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Dems Don't Like Obama Tax Cuts

Hill leaders doubt plan's stimulus power, say prez-elect trying too hard to woo GOP

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 9, 2009 5:35 AM CST

(Newser) – Barack Obama's proposed tax cuts are opening a rift with his former congressional colleagues, the Hill reports. Democratic lawmakers are skeptical as to whether the cuts—which are 40% of the proposed stimulus package—will give the economy the necessary boost. Some think the president-elect is trying too hard to win over Republicans, who remain largely unswayed by the plan.

“I’m not excited about that," said Sen. John Kerry of the proposed $3,000 employer tax credit for new hires, a sentiment echoed by others who noted the poor track record of tax initiatives in reviving rapidly falling economies. Behind the scenes, Obama's top advisers huddled with congressional Democrats to address their concerns. The plan is still "a work in progress," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

Senate Majority leader Harry Reid pauses during a news conference following a meeting with President-elect Barack Obama on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, Jan. 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

"I think they may be doing too much tax-cutting and not enough direct spending from the standpoint of immediate job creation," said House Financial Services Committee Chairman Rep. Barney Frank. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

"I'm not excited about that," said Sen. John Kerry when asked about Obama's proposed tax credit for new hires. (AP Photo/George Abdaladze, File)

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People are plenty skeptical, and I don't care what the administration is, there’s going to be a lot more pushback. - Sen. Kent Conrad (N.D.), a Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee and chairman of the Budget Committee

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 5 comments

Caps

Jan 8, 2009 9:42 PM CST

RichardF, I agree with you. It looks like as least give Obama a chance before judging him, he is not even in office yet. It seems they should see that the last 8 years have been nothing short of a mess. Quit being such a sore loser, and get use to it. He is going to be your Commander-in-Chief for the next 4 years an probably 8 years.

DavoMax

Jan 8, 2009 9:17 PM CST

Agreed. When is someone else going to offer up an idea instead of panning EVERYTHING that the new pres proposes? Brilliant plan or not, at least the guy is throwing some ideas out there. Do Obama's fellow democrats have anything to offer besides "No, that ain't gonna work". My suggestion to them is, "take your dump or get off the pot" the country can't wait for you.

Guest

Jan 8, 2009 9:10 PM CST

Duh. I approve of the tax cut proposal, but one would hope that the party in charge would have some sort of united front in dealing with the issue. It's bad enough the dumbocrats are in power; it's worse that they seem to already be bickering amongst themselves. At least choose a path and follow it. This is just one example of how they only care for their own little fiefdoms and not a whit for the country as a whole. I would at least give BHO credit for thinking about the nation.

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Dems Don't Like Obama Tax Cuts