Florida GOP'ers bash stimulus; DOT transportation chief says, with a smile, he's not heard any complaints from Crist

Mario Diaz-Balart and John Mica have joined the chorus of Republican critics panning the Obama administration's stimulus plan as -- in the words of Diaz-Balart -- "a dismal failure." At a press conference Friday, Diaz-Balart noted the unemployment rate has continued to climb and Mica, the top Republican on the House Transportation Committee, says only 1 percent of the transportation dollars have been spent.

"Americans have realized that the promises made with the passage of the so-called stimulus were in fact just empty promises," Diaz-Balart said.

But Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood disputed the assertions Monday and noted he's not heard such criticism from Gov. Charlie Crist -- the rare GOP governor who enthusiastically embraced the stimulus plan.

"I think if you talk to Gov. Crist, he would tell you that there's a lot of money flowing into Florida," said LaHood, a former Republican congressman. "I've not heard one complaint from Gov. Crist about this," he said, smiling broadly.

Comments

[Independent]

I do hope the Florida Congressional members do not place partisanship and chances for critical opportunities ahead of their supporting Florida getting funded for its High Speed Rail proposal. We need our delegation to stand firm together to solidify our chances of getting this important project in our state.

[The Republicans spent the federal money to help the state through a budget crisis didn't they?]

Before spending the money they opposed it,during the time they were spending the money to keep the state afloat the were whining,now after spending federal money to plug holes,,,,now after spending the federal money to patch hole they are still complaining.

[Alice]

Run Marco Run we need you now more than ever. Crist loves Obama and the failed so called stumulus which was nothing more than pork. The democrats just love to quote their fellow democrat Crist as he is nothing more than an empty suit with a tan. The "Peoples Governor" has raised millions for his senate run and where do you think that came from? Funny how Crist has no problem finding money for his senate run but can't seem to find enough money to run the state of Florida.

[moderate Floridian]

Hey alice,didn't the stimulus money help florida "keep running" your programing is showing.
How is arlo? Why do all the say no party members forget its only been a few months and it did help all 50 states with their budgets.