Gregg: I’ll vote against Porkulus
posted at 2:20 pm on February 13, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
The newly-restored Senator Judd Gregg fired his first salvo at the administration he left today. Gregg announced his opposition to Porkulus, telling reporters that the spending is not well considered:
A day after dropping out of cabinet contention, New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg says he will vote against the $787 billion stimulus package.
Gregg said Friday the package contains a great deal of money that isn’t well spent. He said he can support a robust stimulus package that focuses more on shoring up the real estate market and keeping people in their homes. He said it also should have focused more aggressively on small business tax breaks.
This comes as no great shock after Gregg’s withdrawal yesterday as Commerce Secretary nominee. He cited his dissatisfaction with the stimulus package as one reason for his exit, along with the power play by Rahm Emanuel on the census. Gregg had refused to vote for the bill in the Senate when it was first considered, an abstention widely seen as a passive expression of unhappiness with the Democrats over their insistence on locking out Republicans.
Now, though, Gregg has a lot more credibility after Barack Obama’s selection of him and his own brand of fiscal conservatism, and that means that he can bring more pressure to bear on Porkulus. If Gregg gets vocal enough about these shortcomings, it will be virtually impossible for the media to treat him as some sort of fiscal radical, given Obama’s earlier stamp of approval. He could push his fellow Northeastern Republicans — Olympia Snowe, Susan Collins, and Arlen Specter — into a very tight corner this afternoon.
All he has to do is convince two of the three to force Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, and Obama back to the negotiating table. Can he do it? I’d give it long odds at this point, but we’ll have to wait and see.
Blowback
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Good Man
Wade on February 13, 2009 at 2:22 PM
I say no.
lorien1973 on February 13, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Since “Tio Borracho” Kennedy isn’t voting, he only needs to swing one.
KingGold on February 13, 2009 at 2:24 PM
Gregg is the only hope at the moment. Specter said he’d vote against the bill if it still contained the medical provisions of government intrusion. Well the bill still contains those provisions. Given Specter’s senility….he’ll vote for the bill and claim ignorance. At least a Japanese legislator would have fallen on his sword.
GarandFan on February 13, 2009 at 2:24 PM
Ah. They would crucify him anyway, despite Obama having some confidence in him for the position.
“That is NOT the Gregg I knew!”
Badger40 on February 13, 2009 at 2:24 PM
Extra Peevish and Churlish for $1000, Alex.
Christien on February 13, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Oho! That’s a lovely thought!
One can only hope!
What a brand new start that would make!
Badger40 on February 13, 2009 at 2:25 PM
I guess the analogy that come to mind is, he was so enamored by Ozbama, until he got a peek behind the curtain.
MDWNJ on February 13, 2009 at 2:25 PM
*snort!*
Y-not on February 13, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Jeez, Gregg puts a torpedo into the SS Ogabe yesterday, then circles around and hits it again.
How’s that feelin’, Ogabe?
Bishop on February 13, 2009 at 2:26 PM
Thanks Gregg! Lets pray this doesn’t pass.
L
letget on February 13, 2009 at 2:26 PM
PWNED
Judd Gregg is my new favorite elected official!!
Eat it Rahm.
rockmom on February 13, 2009 at 2:26 PM
Maybe he is super crafty and this was his plan all along.
sammypants on February 13, 2009 at 2:26 PM
C’mon, Three Amigos. Ruin Obama’s Valentine’s Day.
BuckeyeSam on February 13, 2009 at 2:27 PM
Only one of the three, Kennedy won’t be there. And I doubt he’s exerting any influence on the terrible trio.
Trent1289 on February 13, 2009 at 2:27 PM
Barney Frank could not be reached for comment.
(come on..someone had to do it!)
lorien1973 on February 13, 2009 at 2:27 PM
All Gregg can do is very publicly stand against the bill, and try to convince more senators to vote no. With the publicity surrounding his turning down Commerce, at least nobody will ever be able to pretend that he helped damage the US by supporting the pork bill, or voting in favor.
Vashta.Nerada on February 13, 2009 at 2:27 PM
We need Specter.
artist on February 13, 2009 at 2:28 PM
Osama Obama hasn’t met Gregg’s price yet?
Something tells me we shouldn’t rely on this guy. He was awfully subservient to The Messiah yesterday.
MrScribbler on February 13, 2009 at 2:28 PM
Gregg-mentum?
ohiorebel on February 13, 2009 at 2:28 PM
Go Gregg! Slam Obama down!
jencab on February 13, 2009 at 2:28 PM
I have a feeling Gregg knows more then he’s telling us,..Do we have an updated copy of the stiff-us bill?
christene on February 13, 2009 at 2:29 PM
There is an ill wind blowing in the land….Specter, Collins, Snowe. They know there is a fallout coming when this thing fails and AMERICANS will remember who provided the condiments for this Crap Sandwich. What a way to go down in history…”What did you do Grandma and Grandpa, when America was counting on you? Well To tell you the truth kids, We Folded like Cheap lawn furniture.” Nice legacy sellouts.
Dr Evil on February 13, 2009 at 2:29 PM
Yes Artist, we need Specter but I’m afraid we are not going to have him in the “No porkulus bill” column.
clemycali on February 13, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Fox has the house passed it. NO R’s and only 7 D’s voted against it.
L
letget on February 13, 2009 at 2:30 PM
MrScribbler:
You crack me up. You always find the dark cloud behind the silver lining. Your glass isn’t half full, its got water spots on it. The sun will come out tomorrow but we’re all gonna die today!
Vince on February 13, 2009 at 2:31 PM
I’m going to go stimulate the local bar economy until this blows over…
Asher on February 13, 2009 at 2:32 PM
…then drop ‘trou’ and moon Obama and Emanuel.
whitetop on February 13, 2009 at 2:32 PM
WE NEED TO CALL THE HOUSE REPUBLICANS AND THANK THEM ALL!!! THEY NEED TO KNOW WE SUPPORT THEM IN THIER FINEST HOUR!!! AT THE SAME TIME WE CALL THE RNC TO DEMAND REMOVAL OF SPECTER, COLLINS AND SNOWE!!! KICK THEM OUT NOW!!!
Mark Garnett on February 13, 2009 at 2:32 PM
He better say no.
upinak on February 13, 2009 at 2:32 PM
You should never rely on a liberal republican. They’ll screw you every time.
Fletch54 on February 13, 2009 at 2:32 PM
Go, Gregg, Go!
misslizzi on February 13, 2009 at 2:32 PM
Maybe Judd turned The Fool’s own criminal Alinsky tactics against the idiot.
Wouldn’t that be sweet?
notagool on February 13, 2009 at 2:33 PM
Gregg throws Barry under the bus!!!!!! ;)
grapeknutz on February 13, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Good, but unfortunately the Turncoat-3 have already assured its passage.
blue13326 on February 13, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Damn RINOs!
lorien1973 on February 13, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Fox has the house passed it. NO R’s and only 7 D’s voted against it.
letget on February 13, 2009 at 2:30 PM
It was a done deal in the house anyway, but still no R’s jumped ship to this disaster? That is huge. HUGE.
No bipartisan agreement for you, President Ostalin.
Bishop on February 13, 2009 at 2:35 PM
But if Kennedy won’t be there to vote, wouldn’t he just need one of the three, not two?
Abby Adams on February 13, 2009 at 2:35 PM
The good news is that Gregg is one of the few GOP senators who might have a chance with the potato twins Snowe and Collins
phreshone on February 13, 2009 at 2:36 PM
It was a done deal in the house anyway, but still no R’s jumped ship to this disaster? That is huge. HUGE.
clemycali on February 13, 2009 at 2:37 PM
LOL- I have been trying to figure out what to call him, besides Dumbo. I love it.
jewells45 on February 13, 2009 at 2:38 PM
60 votes to cloture, so you are probably right. They need 1 to drop off.
lorien1973 on February 13, 2009 at 2:38 PM
I was never all that enamored with Judd Gregg (seemed like a RINO to me), but now I’m proud to have him as my Senator.
crazy_legs on February 13, 2009 at 2:39 PM
He’ll try for sure but I don’t know if he stands a chance. I might be wrong but I don’t see too much hope that the amazing trio to vote against the bill.
clemycali on February 13, 2009 at 2:39 PM
If Gregg can somehow influence the three idioteers to come to their senses, then it will be the first time since obama was elected that I have been proud of my country.
bilups on February 13, 2009 at 2:39 PM
I simply prefer not to follow the lead of so many here — too often led by Ed — and try to gild steaming piles of dung.
This is not about some fancy little debating point for political junkies to oooh and aaaaah about over their cups of weak tea. This is about the survival of the nation.
And it is past time that people understand the true depths of Osama Obama’s mindless obeisance to failed third-world political systems and the kind of thugocracy that put his Cousin Odinga in power.
MrScribbler on February 13, 2009 at 2:40 PM
Thank you Senator Gregg. You’re to be commended as being one of the few in Washington with true grit, and stainless steel balls.
byteshredder on February 13, 2009 at 2:40 PM
Some Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) is quoting the Bernstein Bears’ The Trouble with Money.
Classic!
Y-not on February 13, 2009 at 2:40 PM
Yes. Without Kennedy and with Gregg they only have 60 votes for it. The three Rs all agreed with Reid to support it under the condition that he could get it to 61 so none of them would be the deciding vote. Reid is scrambling trying to turn another Republican but I don’t think he can.
This is what happens when one party ruthlessly goes after the moderates in the other party. If Elizabeth Dole was still there they might have turned her. If Mike DeWine was still there they almost certainly would have turned him. John Sununu might even have voted for this crap sandwich.
rockmom on February 13, 2009 at 2:41 PM
Why hasn’t Kennedy removed himself from his office? Does he think it is his and his alone?
Sorry for asking such a stupid question.
pedestrian on February 13, 2009 at 2:42 PM
Intresting but how do you know that is the case?
clemycali on February 13, 2009 at 2:42 PM
Roberts is hammering on the discrepency between the money going to NY versus various Midwest states. Oh, and he just highlighted that the healthcare rationing crap is still in the bill. Good job.
Y-not on February 13, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Sununu? No way would he have voted for this. He was one of the most fiscally conservative members of the senate.
Abby Adams on February 13, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Like I said on another thread, instead of a phone call, donate some money to the NRCC. While not much, I donated $10. Let’s make it a news story about how many donations came into the NRCC today.
WashJeff on February 13, 2009 at 2:45 PM
Yes to the second question. JFK had the seat, and had a college friend appointed to hold the seat for Teddy until Teddy reached age 30. Probably has “Kennedy” carved on the back.
To the first, he wants his soon-to-be widow to be appointed to succeed him. She is currently in FL with him.
Wethal on February 13, 2009 at 2:45 PM
Its like Weekend at Bernies. The congressional version.
MDWNJ on February 13, 2009 at 2:46 PM
Well, I guess it’s about time to take my 401k statements out behind the barn and put a bullet in each of them; put them out of their misery.
Bishop on February 13, 2009 at 2:51 PM
Subservient? Because he withdrew and in explaining his decision was classy about it??
Gregg said in part:
“However, it has become apparent during this process that this will not work for me as I have found that on issues such as the stimulus package and the Census there are irresolvable conflicts for me”
Obama and his henchman Emanual weren’t upfront with him. When what Gregg thought would be a position that he could be helpful with and insightful on, became a figurehead position only – he did exactly what he should have done.
I find his withdrawal spot on yet respectful. What a wonderful way to show up the “I WON” party. I’m glad he wasn’t childish or petulant about it. AND NO, I don’t think he’s waiting for a “better price” geez…
ladyhawke53 on February 13, 2009 at 2:51 PM
Anyone know the names of the obstructionist Dem’s who voted against Porkulus Maximus?
Knucklehead on February 13, 2009 at 2:53 PM
Does anyone know how Specter is voting with the health care provisions still in the bill?
Brat4life on February 13, 2009 at 2:54 PM
From AoS:
Democrats who voted against:
Bobby Bright, Alabama
Peter DeFazio, Oregon
Parker Griffith, Alabama
Walt Minnick, Idaho
Collin Peterson, Minnesota
Heath Shuler, North Carolina
Gene Taylor, Mississippi
Y-not on February 13, 2009 at 2:54 PM
Can someone clarify something for me? Do the democrats need 60 votes to pass this thing, or only 50?
t.ferg on February 13, 2009 at 2:54 PM
Anyone know the names of the obstructionist Dem’s who voted against Porkulus Maximus?
Knucklehead on February 13, 2009 at 2:53 PM
Don’t know their given names, but their titles will eventually begin with “Former Congressman”; you stray from the reservation and Pelosi will make sure you get tracked down and punished.
Bishop on February 13, 2009 at 2:56 PM
His prepared statement was good, but I think that he spent too much time praising President Obama during the Q&A follow-up session. I don’t know if you caught that part, but he really bent over backwards saying that he thought Obama was on the right track to fix our economy. By the time he was done, I wasn’t sure how he was planning to vote today.
Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful to him for withdrawing and I would rather err on the side of ‘class’ when it comes to these things, but his presser was more apologetic than it needed to be, imho.
Y-not on February 13, 2009 at 2:57 PM
Collin Peterson, Minnesota
Alright, regardless of the Franken circus, can Minnesota get a weeks reprieve because of this guy?
Bishop on February 13, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Looks like Heath makes a better congressman than he does a quarterback.
CDeb on February 13, 2009 at 2:59 PM
Thanks! I think I’ll send them all Valentines.
Knucklehead on February 13, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Yeah, not the ‘Skins’ best QB.
I didn’t realize he was a Democrat.
Y-not on February 13, 2009 at 3:01 PM
That wasn’t subservience…that was maturity, graciousness and tact.
ladyingray on February 13, 2009 at 3:01 PM
Nor the Saints’.
CDeb on February 13, 2009 at 3:01 PM
Good idea!
And let’s send the rest of the Dems Fanny Mae chocolates…
I’m pretty sure they are on the peanut recall list!
Y-not on February 13, 2009 at 3:02 PM
He was good at Tennessee.
He is a very moderate democrat in a conservative area of NC, which is why the Dems supported him heavily in 2006. They wanted that seat.
ladyingray on February 13, 2009 at 3:04 PM
You are a good guy Senator Gregg.
Mr. Joe on February 13, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Fax Arlen Specter: Fax: 202-228-1229
My fax machine will need a lube job, once this is over.
petefrt on February 13, 2009 at 3:10 PM
Not to mention a certain orifice that we all possess…..
CDeb on February 13, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Not to belabor the point, but here’s the YouTube clip of Judd Gregg’s announcement. His prepared remarks are fine, but then he starts to ramble (he seemed nervous to me so that may be why) and drifts into praise of the president (and his efforts) that seemed unnecessary. They start at 4:30 in this clip.
I’m sure every Dem operative (aka reporter) on the planet is going to be going through this guy’s garbage to see if he, too, bought a tanning bed in order to discredit him, so I certainly don’t blame him for being overly generous in his praise of Obama… but I do think he went past what decorum required.
Y-not on February 13, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Patsy’s off to Rome
Few men display some stone
Expectations of ‘r leaders hot
Giants most of them are not
America, as we knew thee, we moan
Entelechy on February 13, 2009 at 3:21 PM
I will be astonished if this crap sandwich doesn’t pass.
The fix is in. Democrats are shoveling money at their supporters, they are showing themselves to be every bit as incompetent and corrupt as I thought they were.
NoDonkey on February 13, 2009 at 3:23 PM
If he stops Porkulus, and maybe even if he doesn’t…
Gregg for Pres!!
hawksruleva on February 13, 2009 at 3:27 PM
Don’t give up until the final vote is cast. Moderates are a fickle lot, and it’s generally impossible to tell what they’ll do. It usually involves agreeing with the last person who spoke with them ;-)
hawksruleva on February 13, 2009 at 3:34 PM
Kennedy hasn’t resigned because he knows that’s one step closer to bumping into Mary Jo in the green room. And they’re scheduled for two different shows. Too bad the stimulus doesn’t wash away sins.
-T
The Therapist on February 13, 2009 at 3:53 PM
This was on Drudge now. Don’t like the looks of it. Teddy was the 61st. Hope Harry hasn’t flipped Voinovich or Martinez. They’re not running for re-election. Or some other squish folded….
Wethal on February 13, 2009 at 4:06 PM
More Kennedy from RedState.
Perhaps Teddy is going to make a grand entrance.
Wethal on February 13, 2009 at 4:11 PM
What the heck. I have nothing to left to lose, so I say:
The bill goes down to defeat.
Buy Danish on February 13, 2009 at 5:01 PM