So, now the fight is whether there are 41 or so Democrats to stand against a republican substiute

[bigtree]

With the news that republicans in the House are refusing to meet with Democrats and are fashioning their own legislation, the battle is shaping up like Iraq votes in the past where Democratic legislation fails and republican alternatives passed (albeit without Bush's sig).

A similar skirmish just played out in the Senate where Democratic stimulus legislation fell and a republican alternative is waiting for weak-willed defectors to advance it to Bush's desk.

It only takes 41 votes to sustain a filibuster against any republican replacement bailout legislation. That's what's going to be required from the Democrats if republicans manage to find 41 or so of their own to stand against any Democratic-oriented bill.

[whistle]

1. These are Newt Gingrich style GOP obstructionist tactics...a taste

...of the next four years

[godai]

2. So, they're perhaps working on a 'McCain inspired' substitute?

Could this be the scheme to get credit for McCain for a deal?

[bigtree]

5. looks that way

Although I wouldn't expect a bill to emerge from committee, either in the House or the Senate, I've been fooled before, like on FISA and Pelosi. It all depends on how much momentum there is politically to pass a bill.

I really don't sense a great deal of urgency out in the hinderlands for a bailout, but there is anxiety about mortgages. Maybe they'll back down and address some of the 'Main Street issues up front and leave the rest to stew for a while.

[mmonk]

3. No to a republican bill.

[PA Democrat]

4. The Republican bill is more tax cuts and more deregulation.

What's not to like about that? It's worked so well in the past! :sarcasm:

[mmonk]

6. Yep. Putting out fire with gasoline.

[snot]

7. k&r'd.

[Marrah_G]

8. Good to see you Bigtree!

:hug:

[bigtree]

9. hey there

talkin' 'bout a revolution ;)

[Marrah_G]

12. shhhhhhhhhhh

it sounds like a whisper.....

[adamuu]

10. No. Barney Frank said this will not be a partisan bill

there has to be some Rethugs voting for it
or no deal.
He reminded everyone that the R Pres proposed this whole thing.

[bigtree]

11. that's in the House

. . . and we've been burned before on FISA waiting for the House to stand in the way, only to be blindsided by some half-assed compromise.

I could see the Senate deciding to move both Democratic and republican bills to the floor in their 'stacked vote' procedure where the republican alternative comes out on top. It all depends on whether Democrats feel compelled to move some kind of legislation. If they do, it looks like they'll have to face a republican alternative. At least that's what the Boehner gang looks to be cooking up.