President Obama plans Tuesday to release a letter from 19 governors, including several Republican governors from large states, supporting the $1.17 trillion stimulus bill now making its way through Congress. The letter is part of an ongoing strategy to put pressure on GOP senators opposed to the deal.
Only four of the 19 governors are Republicans, but their states represent 92 votes in the Electoral College. GOP governors supporting the plan are: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California; Gov. Jody M. Rell of Connecticut; Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida; and Gov. James H. Douglas of Vermont.
The letter to the president reads: “As stewards of the economies of our respective states and regions, we urge the Congress to reach prompt resolution of all outstanding differences and you to sign the bill when it reaches your desk.”
The governors also state: “While we all believe in the importance of free markets, we believe the markets today need stimulating.”
Washington Post blogger Chris Cillizza writes that the letter is “a clear sign from the White House that those closest to the economic struggles in the states believe the stimulus package is absolutely necessary despite the objections offered by some Republicans at the federal level.”
Other governors signing the letter: Gov. Deval Patrick, Mass.; Gov. Bill Ritter Jr., Colo; Gov. Jack Markell, Delaware; Gov. Pat Quinn, Illinois; Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, Mich.; Gov. David A. Paterson, N.Y.; Gov. Brad Henry, Okla; Gov. Edward G. Rendell, Penn.; Gov Timothy M. Kaine, Va.; Gov. Jim Doyle, Wisc.; Gov. Chester J. Culver, Iowa; Gov. Jon S. Corzine, N.J.; Gov. Ted Strickland, Ohio; Gov. Theodore R. Kulongoski, Ore.; and Gov. John deJongh Jr., Virgin Islands.
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