Stimulus Compromise Likely to Garner Just 3 Republican Votes

A group of centrist Senators led by Susan Collins (R-ME) and Ben Nelson (D-NE) has cut billions from the Economic Stimulus package and now there seems to be enough votes for the bill to pass.

Political Wire is saying the deal reached last night has secured just 3 three republican votes.

The deal reached last night on President Obama's economic stimulus package includes just three Republicans who will vote for it next Tuesday -- Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME).

Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH), nominated this week to join Obama's Cabinet, has recused himself from the vote.

The 3 Republicans supporting this bill are all from the Northeast and is another example that the current Republican is a regional party.

The group of centrists was made up of 18 to 20 Senators. With just 3 Republicans supporting this bill it makes me think the deal had as much to do with getting Democrats to vote for the bill than it did to win support from Republicans.

**Update**
The vote on the stimulus bill won't be until next week, so there is still time to call Sen. Grassley at 202-224-3744 and encourage him to vote for it.