Barack Obama's pork-stuffed $825 billion stimulus bill passed the House this evening, but it didn't gain a single vote of support from the GOP. Not a one. The Republicans complete unwillingness to vote for the bill is a blow to the new President, who spent a considerable amount of time on Capitol Hill this week lobbying for votes. Obama failed miserably. The controversial spending package passed entirely with Democratic votes. 11 Democrats crossed party lines to oppose the bill with Republicans, which has prompted the the GOP to tell media, "the only bipartisanship was in opposition to this bill," as Rep. Mike Pence (R.-Ind.) in a statement. It should be noted that the new House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R.-Va.), who is in charge of corralling and as his title dictates, whipping votes, surely played lead role in this feat. Now the bill will be sent to the Senate, where Obama said he'd like to see 80 senators vote for the bill. That may be difficult. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell seems to be following the House GOP's lead. He issued a statement after the House vote titled "Bipartisan rejection of a partisan plan."
