Mitch McConnell raises the white flag on stimulus bill

It would seem Mitch McConnell is ready to raise the white flag on the democrats stimulus bill. I think most Americans believe some kind of stimulus package should be passed by the new Congress. However, most of what the Democrats and Obama have proposed would not do anything for the economy for years. They have proposed massive pork barrel spending for public works projects that will not even have the ground broken in 2009. How can you stimulate the economy this year by spending money in 2010 or 2011? We need a stimulus bill that will pump money into the economy immediately. I think a payroll tax cut, car purchase tax rebate and a tax rebate to home owners would be some items that would have a quick impact.

McConnell says GOP could back stimulus
By J. Taylor Rushing
Posted: 01/04/09 12:56 PM [ET]

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Sunday said an economic stimulus plan could receive “significant support” from Republicans if Democratic leaders include the GOP and don’t rush the bill.

The Senate GOP leader suggested on ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” that Republicans will decide their legislative strategy based on how Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) runs the process. If Reid and his aides allow Republican input, McConnell indicated that a stimulus plan could receive as many as 80 votes in the chamber.

“If they pursue a fair process...and give both sides an opportunity to have input, to have a true bipartisan stamp, he’s likely to get significant support,” McConnell said of a broad stimulus plan supported by President-elect Obama. “I don't think that they even seriously can defend... doing this without bipartisan consideration.” Link here.