Democrats Against the Obama Stimulus Bill By Michael Gibson  [19 more lists]

In February of 2009, freshman Democratic Congressman Bobby Bright broke rank with those in his party by voting against the Stimulus Bill. Bright, who represented Alabama's 2nd congressional district, expressed concerns that there wasn't enough "stimulus" in the stimulus bill. Bright was quoted as saying:

"This bill has been rushed through Congress with little debate or opportunity to offer meaningful changes and as a result, the response from my constituents has been overwhelmingly in opposition to this bill. They have little faith that a nearly $800 billion bill will be worth its tremendous price tag. I share their concerns, and I have not been convinced that this is the right -- and necessary – action to take for the f*ture of America."

Longtime Oregon Democratic Congressman Pete DeFazio stood out among those in his party in voting down President Obama's economic stimulus bill, in part because of his status as a known liberal and a member of the Progressive Caucus. The decision was a real shocker for some. DeFazio later said, "I couldn't justify borrowing money for tax cuts." He was also upset that money earmarked for things like education and infrastructure was cut from the bill's final version.

Parker Griffith is a former congressman representing the 5th congressional district of Alabama. Griffith was a Blue Dog Coalition Democrat until December of 2009 - when he changed parties (ultimately losing the Republican primary the following year). While still a Democrat, Parker voted down both versions of President Obama's economic stimulus bill. Of his decision, he said:

"We need to jumpstart our economy and create new jobs, but this bill does not do enough to cut taxes, support small businesses or invest in our research and development programs."

In February of 2009, former Idaho Democratic Congressman Walt Minnick decided to vote "nea" on the Obama stimulus bill. Minnick, who represented Idaho's 1st congressional district for just one term, stood by his decision, saying, "The consequences of this bill will be painful and possibly harsh for those tasked with the burden of paying for what has been passed today."

Longtime Minnesota Democratic Congressman Collin Peterson joined a handful of fellow Dems in voting down President Obama's economic stimulus package. Peterson, a member of the Blue Dog Coalition and the representative for the state's 7th congressional district, said the bill was "flawed" and that he didn't think the package would "solve the problem." Said Peterson, "I would have been in favor of borrowing money if it was going to go to actual infrastructure projects, or for unemployment and food stamps."