Transportation Secretary LaHood on Former House GOP Colleagues and the Stimulus: ‘They Like to Be In the Room When These Things Are Put Together. And They Haven’t Been’
EmailIn front of a gaggle of reporters today, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, a former Republican congressman from Illinois known for bipartisanship and candor, was asked if his former GOP colleagues will likely vote for the bill now that a deal has been struck between the House and Senate.
"If I was selected by the president to try to get more votes my job will probably not last very long," LaHood said. "I haven’t been too successful so far. I’ve talked to my friends and former colleagues in the house and they know the importance of this. You know what their answer is, they have been concerned about the process and the way the bill was put together. But I’ve not heard one criticism from my friends on the Republican side about the fact that this piece of it, they all like it. And they all know that people will go to work. They are concerned about other issues."
After the gaggle, ABC News asked Mr. LaHood if he would comment on why every single one of his former colleagues on that side of the aisle voted against the bill.
"The ones that I talked to I think they were concerned about the process and that, you know, they weren’t involved in the process," LaHood said. "And as I said earlier I think when they talked about the transportation part of the stimulus I have not heard one word of criticism about it."
LaHood said he spoke to 11 Republican congressmen today and "not one of them said they were concerned by what we were trying to do on the transportation side of things. But, you know, they like to be in the room when these things are put together. And they haven’t been. And so I think they were a bit offended by that."
Should they have been in the room? ABC News asked. He was known for bipartisanship — would he have done it differently were he running things in the House?
"Look, that’s above my pay grade," LaHood said. "It is what it is, and the important thing is we’ve got a bill and people are going to go to work."
LaHood said that he thought Republicans such as Rep. Dave Camp, R-Mich., and others have been involved in these final negotiations, during the conference process.
– jpt
Santorum Clarifies Concerns on Women in Combat 
Gulf of Mexico to Become Gulf of America?
Shades of Newt shutting down the government because of his seat on Air Force One.
Posted by: Ryan C | February 11, 2009, 4:31 pm 4:31 pm
So, hurt feelings that they weren’t more involved were why the GOP engaged in obstructionism? If only the Democrats would have felt that way about the Paulson bailout!!
Posted by: kathy | February 11, 2009, 4:45 pm 4:45 pm
House Republicans made it clear from the very beginning that they prefer political posturing over deal making or bill negotiations. The stunt they pulled holding a news conference telling the world they had no intention of voting for the stimulus while the President was en route to negotiate with them was absolutely obnoxious.
Posted by: Paige | February 11, 2009, 4:50 pm 4:50 pm
The Republicans were given every opportunity to be full partners in hammering together this very necessary stimulus package. The President and other Democrats were doing all the reaching across the aisles in the House and the Senate while the Republicans were huddling in a corner, being touch-me-nots and throwing up roadblocks because they couldn’t see any farther than the ends of their noses.
Posted by: nanameow | February 11, 2009, 4:52 pm 4:52 pm
jpt writes:
“If I was selected by the president to try to get more votes my job will probably not last very long,” LaHood said.
Yeah: “bipartisanship” is turning out to be about as big a bust for the “Obama” organization as birthday-suit “diversity” quibbles.
Has the military gone to war with each other yet? That’ll be next, one supposes, since the populace in general isn’t likely to swarm DC until it gets warmer.
Posted by: Human Intelligence | February 11, 2009, 4:53 pm 4:53 pm
“If only the Democrats would have felt that way [obstructionist] about the Paulson bailout!!”
Quite a few of the former “Democrats” WERE briefly up on their hind legs on the first bailout … but somebody hissed “right now!” at them, and they caved.
Which is what THESE Democrats do best.
Posted by: Human Intelligence | February 11, 2009, 4:58 pm 4:58 pm
Health care provisions should NOT be part of the stimulus legislation. We need to think long and hard about such changes and not be threatened with catastrophe so as to scare us into making decisions that will cause the DEATHS OF AMERICANS.
Yes, I am indeed shouting at the top of my lungs.
People will die under this stimulus bill that otherwise would have lived.
Posted by: tanarg | February 11, 2009, 5:00 pm 5:00 pm
Sounds like some dissent from the highest profile Republican – so far – in Obama’s cabinet. Obama needed to bowl over Reid and Pelosi to make this at least a superficially bipartisan measure. He didn’t, and the GOP will let him know every day this bill doesn’t create jobs or miraculously save the economy.
Posted by: matt | February 11, 2009, 5:09 pm 5:09 pm
and the GOP will let him know every day this bill doesn’t create jobs or miraculously save the economy.
_______________________________________
There-in lies the problem. The Republicans offer very little, but obstruction and complaints. What they have managed to come up with is obnoxious political posturing and antiquated ideas that are completely uninspired. It is a true shame.
Posted by: Paige | February 11, 2009, 5:30 pm 5:30 pm
Dogpark – I am sorry you are unable to differentiate between political posturing and philosophical differences.
Posted by: Lucas | February 11, 2009, 5:35 pm 5:35 pm
JPT:
You might want to get in touch with John Kass at the Chicago Trib when it comes to what LaHood was known for back home.
Posted by: JM Hanes | February 11, 2009, 5:40 pm 5:40 pm
@Lucas – there’s no posturing by Dems?
Lemme get this straight:
Big difference of opinion=political posturing.
Rewarding the Dem base with 40 years of pent up spending orgasm, the vast majority of which will not TOUCH THE ECONOMY for another 2 years==not political posturing.
Did I get that right?
Posted by: dogpark | February 11, 2009, 5:42 pm 5:42 pm
Wait…let me get this straight. The House Republicans obstructed this bill from the beginning and now they are upset about not having control over the final product!
It’s sad to see a once proud party turned into a bunch of cry babies. Every one considers himself a victim. Pathetic.
Posted by: Rick | February 11, 2009, 6:04 pm 6:04 pm
“It’s time we have someone who won’t ignore the other side.”
ROFLMAO…nothing is funnier than seeing Republicans whine about the process and while admitting THEY did the same thing when they were in charge.
Posted by: Ryan C | February 11, 2009, 6:11 pm 6:11 pm
I used to support President Barack Obama……….
_________________
I’ll ask again – You post that often, have been posting that for a very long time followed by far right wing talking points.
Exactly when and why did you support Obama “Obamacrat for Palin”?
Posted by: Paige | February 11, 2009, 6:21 pm 6:21 pm
Jake maybe you could ask about this and verify with Gibbs. My post yesterday has been deleted multiple times. As Ghandi once said, even if you are in a minority of one, the truth is still the truth. From Einstein: Condemnation without investigation is the height of ignorance. The truth needs to come out. Obama in three weeks is destroying the country. Jake do your job. Dont let your coffers seperate you from your beliefs.
Three more TN State representatives Glen Cassada, Stacey Campfield and Frank Niceley have signed the consent forms to be my plaintiffs in a legal action to unseal all vital records of Barry Soetoro aka Barack Hussein Obama via Writ of Mandamus and ascertain if he is legitimate for presidency. More lawmakers are reviewing the documents and expressed tentative consent. I
Posted by: bdaman | February 11, 2009, 6:29 pm 6:29 pm
Obamacrat for Palin- Surely, you jest.
Posted by: kathy | February 11, 2009, 6:37 pm 6:37 pm
They were asked to be in the room, and they declined. When they say they were upset they weren’t in the room, they really mean that there shouldn’t have even been a room, and they were never going to vote for a bill no matter what was in it.
Posted by: Flash Override | February 11, 2009, 6:56 pm 6:56 pm
“And the MSM (except you Jake) cheers at what a truly bipartisan bill this is.”
And that wicked polithack Harry Reid breaks into the press briefing to maunder about “these three brave Republicans” as though they’d had their feet amputated after mushing the medicine through the tundra to save the chillen.
And that medical-info grab for the federales! I WILL emigrate if that happens, and don’t believe I’m the only one … not because of what it IS, but because of what it predicts.
It’s disgusting. The Declaration of Independence was quite specific about what to do at times like this.
Posted by: Human Intelligence | February 11, 2009, 7:00 pm 7:00 pm
“yes, the GOP has played politics before because, um, they’re a political party.”
We are all well aware that right wingers believe in party over country.
Thankfully a small handful of Republicans feel differently.
Posted by: Ryan C | February 11, 2009, 7:14 pm 7:14 pm
“And that medical-info grab for the federales! I WILL emigrate if that happens, and don’t believe I’m the only one … not because of what it IS, but because of what it predicts.”
ROFLMAO…the supposed left winger repeating the right wing talking points about medical records while agreeing with the Ashley Todd hoax spreader.
Posted by: Ryan C | February 11, 2009, 7:16 pm 7:16 pm
Hey Jake did you get those exempt certificates you asked for yet.
Forgot to mention you reminded me of Tom Cruise when he asked Jack for a copy of the transfer orders. I’m surprised Gibbs did’t say you could have them but ya gotta ask for them nicely.
Posted by: bdaman | February 11, 2009, 7:23 pm 7:23 pm
Jake, I hope you research your questions for tomorrow, today was embarrassing.
Posted by: Flash Override | February 11, 2009, 8:20 pm 8:20 pm
Too bad the real republican leader is Rush “Periodontal Cyst” Limbaugh.
Posted by: lvspb | February 12, 2009, 8:51 am 8:51 am
Obama presaged
Geithners’ greatly detailed plan.
Fourth rate, not forthright.
=======================
Posted by: kim | February 12, 2009, 9:45 am 9:45 am
If President Obama discovered a cure for cancer the Republicans would complain that he ignored heart disease. Cry me a river. The GOP is quickly becoming a party for rich people who want tax cuts for themselves and govt. contracts for the lobbyists who fund their campaigns; and to hell with everyone else and everything else.
Posted by: Steve from Danville | February 12, 2009, 11:07 am 11:07 am
Remedy for GOP woes? there is none. The smart ones who want to lead are constantly undermined by the hacks who cowtow to hot-talk radio and Fox News. Can anyone name one single leader from the Republican party that could inspire an independent or centrist Democrat to vote his or her way? If the future for the GOP is Cornyn or Kyl then Democrats will be in power for the next 16 years.
Posted by: Steve from Danville | February 12, 2009, 11:15 am 11:15 am
Steve from Danville, YOU DRANK THE KOOL-AID. Hope an extra $13 a week in your paycheck helps. Without the republicans you would get 0 tax break unless of course you get WIC, Food stamps, unemployment and the govment issued cheese.
Posted by: bdaman | February 12, 2009, 12:01 pm 12:01 pm
Hey Steve here’s the latest Nielsen ratings 1-26-09. I am trying to help Jake to single handily move ABC News to number one. This can be done with his go to spirit to hammer away at Gibbs every chance he gets. Jake read my comments, Bellacaroli says, you kan du it!!!!
FNC – 1,410,000 viewers
CNN – 811,000 viewers
MSNBC –545,000 viewers
CNBC – 284,000 viewers
HLN – 399,000 viewers
P2+ Prime Time
FNC – 2,900,000 viewers
CNN—1,676,000 viewers
MSNBC –1,224,000 viewers
CNBC – 209,000 viewers
HLN – 945,000 viewers
25-54 Total Day
FNC –341,000 viewers
CNN –258,000 viewers
MSNBC –181,000 viewers
CNBC –95,000 viewers
HLN- 186,000 viewers
25-54 Prime Time
FNC – 647,000 viewers
CNN –592,000 viewers
MSNBC –383,000 viewers
CNBC – 101,000 viewers
HLN – 409,000 viewers
35-64 Total Day
FNC –621,000 viewers
CNN –370,000 viewers
MSNBC –290,000 viewers
CNBC –126,000 viewers
HLN- 228,000 viewers
35-64 Prime Time
FNC –1,073,000 viewers
CNN – 743,000 viewers
MSNBC –616,000 viewers
CNBC – 103,000 viewers
HLN –523,000 viewers
Posted by: bdaman | February 12, 2009, 12:09 pm 12:09 pm
BDAM
Thats why the Country is The way it is Because of Faux News, that Is Not a real News Channel. its a Right wing rag! They lie and dont report the Truth!
Posted by: Angie | February 12, 2009, 12:19 pm 12:19 pm
“Thats why the Country is The way it is Because of Faux News, that Is Not a real News Channel. its a Right wing rag! They lie and dont report the Truth!”
Even by Fox News standards, yesterday was more embarrassing than most. In the morning, the Senate Republican Communications Center sent Fox News a press release, talking about how the economic stimulus bill grew over time. Shortly thereafter, Fox News’ Jon Scott was on the air talking about the package: “We thought we’d take a look back at the bill, how it was born, and how it grew, and grew, and grew.”
As it turns out, Fox News took the Republicans’ materials and aired it, word for word, without telling viewers that the “story” was a creation of Republican officials. It was so blatant, Fox News’ on-screen graphic included the identical typo made in the original GOP document, making it obvious that the network used a party press release as a news script.
Posted by: Ryan C | February 12, 2009, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm
Immaturity at it’s best. So they took their toys and went home. Grown up, this country is not about you!!!
Posted by: sngeorgia | February 12, 2009, 4:53 pm 4:53 pm
Here’s an idea for all you northeasters; Let’s vote on breaking up the US into 3 smaller parts. You can have the entire Northeast from Penn to Maine. We’ll divi up the second part from VA, WVA, NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, TN, KY. Phase III…the entire western US can have trade agreements with the northeast. There are no more UNITED states…that train left the station as of 20 Jan 09 with this new moron as COC. He has no vision, but looks back at Lincoln for his inspiration. No vision…no talent…no integrity..TEAM OBAMA!
Posted by: Mike | February 13, 2009, 9:50 am 9:50 am
Steve, you been drinking to much Koolade neither party can claim not guilty, Dems all the way back to Carter have had their heads in the sand, about free market, and as for Paulson wish they had had to BALLS to say no, not until there was some research done, he was just bailing out his Financial arena cohorts. All of us need to say NO to a bill that has been RAMed down our throats by Dits Brains called the Speaker of the and the Senate Majority Leader. Think about this if something happens to Obsma and Biden, Nancy Pelosi will be our first female president.
Posted by: George of NoWhere | February 13, 2009, 1:51 pm 1:51 pm
Mr. Tapper: I know you don’t get to ask too many questions at the President’s press conferences, but I’ve been asking my congressmen and any others and I haven’t gotten a simple answer yet. I worked for an ‘employee owned’ company – a subchapter S corporation (no Fed taxes) ESOP – and I wonder why I can’t access my funds for another 4 years. I don’t want a handout or a bailout. I would like what I was told was mine. The IRS allows these companies to withhold funds for up to six years. WHY? Isn’t this a time to allow people to take care of themselves if they can? Or are we all going to end up dependent on the government?
Posted by: Dennis Sprague | February 13, 2009, 4:35 pm 4:35 pm
I wonder if anyone will ever get behind the ‘Beltway Curtain’ and see who’s directing this melodramatic extravaganza…Obama is doing the best acting that I have seen in quite some time. I would say Pelosi is unbeatable as best supporting actor. If anyone is screwing up the show it would have to be the script writers and the continuity director.
I will say that I can’t stop watching – every day is like Soap Opera Friday!!
Posted by: DontGet818OnMeNow | February 14, 2009, 2:42 pm 2:42 pm