There is now an open effort afoot to form a “Gang” of Republicans to vote in favor of the Stimulus Bill when it hits the Senate floor. Not that this is surprising, nor that it hasn’t been going on for quite some time privately. We can take advantage of this news by making sure that the named Senators hear our voices loud and clear. The ringleader of this effort is Democrat Ben Nelson of Nebraska. He has styled himself as a bipartisan peacemaker, having formed the disastrous Gang of 14, and is aiming for a repeat performance. He announced on Fox News that he has invited some Republican colleagues to his office to discuss the stimulus bill. Among those colleagues are moderate Susan Collins of Maine and Bob Corker of Tennessee.
Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb
(202) 224-6551
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine
Staffer says she has not publicly released a statement of position.
(202) 224-2523
Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn.
Staffer says if bill goes to Senate floor “in it’s current form” (4:25 pm Friday) he will vote no.
(202) 224-3344
For those of you who favor email, if you live outside of these senator’s home states, you must call. Emails sent from non-constituents are ignored and only have impact based on volume received. Telephone calls cannot be screened based on constituency. Call and give their staffers an earful.
Need a script? How about this:
I am calling to insist that Senator Collins/Corker not capitulate to the Democrats on the Stimulus Bill. She/he was elected to office as a Republican and I demand that she/he represent Republican principles of fiscal responsibility and small government before the Senate. The voters will not forget her/his decision on this issue.
For Senator Nelson:
I am calling to insist that Senator Nelson cease from trying to influence Republican law makers in their decision over the Stimulus Bill. Those Senators were duly elected by voters who wanted REPUBLICAN representation in congress. His effort is an effort to override our democratic system of fair representation.
Be bold. Call now. Give ‘em hell.
These REPUBLICAN Senators just voted yes to raising your taxes during a recession to provide health care for non-poor, non-children. Add them to your call list.
Collins (R-ME)
Corker (R-TN)
Alexander (R-TN)
Staffer says he will vote no.
(202) 224-4944
Hutchison (R-TX)
Staffer says she will vote no.
(202) 224-5922
Lugar (R-IN)
Staffer says he has not publicly released a statement of position.
202) 224-4814
Martinez (R-FL)
Staffer says he has not publicly released a statement of position.
(202) 224-3041
Murkowski (R-AK)
Staffer says she has not publicly released a statement of position.
(202) 224-6665
Snowe (R-ME)
Staffer says she has not publicly released a statement of position.
(202) 224-5344
Specter (R-PA)
Staffer says she has not publicly released a statement of position.
(202) 224-4254
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1 Comment
January 30, 2009 at 5:10 pm
[...] For the record, here is the relevant text of my original post: [...]