No Republicans voted on the measure, despite courting by the President- though in Obama's meeting with them it was established that ideological differences would make this no surprise.
House passes Stimulus without GOP help
President Obama won his first legislative victory as the House passed a $819 billion economic stimulus package Wednesday night, but his bid to woo Republicans failed to convince even a single GOP member to join Democrats to back the bill.
If he was upset with the outcome, Obama didn't show it. After the vote, he invited top House and Senate leaders of both parties to the White House for cocktails, hoping a little wine and schmoozing could grease the path for his signature economic initiative in the Senate.
Eleven Democrats joined the entire 177-member House GOP caucus in voting "no" - mostly conservative Democrats from swing districts that often tilt toward Republicans, where a vote for the costly package could prove a liability with voters already upset with the government's bailout of Wall Street firms.
If he was upset with the outcome, Obama didn't show it. After the vote, he invited top House and Senate leaders of both parties to the White House for cocktails, hoping a little wine and schmoozing could grease the path for his signature economic initiative in the Senate.
Eleven Democrats joined the entire 177-member House GOP caucus in voting "no" - mostly conservative Democrats from swing districts that often tilt toward Republicans, where a vote for the costly package could prove a liability with voters already upset with the government's bailout of Wall Street firms.