GOP blasts Ritter over 'junket'
By Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published February 6, 2009 at 11:13 a.m.
Updated February 6, 2009 at 4:02 p.m.
Senate Republicans blasted Gov. Bill Ritter on Friday, accusing him of going on a junket to support a bloated stimulus package.
Ritter's spokesman, Evan Dreyer, blasted right back, calling the criticism "nothing more than political posturing."
The governor's trip to the East Coast lasted less than 24 hours.
"We don't have time for this nonsense," Dreyer said. "In case they hadn't noticed, the country's in a recession."
Ritter is one of four Democratic governors invited to a Democratic Congressional retreat in Williamsburg, Va.
Dreyer said Ritter left for the retreat Thursday night and was scheduled to fly back Friday afternoon.
"I hope you will reconsider your decision to support the so-called stimulus package and, more importantly, your decision to attend — and thus endorse — this junket," Senate Republicans wrote in a letter initiated by Sen. Ted Harvey, R-Highlands Ranch.
"It's bad enough that you plan to lobby for passage of this stimulus package, whose price tag has now grown to more than $1 trillion ... . But for you to join congressional Democrats on this taxpayer-funded vacation at a time when millions of Americans are losing their jobs sends an even more destructive message to the people of our state," Republicans wrote.
The trip was paid for by the House Democratic Caucus, which receives taxpayer money.
"This is not some three-day junket," Dreyer said. "The governor was invited by the speaker of the House and House leadership. He's the only governor west of the Mississippi to be invited."
The other governors attending are David Paterson of New York, Ted Strickland of Ohio and Beverly Perdue of North Carolina.
President Barack Obama singled Ritter out when he addressed retreat goers Thursday night.
"This plan will provide sensible tax relief for the struggling middle class, and unemployment insurance and continued health care coverage for those who've lost their jobs," Obama said.
"And it will help prevent our states and local communities — it will help Governor Ritter and Governor Strickland (of Ohio) not have to lay off firefighters and teachers and police. Because when they get laid off, not only do we lose services, but maybe they can't make payments on their home. Maybe they get foreclosed on and the economy goes down further."
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February 6, 2009
11:38 a.m.
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Squatch writes:
As they should, dont cry to me about needing to raise gas taxes and car registrations (just to name a few) then piss the money we've already given you away.
This clown needs to be voted out next election.
February 6, 2009
11:54 a.m.
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wolf writes:
Hey, Squatch. The STORY itself says that the trip was paid for by the House Democratic caucus. So he'd only piss away your money if you've written a check to the DCCC. Sounds unlikely, but you are free to stop contributing to Democratic congressional candidates.
February 6, 2009
11:55 a.m.
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fmikey writes:
Usual scare tactics by Obama - firefighters, police, teachers - the triumvirate of the political left and the unions...Never any talk about laying off some of the drones in the bureaucracy, the dead wood and non-producers which are rife in our system. Always an appeal to emotion.
How can we respect this guy and people like him?
(We'd be interested to know what Ritter's contribution to this meeting was...did he just sit and watch, or bring anything to the table, or was he just included as a western token.....?).
February 6, 2009
11:57 a.m.
Triumph writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
February 6, 2009
12:13 p.m.
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bkins writes:
Geez, I wish people would learn to read articles before they comment on them:
"The trip was paid for by the House Democratic Caucus and not by Colorado taxpayers."
The Republican counterpart is the House Republican Conference, which routinely conducts the same type of events, designed to ensure members of each party are on the same page. No tax-payer dollars are involved; each conference or caucus is funded by contributions to the parties.
"It's bad enough that you plan to lobby for passage of this stimulus package, whose price tag has now grown to more than $1 trillion ... . But for you to join congressional Democrats on this taxpayer funded vacation at a time when millions of Americans are losing their jobs send an even more destructive message to the people of our state," Republicans wrote.
Those comments were irresponsible and incorrect.
February 6, 2009
12:15 p.m.
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Squatch writes:
"The STORY itself says that the trip was paid for by the House Democratic caucus."
Maybe they should put this money to a better use then. You'd be throwing a Sh#t fit if the boosters at your kids high school raised money for a new score board when the school knew it really needed text books.
February 6, 2009
12:27 p.m.
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Truthiness writes:
SlamDunk you were making valid points until you degenerated into racist crap.
February 6, 2009
12:30 p.m.
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the_ripper writes:
Ritter the One-Term-Wonder!
February 6, 2009
12:33 p.m.
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flyboyjoe writes:
How about BOTH political parties turning over their post election war funds to the general public?
Yea, right...........
About as likely to happen as term limits in the US congress and senate.
February 6, 2009
12:37 p.m.
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jbowen43 writes:
The country is facing the worst economic crisis in our lifetime, a crisis caused by the failed policies of the republicans and all they can think to do is play politics. Playing politics when peoples lives and futures are at stake is the worst kind of cynical behavior. Our governor is doing all he can to save our educational system, all he can to save jobs, and the republicans are doing nothing, as usual. Who votes for those clowns anyway?
February 6, 2009
12:40 p.m.
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Dick_Tater writes:
No tax dollars spent! That is a good one. While DC might be picking up the tab for the plane and hotel, we're paying this clowns salary. You don't need a free vacation, people are hurting right here in your state. Feel free to support it from the state you represent and please for G's sake GET TO WORK!
February 6, 2009
12:49 p.m.
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flyboyjoe writes:
"The country is facing the worst economic crisis in our lifetime, a crisis caused by the failed policies of the republicans"
Sounds like a campaign speech - ever think that BOTH parties and in many cases privatre industry are reaponsible for this mess?!?
February 6, 2009
12:57 p.m.
GoldenKid writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
February 6, 2009
1:09 p.m.
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shanester writes:
"The trip was paid for by the House Democratic Caucus and not by Colorado taxpayers."
Umm... before you assume there's no taxpayer funds there, maybe you should confirm they don't take any taxpayer $$.
These are politicians we are talking about, remember? They love to spend YOUR money.
February 6, 2009
1:22 p.m.
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bobby_b writes:
Sorry, Evan. The fact that we're in a recession is even more reason why Ritter shouldn't be wasting money like this.
February 6, 2009
1:37 p.m.
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666 writes:
Ritter's not wasting the money, the House Democratic Caucus is. Just like their Republican counterparts, who love to spend taxpayer money but will criticise any Democrat that does it. Neither party should be doing things like this, especially when they're asking taxpayers to pull themselves out of this morass.
I agree with GBs idea of teleconferencing (and not just because I'm a telecom employee!). This is the 21st freakin century...no one HAS to take a plane to attend a meeting, unless it's on some volcanic atoll in the middle of the Pacific or something (and even then, we still have satellite).
Funny how fmikey accuses Obama of scare tactics. It was the previous regime that wanted us to believe that "Hitler was plotting with the Legion of Doom to assassinate Jesus," and "Darth Vader was buying yellowcake uranium from unwed teenage mothers", and that's why we should vote patriotic according to the Bush-Cheney Formula of Patrioticalizing.
February 6, 2009
1:39 p.m.
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vudumom writes:
The Democratic retreat is being paid for by taxpayers. It is held every year. The Republicans had theirs 2 weeks ago but did not use taxpayer money.
February 6, 2009
1:56 p.m.
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LockNLoad writes:
So, we are going to believe a Ritter spokesman that this was paid for by DCCC?
Yeah, right!
I'm sure we got soaked for everything from the parking at DIA to the minibar charges to the late night entertainment (wink, wink).
February 6, 2009
1:58 p.m.
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666 writes:
Oh, I stand corrected. The GOP retreat was paid for by lobbyists. And I'm sure that the $25k per lobbyist had no effect on the decision making process at all.
It's hard to say which is worse, taking a "working" vacation at taxpayer expense, or doing it on special interest money.
February 6, 2009
2:11 p.m.
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rushrulesbaby writes:
Tax Ritter rides again! Hi-Ho Silver (gold and platinum cards too!). Yahoooooo, those tax-payin' pards of mine will see why I need to git more money! Yeeeee Hawwwww!!!
Tax Ritter, we can't wait until you ride into the sunset!
February 6, 2009
2:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
LockNLoad writes:
jbowen43
Yes, the country is facing the worst economic situation right now, and you'r right it is not time for politics as usual.
And Nobama and the Dems shoudl realize this when they proposed a $900 billion spending package that is mostly pure political pork that will not create jobs and stimulate the economy.
Finally, the GOP has found a spine and is standing up to this massive political special interest payoff bill proposed by this sorry excuse for a leader; Nobama.
February 6, 2009
2:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
cowboy69 writes:
Keep in mind that Ritter maybe the only govenor west of the Mississippi to attend but he also an Obama puppet that is determined to sell the sole of Colorado citizens to socialism.
February 6, 2009
2:17 p.m.
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AC writes:
GenBalthus writes: "Funny how Colorado can't be bothered to enforce federal immigration law ..."
Uh, sport, states don't enforce federal laws.
"but Colorado's governor can take time off to go stick his nose in a Federal budget issue."
The issue is stimulus money coming to the states.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled off-balance rightard rant.
February 6, 2009
2:20 p.m.
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bitwranglers writes:
Listen up all you whiners - the recession is only for the unwashed masses. Yes, that's you! It's only a strong sense of noblesse oblige that our betters must gather to determine how to spend our money for our recession.
February 6, 2009
2:31 p.m.
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moneybags writes:
Actually, the DCCC and the House Democratic Caucus are two totally different things. The DCCC is funded by political donations -- but the House Democratic Conference is part of the annual legislative branch appropriation, which is funded 100% by taxpayers.
Don't believe me? Then believe the Associated Press
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/a...
February 6, 2009
2:36 p.m.
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moneybags writes:
WASHINGTON (AP) — Members of Congress were quick to shame corporate executives for over-the-top extravagance during the economic crisis, flying private jets and taking luxury junkets. But some lawmakers are strolling fancy resorts spending tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars and mingling with lobbyists.
"We're very mindful" of perceptions, House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Larson told reporters Thursday camped outside of the sprawling Kingsmill Resort & Spa in Williamsburg, Va., where House Democrats spent about $100,000 on their three-day annual retreat. "It's serious and it's from morning till night. We've been dwelling, rightfully, on the economy," said Larson, D-Conn....Democrats spend taxpayer money on their retreat but do not permit lobbyists to accompany them. The public pays for a charter train from Washington to Williamsburg for many of the 200 members who attend, as well as conference rooms, security and catering….Catered dinners at Kingsmill cost at least $60 per person. Kingsmill's rooms at this time of year start at $119 a night. Democrats will not disclose the exact costs of this year's retreat, though group discounts for travel, food and lodging are common....Republicans spend no public money on their retreat, which occurred last month at the historic Homestead resort in Hot Springs, Va., spokesman Matt Lloyd said.
....Maybe some of you guys should do a little research before you mindlessly defend Ritter, and criticize Republicans.
February 6, 2009
2:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
Cel writes:
vudumom writes:
The Democratic retreat is being paid for by taxpayers. It is held every year. The Republicans had theirs 2 weeks ago but did not use taxpayer money.
Where can I find proof of this statement?
February 6, 2009
2:41 p.m.
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moneybags writes:
Here's the link directly to the AP story that I cut and pasted above.
Feel free to read it yourself.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/a...
February 6, 2009
2:42 p.m.
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bobdylanindenver writes:
Ritter is an aweful governor.
February 6, 2009
2:47 p.m.
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moneybags writes:
And I wonder who paid for Ritter's travel to this entirely Democratic shindig....
BTW, what exactly are Ritter and the House Dems accomplishing with this little $100,000 taxpayer funded "rah rah" session? Last time I checked, House Dems had already supported this $1 trillion-plus, porkloaded gravy-train of a stimulus bill all the way through the House of Representatives. Do they really need a Democrat governor from Colorado (who also supports it) to come "lobby" them on it at a five-star Golf and Spa resort?
I think we need a little adult supervision in Congress, and the Colo Governors Mansion
February 6, 2009
2:59 p.m.
Suggest removal
Cel writes:
moneybags writes:
Here's the link directly to the AP story that I cut and pasted above.
Feel free to read it yourself.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/a...
The story would be credible if he could quote a source, but OK. I don't know if I'd believe anything coming from the press though. I was actually wondering if anyone out there has a link to an actual House or Senate financial disclosure or something like that instead of one party spitting at the other.
February 6, 2009
3:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
moneybags writes:
Cel, i hear you. it would be one thing if it was a conspiratorial source like worldnetdaily or the NY Times (which has been drilled for fabricating stories several times) -- but this is AP. i tend to trust AP as pretty reputable.
February 6, 2009
3:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
Himtngal writes:
Ritter must be voted out of office. He places illegal aliens above Colorado citizens. Just look at what he tried to do to ICE Agent Cory Voorhis. Governor Ag Trespass won't be able to shake his
open borders, pro-amnesty agenda in the next election. It's time to get this guy voted out of office and I suggest we start now. His giving it all to illegals mentality is ripping off Colorado residents. Just how much money does Colorado give to illegals? Now, that will be telling.
February 6, 2009
3:19 p.m.
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Lowtaxequalsfreedom writes:
Scared straight.
How about scared socialism.
That is what this is all about. Scare you enough to get you to accept socialism.
February 6, 2009
3:24 p.m.
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303Centennial writes:
Tax Ritter raises your taxes to stay in 5 star hotels. What the heck do you mean political posturing....it is what it is and how can anyone with an ounce of common sense not realize this reality.
February 6, 2009
3:28 p.m.
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303Centennial writes:
The other piece of this is Obama is losing support his own party. Again, reality is reality regardless of what kind of picture and intimidation is used. Managing the Country through fear will not work. The good American People are strong and smarter than Obama and the DEM leaders give them credit.
February 6, 2009
3:46 p.m.
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HankReardon writes:
And now for something completely different, it's...
http://www.sloshspot.com/blog/01-24-2...
February 6, 2009
4:01 p.m.
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FCZ writes:
Ritter should start reversing some of his stupid executive orders.
Giving unions lots of stuff got Ritter this and other junkets.
More to come.
The taxpayers and real workers will now suffer even more.
February 6, 2009
4:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
SanctuaryCity writes:
You all realize that tax critter is the worst govenor that Colorado has ever had. The liberals today are going to destroy your way of life. Nationally, the current pelosi's, Franks', Dodd's, Reid's & a host of others are taking you, your kids and grandchildren futures away. They have created the mess the country's in today. They want the doom & gloom as it plays in their plans to control and make you all dependent on the government. They are full speed ahead to socialism with their chosen puppet to instill fear.
There is NO road to recover with the mounting trillions. Since the democrats don't report their income until caught, that means you have to pay more in you can find a job. PERIOD
February 6, 2009
4:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
HankReardon writes:
What's the matter SanctuaryCity, did they cancel your retreat in Vegas?
February 6, 2009
4:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
KW writes:
You folks saying this wasn't paid for with any taxpayer dollars... Did you miss this part of the story?
"The trip was paid for by the House Democratic Caucus, which receives taxpayer money."
Reread those last four words again if you still think this wasn't paid for by us.
February 6, 2009
4:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
JayRoy writes:
I wonder how many times this article can be misquoted by comment writers, right below the article. Please re-read it: It reads "The trip was paid for by the House Democratic Caucus, which RECEIVES taxpayer money."
February 6, 2009
4:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
KW writes:
Cel - voodoomom is correct. The reps had their party a couple weeks ago, it was paid for by lobbyists. But before you go screaming "loooooobbbbbyyyyyyists???" ask yourself this question:
Why is it OK for the dems to spend our money on this party? The lobbyists used to pay for the dems too, but this year the dems wanted to show they aren't cozy with lobbyists anymore... so they decided to use taxpayer dollars instead.
As if that makes everything all better.
February 6, 2009
4:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
conniesz writes:
As someone who does contribute to the Democratic party - I want that money used to further the causes my party believes in.
If Governor Ritter can help get the president's stimulus package packed, they used my money exactly the way I wanted them to. And just incase you've all forgotten - political contributions aren't tax deductable so every dollar used to send Ritter to this conference was a post tax dollar.
I predict we will have a stimulus package signed by the president before the President's Day break - with or with any Republicans voting for it.
February 6, 2009
4:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
conniesz writes:
Oops - yes tax dollars are used for Ritter's one night stay at the conference - I guess I need to take a remedial reading class.
That doesn't change the fact that I still approve of the trip - it just means the Dem Caucus can choose to spend their portion of the caucus funds however they want - as can the Republicans with their funds.
The stimulus will pass. For those of you who seem to not understand economics, may I suggest Paul Krugman's column of today - unless, of course, a Nobel winning economist isn't authority enough for you. He doesn't think there is enough spending in the bill - if he's right, cutting it even a little will surely doom us.
February 6, 2009
5:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
KW writes:
If Krugman wasn't so partisan he might be worth reading but so far that hasn't happened. And being a nobel winner doesn't mean you are some super intelligent compassionate bipartisan. Check the list of other winners and you'll see what I mean. Al Gore, Yasser Arafat and Nelson Mandela are not what most people consider to be good company.
February 6, 2009
6:44 p.m.
Suggest removal
Lowtaxequalsfreedom writes:
conniesz,
Who won the Noble laureate in economics for the year 1974 and the year 1976?
February 6, 2009
7:04 p.m.
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Ender writes:
Thanks KW,
I was wondering if the story had been changed since the first post.
February 6, 2009
7:44 p.m.
Suggest removal
MorticiaA writes:
Look I don't like the Guy and would not trust him with the worms in a bait bucket but this nightmare is going to pass and if we get a little extra for the state because Ritter has a overnighter with BO then oh well. It will give him less ammo when he ties to stick us with more taxes to fund road projects and hire more Cops.
February 6, 2009
8:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
Lowtaxequalsfreedom writes:
Morticia,
We should get every penny the Coloradans have paid in Federal tax returned to us. There is nothing wrong with getting what was ours.
Will the State reduce tax rates to offset the difference?
February 6, 2009
10:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
Mike846 writes:
There's so much pork in this bill its hard to tell where fat meets the fire. $800 million plus for STD education? What's that going to stimulate? What jobs is that going to create? If you read the whole thing, a lot of the stuff won't even hit the economy in any form for two to five years. The Democrats better get what they can, when they can. At the next mid-terms, the general public will have seen the bloom come off the "Messiah's" rose and have watched a total of four years of Reid/Pelosi. That ought to do it. Unless of course by then the Dems have gotten most of the 30 million illegal aliens on the voter rolls. Hide and watch, folks. There's a bill in the House already to take your guns, another bill marked up that will take away all parental rights when it comes to your childs health care, including outlawing parental notification of abortions, and a third bill that will basically reinstate the "fairness doctrine" to eliminate Conservative radio and television from the debate. Hide and watch, those of you who voted for these Leftist radicals; you'll be the first one's they put on the cattle cars once they've made it legal. Mike
February 7, 2009
12:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
chucky3 writes:
I am not surprised by the irresponsible actions of Ritter, only by the shocked looks I see on everyones face. Every aspect of Government From D.C. all the way to our homes in Denver is controlled by the Socialist Left, Yes, I said it, SOCIALIST!!!
Well fellow citizens, or should I say comrads, welcome to the USSA, if we don't get our heads out of our backsides before next election, we will be eating rice and beans in our shacks while the Governor, Pelosi, and Mr. Obama keep eating Prime Rib (or expensive Tofu) at their 5 start hotels. Oh wait... thats already happening.
February 7, 2009
1:28 a.m.
Suggest removal
Ashen writes:
This is nothing, the GOP is just reaching and desperate because they know they are dwindling and crumbling. They are just trying to save face and seem like they have some set of ethics and morals left. I mock at this considering what Palin is in the news for today and one of McCain's former aides just got arrested for LOL. Palin has been charged with contempt and is facing prison and impeacement and McCain's aide was arrested for child molestation...and all this happened today !! HAHAHAH!!
Geesh man, the Republicans are the biggest jokes in the world now, they need to throw in the towel before they eat themselves to death with their own corruption! It is about time they faltered anyway. This world needs to move toward more of a socialist unified lean anyway and away from this religious, right wing, we are right and you are wrong crap!
GOBAMA!!!
February 7, 2009
8:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
slocatch writes:
A very differn't approach to doing business is taken when it's not on your dime. . A typical small business owner would have accomplish these tasks via electronic tech. It would just be another day at the office. Many of us have been reduced to 3rd world standards by the same persons actions or lack of in dealing with our fugative illegals. It's like Mexico prior to USA with issues that effect the common citizen the most. Like I can't hear you. Wish they would take care of us, like our defenders of freedom have, past and present.
February 7, 2009
10:13 a.m.
Suggest removal
coloradoborn56 writes:
Gotta love Gov. Tax Ritter
February 7, 2009
5:27 p.m.
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mikemikemom writes:
Wow, do I smell a lot of fear in the "GOP, repubs, right-winger, religious right" group now. It's absolutely amazing to me that this many people can seriously say that all of the economic stuff that is happening today is the Democrat's fault, that Obama is a fear-monger (that one really gets me! remember that little fiasco in Iraq? the one that Bush/Cheney said was necessary for the safety of the entire world?), and that the GOP are the only ones who can save us now. If I recall, Pres. Obama was sworn in and took office LAST MONTH. It's a bit difficult to believe that everything that's happening now is his fault. And, if the stimulus package is so awful that no Republicans can vote for it, where are their good ideas? Or can they only gripe about this one?
February 7, 2009
7 p.m.
Suggest removal
slocatch writes:
mikemikemom, I heard the same comments when Bush took over from Clinton. How about a new one, in front of the unemployment lines are about 30 million fugative illegals.
February 8, 2009
8 a.m.
Suggest removal
HowieStupid writes:
When Bush took office the stock markets dived, and he went on vacation. At least now we have a president that is actually working, and the stock markets are up.
The GOP bought Palin all those nice things, and a Brazilian made multimillion dollar jet, and I see they are still trying to get teachers and firefighters out of work too.
Those rich folks in Highlands Ranch, just don't want to see the middle class get any tax breaks.
February 8, 2009
2:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
slocatch writes:
Howie,the stocks hit all time highs under Bush.
February 10, 2009
9:31 a.m.
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NightTwister writes:
Too bad Colorado is 48th in money coming back to the State from this spending bill. These clowns aren't even good at bringing pork back home. I hope Coloradans are happy to be supporting all this spending in the other States.