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From 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Conrad and other lawmakers met with Paulson around a massive table in Pelosi's conference room under an ornate portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Among lawmakers, Democrats outnumbered Republicans nine to two, an imbalance that so irritated Paulson that he called and complained to Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.), according to three GOP sources familiar with the call.

Does not seem fair. Why were there not more Republicans present?

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Reid told Paulson he would not pull any of his colleagues out of the meeting. A Reid spokesman, Jim Manley, said: "If the secretary doesn't like it, that's just too bad, because he is going to need the help of each and every one of them to sell the president's plan to the Democratic caucus and the American people."

[AmericaUnited]

Among lawmakers, Democrats outnumbered Republicans nine to two, an imbalance that so irritated Paulson that he called and complained to Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.), according to three GOP sources familiar with the call.

LISTEN YOU GUTLESS GOP WORMS! Paulson is not your "defender"! Defend yourselves like men! They should have immediatly walked out of the meeting until the agreed upon balnace of two - two was in place. God good!

[gotribe]

Why were there not more Republicans present?

Because the Dems are the majority party. People don't realize that's what happens. At the beginning of this "negotiation" the republicans weren't even included at the table. The party in power sets the rules.