Posted on 02/10/2009 3:09:25 AM PST by Born Conservative
Acknowledging potential political risk, U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter said he plans to vote today in favor of a compromise Senate version of the economic stimulus bill because the nation’s “very severe economic recession” demands action.
“If we don’t act, we may find ourselves in a depression like 1929,” Mr. Specter said after visiting the Schott Glass Technologies plant in Duryea. “That has to be avoided.”
Mr. Specter, a Republican and part of a bipartisan group of senators who co-wrote the proposal, said the $838 billion compromise version is far less expensive than what Senate Democratic leaders originally envisioned.
“It cuts the Democratic proposal by $110 billion, which is a lot of money,” he said, noting criticism of the Senate proposal by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “So that’s a sign we must be on the right track.”
The House passed an $819 billion version. A conference committee of senators and House members will work out the difference once the Senate approves its version, which is expected today.
Mr. Specter was one of three Republican senators who voted in favor of ending debate — known as cloture — on the bill Monday. Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, both of Maine, were the others.
“I’m asked if this will solve the problem and candidly, nobody knows for sure,” Mr. Specter told workers at Schott. “But if we don’t do something, it will get worse ... If we fail to act, I think it would be a devastating signal for the world.”
His support is riling conservative Republicans, who think the spending package is geared too heavily toward spending and too little toward tax cuts. Pennsylvania conservatives are hoping to woo a strong conservative challenger to Mr. Specter in the Republican Senate primary next year as he seeks a sixth term.
“Well, of course I am,” Mr. Specter said when asked if he’s worried about the conservative backlash. “But (President) John Kennedy had it right. He said, ‘Sometimes the party asks too much.’ And this is something I think is necessary for the country. It goes beyond politics. It goes beyond the Democratic or Republican position. It’s the right thing for America.”
Mr. Specter said he would have supported the package even if Democrats had not added $6.5 billion for the National Institutes of Health to the final version of the bill.
Mr. Specter had sought the money for years, and had mentioned he wanted it in the bill when he met with President Barack Obama last week.
“That’s only one small part ... That’s not determinative in my mind,” he said.
The stimulus vote could create “a political problem,” he said, but “I thought the public interest was so important that I have to take whatever problems it brings me.”
Mr. Specter said he hasn’t made up his mind about whether to vote for another bill that conservative Republicans are closely monitoring.
That bill would allow the formation of unions if a majority of a workers sign union cards, a concept known as card check.
The nation’s major umbrella labor unions, backed mostly by Democrats, are lobbying hard for card check because they believe it will make it easier to form new unions. Business groups, represented by conservative Republicans, say it will take away the right of employees to vote on forming a union in a secret ballot.
It is unclear when the bill will come up for a vote, but conservatives are watching it carefully as they decide whether to challenge Mr. Specter next year.
Last year, Mr. Specter voted in favor of ending debate on the bill so a vote on the actual bill could be taken. That led to speculation he favors card check, but the senator said he hasn’t made up his mind.
“I’ve been meeting with people about that practically on a daily basis and I made it plain that when I voted for cloture, it was not in favor of the bill. It was because I think there’s a need for labor law reform,” he said. “It’s a very heavily lobbied issue and I’m giving everybody a chance to be heard.”
She is still rated in the top five among radio talk show hosts. however, along with Rush, Hannity, Beck and Savage.
Generally, I appreciate both Beck and Ingraham (though I wouldn't waste time calling either of their programs) yet both grate on my nerves. Beck for the silly spots in his show and what you said. Also, his gloom and doom as right as he may be, is not healthy or helpful.
Laura for her ego, bravado and defensiveness and her all to frequent unnecessary rudeness (different from her feistiness which I love) and disrespect to callers and even guests.
She isn't the only one working on behalf of our country and the conservative cause, and for quite a hefty salary. Many of her listeners and callers labor upon it as well, most often for no pay and at great personal and financial sacrifice. Ingraham must develop humility and learn to pay them the respect they deserve and discontinue using them as props (Beck also does it) for her program and public appearances.
‘Thanks for the details.’
Your welcome. I saw some youtube video of Ingraham from ‘off air’ during commercials for her short lived stint at Fox News.
It showed some rather surprising, and ugly, diva behavior on her part. Not sure if it was because she doens’t have patience for staffers not as quick as herself or what, but there it is.
She’s a diva. If she doesn’t watch it, it may destroy her. How would you want to be one of the guys working on her show? : )
I just dont wonder why she’s still single any more....
I was thinking the same when I wrote that and have said the same in private.
‘Wow, you’re fast! : ) ‘
Yes, but I’m not cheap....(chuckle)
: )
House to Study Reparation Proposals for African-Americans — Act HR 40 IH
oldgforyradio | 2/10/09
Posted on 02/10/2009 6:31:26 AM PST by pabianice
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2182306/posts
Ruin Your Health With the Obama Stimulus Plan
(NATIONAL COORDINATOR FOR HEALTH IT)
http://www.drudgereport.com
Posted on 02/10/2009 6:52:56 AM PST by MeanGreen2008
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2182323/posts
BREITBART: The con artists have taken over the asylum
Washington Times | 02/09/2009 | Andrew Breitbart
Posted on 02/09/2009 8:30:05 PM PST by Jim Robinson
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2182106/posts
Live Thread: Senate Porkulus Vote
Posted on 02/10/2009 7:05:11 AM PST by NoGrayZone
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2182328/posts
Grassley statement about Senate vote on economic stimulus legislation
Sen. Grassley press release | 02/09/2009 | Charles Grassley
Posted on 02/10/2009 1:07:41 AM PST by iowamark
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2182178/posts
Freepers, other citizens storm Sen. Specter’s Office on Porkulus
MelanieMorgan.Com | Febuary 9, 2009 | Melanie Morgan
Posted on 02/09/2009 3:25:57 PM PST by Syncro
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2181901/posts
As per today’s commercial, tune in to tomorrow morning’s Smerconish program, when Mike’s guest will be a woman who wears a 38 double k. “I’ve got stimulus,” says Smerc!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.