Former Governor Accuses Republicans of 'Breathtaking Hypocrisy'

Tim Kaine says even the GOP leadership that went all out to kill the bill, is taking advantage of the game.

Former Governor Tim Kaine

(WASHINTON D.C.) - Former Governor Tim Kaine and other Democrats are becoming increasingly annoyed by the Republicans who criticize the plan to save the nation's economy, while taking credit for Stimulus projects in their states in their 2010 election platforms.

"It's a breathtaking display of public hypocrisy," Kaine said.

"At least 116 Republican governors, senators, and representatives have spent the past year railing against the Recovery Act, while simultaneously requesting funds to create jobs in their districts and taking credit for projects at ribbon-cutting ceremonies."

He cited the independent PolitiFact's description of the problem, "they're trying 'have their cake... and vote against it too.' They know the Recovery Act is creating jobs, but they think attacking it will bring them victory in the 2010 elections."

Kaine says not so fast. "We're preparing to meet every hypocritical attack with press conferences in states across the nation and a rapid-response program to fact check every lie."

Today is the anniversary of the President signing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that according to most sources, has saved or created at least 2 million jobs, cut taxes for 95 percent of working families, and made loans to over 42,000 small businesses.

"And as a former governor, I can tell you it also provided critical relief for state governments facing record budget shortfalls," Kaine said.

"But don't take it from me. Listen to Rep. Joe Wilson, who told the Department of Agriculture that the money he was seeking "would provide jobs and investment" for his South Carolina district. Or take it from Minnesota's Tim Pawlenty, who balanced his state budget with the same funds he's so often attacked on TV."

He says even the GOP leadership that went all out to kill the bill has gotten into the game, "Sen. Mitch McConnell has bragged about funding for a military project in Kentucky, while Virginia Rep. Eric Cantor sought funds for a high-speed rail project in Virginia to create jobs."

He says President Obama has made it clear that we're not out of the woods yet, and he's focused on creating jobs. Honesty with the American people is one of the obligations of leadership.

Kaine concluded by saying, "In stark contrast, Republicans are engaged in a hypocritical campaign of attacks -- and they're proving what we've said all along: Their opposition is about politics, pure and simple."