Phil, this is a classic example of Pelosi’s failed “leadership.” She could deliver only 60% percent of her own caucus and, needing Republican votes to pass what she said was an emergency bailout, she decided this would be a perfect occasion to score partisan points.
Worse still for Democrats, among their members casting unpopular “yea” votes were Pennsylvania Rep. Paul Kanjorski — who faces a formidable Republican challenge from Lou Barletta (leading by 9 points in the most recent poll) — and freshman Florida Rep. Ron Klein, who faces underdog challenger Lt. Col. Allen West. It will be the simplest thing in the world for these Republican challengers to strike a populist tone against the incumbents who voted for the “billionaire bailout bill.” (I suspect that the obvious political liability was a major reason Pelosi had so much trouble getting votes for the bill.)
