Walking the plank

[CARLHAYDEN]

I've gotten some feedback from friends on Capitol Hill, and its very interesting.

On both the Senate and House side, Democrat members are being told by the "leadership" that the will vote for H.R. 1 and to ignore the desires of their constituents.

Now, its pretty much privately acknowledged by Democrats on the Hill that the bill is actually a grab-bag of liberal legislation, and not a true stimulous bill.

What happens in a year when the economy hasn't been stimulated?

Will the voters retaliate?

And, if they vote for this bill, with Obama and Pelosi be back next month with legislation that the voters will hate even more?

Predicting the bill will pass the Senate 60/37 with two to four (most likely three) Republican votes.

While expect the House to pass the bill, should be closer than the original vote.  Can't accurately predict House vote yet.

[CARLHAYDEN]

I am amazed at how quickly the Republicans are getting their act together.

1.) Republican voters have made it clear what they want: (from Rasmussen Reports)

Republicans Like GOP’s Conservative Direction, Democrats Don’t
Thursday, January 29, 2009
One thing for sure: Republicans and Democrats don’t agree on the future direction of the Republican Party.

Coming off a shellacking at the polls in November, the plurality of GOP voters (43%) say their party has been too moderate over the past eight years, and 55% think it should become more like Alaska Governor Sarah Palin in the future, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just 24% think failed presidential candidate John McCain is the best future model for the party, and 10% are undecided.

2.) Elected Republican officials are begining to listen.  Witness that all the votes cast by House Republicans on H.R. 1 were against the bill.

3.)  Party officials are listening.  Duncan (Bush's poodle) was ousted from the RNC Chair.

[CARLHAYDEN]

From Rasmussen Reports:

Support for the economic recovery plan working its way through Congress has fallen again this week. For the first time, a plurality of voters nationwide oppose the $800-billion-plus plan.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 37% favor the legislation, 43% are opposed, and 20% are not sure.

Two weeks ago, 45% supported the plan. Last week, 42% supported it.

Opposition has grown from 34% two weeks ago to 39% last week and 43% today.

Now you've seen a poll which contradicts your assertion.



Sixty-four percent (64%) of Democrats still support the plan. That figure is down from 74% a week ago. Just 13% of Republicans and 27% of those not affiliated with either major party agree.

Seventy-two percent (72%) of Republicans oppose the plan along with 50% of unaffiliated voters and 16% of Democrats.