Obama Tries To Woo Moderates In Senate Regarding Stimulus

Yesterday when Senate Democrats held a private retreat to discuss this year's agenda and Republicans continued to criticize the stimulus package, President Obama targeted senators in the middle — moderates whose votes could make the difference. Although the U.S. House easily passed an $819 billion package of new spending and tax cuts last week without Republican votes, the Senate is different. Democrats have a 58-41 edge, counting two independents who usually vote with them, but 60 votes are needed to overcome delaying tactics.

President Obama invited Sen. Snowe, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) to the White House to discuss their concerns. They want to trim the spending in the bill and target it all toward job creation. Sen. Nelson, who wants to cut more than $50 billion, is working with other moderate Democrats to come up with a list that could be acceptable to party leaders. Sen. Snowe said up to $100 billion could be eliminated.

Privately, he told Senators Snowe, Collins and Nelson that he was willing to compromise, they said. Sen. Snowe gave him a list of spending items, such as buying furniture for the Homeland Security Department, that she said should be considered for removal. "I think he's certainly prepared to accommodate changes," she said. "He understands what needs to happen."