Indiana Dems Explain Bailout Vote, Souder Cuts and Runs

From today's IndyStar:

Voting Nay

Pete Visclosky IN-01:

"When many Bethlehem Steel retirees had their pensions cut, did President Bush provide a helping hand? All I know is that when Stan O'Neal retired from Merrill Lynch, his compensation package was worth $161.5 million."

Andre Carson IN-07:

"The economic malpractice of the Bush administration is why our financial markets are in turmoil. This administration's fiscal negligence is why Wall Street was rewarded for doing things wrong while Main Street was punished for doing things right. And now this same inept administration is asking the American public to trust them."

Baron Hill IN-09:

"I have been rushed to judgment by the Bush administration before. There hasn't been enough time to evaluate the impacts this legislation would have if enacted or to consider alternatives. Congress deserves time to weigh the benefits and the potential pitfalls of borrowing this money."

Voting Aye

Joe Donnelly IN-02:

"When there are serious people discussing the possibility of another economic depression, it is time to act. The rescue plan was not perfect, but it was necessary. And while no one took any pleasure in voting for it, the alternative -- doing nothing -- is potentially disastrous and therefore unacceptable."

Brad Ellsworth IN-08: see quote of the day post below

And worth pointing out amidst all this bailout hoopla, is Rep. Mark Souder's (R IN-03) aye vote. Not only is he fighting a congressional race right now against a very good candidate in Mike Montagano, but add his approval for the bailout to the mix and his shaky republican support will surely take an unwanted hit. Not surprisingly, Souder was the only representative of the Indiana delegation that did not respond to a request for comment by the IndyStar. Gee, I wonder why?