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Auto Plan Drives GOP in Different Directions

Parochial concerns results in a less-than-unified response

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 31, 2009 8:46 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Republicans were caught off guard by Obama’s auto moves yesterday, and they responded in wildly different ways, Politico reports. Some complained the president hadn’t been hard enough on GM and Chrysler, while others groused that he’d been harder on them than he’d been on Wall Street. Still others, like California’s Darrell Issa, said he’d “struck the right chord.” The reason? Parochialism.

Southern legislators, who’ve long complained that the US-run automakers are getting preferential treatment compared to the foreign automakers in their states, were the ones damning Obama for leniency, while the Midwesterners decried his sternness. Republicans have managed to agree, however, on the firing of Rick Wagoner. “If Wagoner resigned because somebody in government said, ‘You have to resign,’” said Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, “then I think we have nationalized the auto industry.”

Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., talks with the media before meeting General Motors officials at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009.
Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., talks with the media before meeting General Motors officials at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009.   (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Bob Corker, seen in this file photo, said the auto plan was a major power grab by the White House.
Bob Corker, seen in this file photo, said the auto plan was "a major power grab by the White House."   (AP Photo/CBS Face the Nation, Karin Cooper)
John McCain accused Obama of unprecedented window dressing.
John McCain accused Obama of "unprecedented window dressing."   (AP Photo/Meet The Press, Brendan Smialowski)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Shannonals
Apr 5, 2009 11:25 AM CDT
Is the GOP ever satisfied? The president is too hard, the President isn't hard enough, what a bunch of children.
wwwonderer
Mar 31, 2009 5:10 AM CDT
On the contrary. I think they are the party of lock-step, don't dissent or you're un-American. That why when you have a few that have loud voices (Rush, Coulter, etc.) the REAL ELECTED GOP doesn't know what o do or say. There just happen to be a few that need to keep their buddies (campaign contributors) at home happy, as do many elected officials in both/all parties..
Fondue
Mar 31, 2009 2:00 AM CDT
One person is "asked" to resign and that equals a nationalized industry? Hell, Rick could have said no, but I imagine he's tired of all the crap, and can't wait to get his hands on the nice "going away present". I think he earned it though - he stuck it out for 8 years.

Auto plan raies questions, impatience
USA Today

Corker steps into spotlight
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Barack Obama • Republican • General Motors • Detroit • auto industry • Big Three • auto bailout

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