me?? That Republicans are playing politics ... Republicans ... and nobody else.

I'm not sure I understand why the Republicans are so concerned about "bipartisanship" all of a sudden. They've had absolutely zero interest in it for the last 8 years. Now, when they're in the minority, they start shrieking about Obama breaking his promises about bipartisanship. I think it's all political grandstanding and hypocrisy.

Finally, someone from Illinois who isn't afraid to do the right thing. Thank you Rep. Schock for listening to the People.

Again they march lock step. I really don't know how much bipartisanship there was in the initial writing of it, but everyone had a chance to edit it. Reading some of the plan I can understand the repulicans not wanting to vote for it. Not enough TAX cuts for them. Well, you can't give a tax cut to someone who does not have a job. I do hope that the investment portion of the bill will reach enough people to create or save their jobs. I am 50, my retirement is gone. I will work until I drop and I don't mind. I like the way President Obama is investing in our childrens future. It's better than the trillions that our last president and congress spent on the Iraq war.

Give it a chance.

There are two things CNN has to do. First is to get us the right news that matters ,and secondly to stop using Obama's name in vain and spotless comparism with every wrong statement from the GOP.

What would it have matered if he wanted to vote yes or no? We all know that a freshman Congress member would not vote Yes alone , with all those angry GOP members who just lost their Presidency and the Lobbyist platforms in Washington sneezing on him? It takes a school boy reason ,to count his marks and go back to the classroom ,when he failed his exams because he did not attend classes.

Lets read more about Bush and how he is spending his time on the ranch with his beautiful horses.Find out if the Pipe Line from Alaska would pass through his ranche? That will make news.
Palin needs that.

the Republican party has once again proven that they are NOT Country First!

More like the GOP's top officials' witch hunt after any republican voting for the bill scared this freshman into line.

Obama needs to give up on these Republicans. They are making him look very naive, though he is making them look idiots. I say if these people say their constituents don't want the stimulus, don't waste it in their districts.

Hmmm...I find it kind of hard to believe that his constituents in Peoria (which is hemorraging jobs) wouldn't welcome the opportunity to have extended unemployment benefits and food stamps and additional job opportunities.

Sounds like someone is just toeing the party line – you learn well grasshopper.

...way to go ,Schock...to bad there are 3 republican senators that don't quite measure up to your standards....and level of integrity...

Hey young buck,

Listening to their "constituents" (by the founding fathers) is what got us the 3/5th clause instead of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. Constitution. Show some intellectual and intestinal fortitude and do what's right for the country for once.

But at the end of the day my responsibility is to the people who gave me this job – my constituents,” the 27-year-old said. Yea, I betca!
Sorry but your Repulicans co-leads. is would you are looking after.
He may like President Obama, but not as much as he is scared of his on party doing something to him if he goes against his party. Party of the Taliban!

Oh, Oh, I speak politicalese and can translate this for y'all...

"But at the end of the day my responsibility is to the people who gave me this job – my constituents,” the 27-year-old Schock said.

Translation... Rush wouldn't let him.

Where are the comments from the other side of the aisle? Obviously these blogs are a refelction of John King's three hour lovein with the Republicans today.

I dont believe this guy when he says he voted against the bill because the workers laid off at the caterpillar told him not to vote for it. The uaw supported obama. So i think he was telling a lie.

Correction: His constituents are the radical right wing, and the Republican obstructionist in congress. So lets the record stand corrected.

Please, CNN, you are never going to get the right wing to stop watching Fox "Fraud" News; therefore, why not move back to the center where you have been because I will have to look to MSNBC solely for my cable news.

Who cares what this 27 year old has to say. Wet behind the ears and years.

Schock is a schmuck! He listened to the parties elders, not his constituents. Pity.

Even your constituents admit that the Republican party has no credibility on this issue, or any other for that matter. This petulant obstructionist show is transparent to everyone.

We need more people in Congress like him, doing the right thing for people who voted for him.

This young man who did right by the people who elected him is a fine example for the rest of the sheep in congress.

It is sad that this young Republicans can not be his on man becasue he know deep down if he voted for President Obama plan is career would be over before it starts. He was talked to vote against it just like Gregg was.

In other words, the GOP big boys got to him and told him how the cow eats the cabbage. Nuff said.

"Jimmy Carter Number 2"

This guy is such a loser he thinks a ride on "spiffy" Air Force One is going to just going to buy someone out, He's wrong.

Obama has promised a lot of rides. Wait till his wife has the baby in the White House !! You're gonna Freak ::))