McCain Circulates Stimulus Petition to Supporters

For the first time since November, former Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) sent an e-mail to his list campaign’s list of supporters. His message: oppose the stimulus.

McCain asked supporters to sign a petition opposing Democrats’ package totaling more than $800 billion, asserting that the bill simply creates more aimlessly irresponsible spending and fails to address the real issues plaguing the nation such as record unemployment and crippling national debt.

“I have long been a fighter against wasteful spending in Washington and long an advocate for a balanced budget — that will never change. I realize we face extraordinary challenges with our economy today, but that is not an excuse for more irresponsibly from Washington. I hope you will join me in saying no to this stimulus package as it currently exists by signing this petition,” McCain wrote.

McCain acknowledged President Obama’s outreach to Republicans but wrote that “the time for talking is over.”

“I appreciate the discussions President Obama is having with my Republican colleagues, but the time for talking has come to an end and we must now begin some serious negotiation. But as of yet, Republicans have not been given the opportunity to be involved,” McCain wrote.

McCain says a short term plan that emphasizes tax cuts that will directly help the American worker and homeowners, stressing that