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Obama to Market Stimulus Plan

Republicans hoping to delay bill may filibuster

By Gabriel Winant, Newser User

Posted Dec 31, 2008 2:10 PM CST

(Newser) – The incoming Obama administration plans to launch a nationwide political push for a quick passage of his $775 billion economic stimulus plan, the Los Angeles Times reports. Says adviser David Axelrod: “There shouldn't be endless debate about it.” Republicans acknowledge that they can’t stop his plan, but they hope to delay and modify it.

“They've not contacted us about putting together this package,” says a spokesman for House Republican leader John Boehner. But the threat of a filibuster looms in the Senate if the Republicans aren’t consulted. A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says, “In the end it depends on what kind of cooperation we get from Republicans.”

[Images (4)]

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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Nov. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

In this Dec. 19, 2008, file photo, President-elect Barack Obama speaks at a news conference in Chicago. Obama will inherit the worst economic conditions in three generations. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

In this Dec. 26, 2008 file photo, President-elect Barack Obama, leaves with some shaved ice at the Koko Marina Shopping Center in Hawaii Kai, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson, File)

Reviewing stands are built as Preparations continue for President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

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They want transparency and oversight and to know that the stuff that's being invested in is a wise investment. But it shouldn't take so long as to allow the economy to continue to slide down. - David Axelrod, Obama adviser

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Obama to Market Stimulus Plan