The Republican party, just like the Democratic party is looking out for #1:
Themselves.
Rep. Phil Gingrey blasted the federal stimulus program before voting against it in February, predicting its chances of success were “slim and none” and that it would worsen the national debt.
But that didn’t stop the Republican from presenting an oversized check for $625,000 in federal stimulus funds to Cedartown officials this month for new downtown sidewalks, landscaping and other streetscape improvements. A photo of him holding the check with Cedartown officials appeared on the front page of The Cedartown Standard newspaper Oct. 8. The check was signed “Uncle Sam.”
Gingrey isn’t the only Republican congressman to oppose the stimulus program and then later associate himself with the spending from it. Georgia Rep. Jack Kingston’s office has been sending out news releases announcing federal funding for his constituents without mentioning the money comes from the stimulus program. And The Associated Press reported in August that the state’s Republican senators, Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, asked Defense Secretary Robert Gates to steer $50 million in stimulus money to a constituent’s bioenergy project. Gates didn’t do it, the AP reported.
The Republicans say that while they opposed the stimulus bill, it is now the law and they must look out for their constituents and support worthy projects. Democrats say they are trying to have it both ways.
“It is hypocritical that they rail against the stimulus package and then are somehow trying to take credit for it or take advantage of it,” said Jane Kidd, chairwoman of the Georgia Democratic Party. (more…)
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