Democrats dissenting with Obama over jobs bill.

It isn't just Republicans that are critical of Obama's jobs bill. Congressional Democrats, contending with a tide of fiscal conservatism and criticism over the previous round of stimulus spending are expressing their concerns.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Catholic Online) - Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania said, "I think the American people are very skeptical of big pieces of legislation." And Obama's American Jobs Act is a very big piece of legislation, with an estimated price tag of $477 billion.

Many Democrats, and even Republicans agree with some portions of the bill, but very few are likely to support it in its entirety. What experts say is more likely, is a piecemeal implementation with some less popular elements being rejected altogether.
 
"For that reason alone I think we should break it up," Casey said. The White House is opposed to breaking up the bill and wants to push for prompt passage of the bill.

Even Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, has declined to say when the bill will be debated in Congress. He has, however promised to add it to the calendar. Obama's call to "Pass this bill right now" is going unheeded, even within his own party.

Republican opposition to the bill has solidified since Monday when Obama unveiled the price tag and explained that he would pay for it largely with tax revenue. Republicans have repeatedly criticized the plan to fund the bill as, "a tax on job creators."
 
Analysts speculate that the jobs bill is supposed to form the cornerstone of Obama's reelection campaign which he appears to have kicked off since last week. Winning passage of the bill, which is unlikely, could help to recover portions the economy. However, the more likely scenario is partial failure of the bill which will provide the Democrats and Obama with fodder to disparage Republican contenders in 2012.
 
In any case, the cornerstone of Obama's reelection platform will not provide a very solid foundation if even the most loyal supporters in his own party refuse to support it.

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