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BY MIKE RIOPELL
Lee News Service | Wednesday, October 01, 2008 | (No comments posted.)
SPRINGFIELD | Local members of the U.S. House have heard from several voters since an effort to approve $700 billion in help for the country's economy failed Monday.
U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, said before the vote, most of the constituents calling his office opposed to the bailout plan. But after Monday's market drop and further explanation of his vote to support the proposal, callers are split.
"They get it," the Peoria Republican said. "They know we can't let the financial infrastructure of the country go down the tubes."
U.S. Rep. John Shimkus' spokesman said calls supporting the bailout picked up after the vote, perhaps because supporters didn't feel the need to be heard in advance. The Collinsville Republican voted no.
"The presumption was it would pass," Shimkus spokesman Steve Tomaszewski said.
The Senate will vote today on a version of the bill that adds substantial tax cuts.
U.S. Rep. Phil Hare, D-Rock Island, said he got calls from people upset the measure failed. The stock market fell sharply Monday, but partly recovered throughout Tuesday.
"I don't blame people for being angry," Hare said. "They have every right to be."
U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller, R-Morris, was the only member of the U.S. House to miss Monday's vote.
"The congressman had a family matter to tend to, which kept him away from yesterday's vote," Weller spokesman Andy Fuller said. "He will be present for the next vote on the rescue plan."
Democrat U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said he supported the bailout plan, though the Senate didn't vote Monday.
In an editorial board interview with the Southern Illinoisan on Tuesday, Durbin said the bailout proposed might not be the best possible idea, but that he'd work to push the plan in the Senate if the House approves.
"Doing nothing is unacceptable," he said.
Caleb Hale of the Southern Illinoisan and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Mike Riopell can be reached at mike.riopell@lee.net or (217) 789-0865.
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