DNC Chairman Kaine takes aims at GOP 'hypocrisy' on stimulus

GOP leaders are criticizing the stimulus act despite knowing its positive effects, Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Tim Kaine argued Tuesday.

Almost a year to the day after the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) was signed into law, Kaine and the DNC unveiled a "Hypocrisy Hall of Fame" to highlight instances of Republicans touting programs funded by that bill, after having opposed the stimulus act.

"Tomorrow is the first anniversary of the Recovery and Reinvestment Act," Kaine said during a conference call. "Tomorrow also marks an important anniversary, which is the first anniversary of the Republicans' effort to begin a new era of politicization."

The DNC claimed instances where 93 different lawmakers and political figures had opposed the stimulus act while seeking funds for their own states or districts.

Kaine said that the Democrats' criticism, which is part of an offensive against Republicans, who almost unanimously opposed the bill when it came up for a vote last year.

But the DNC chairman went a step further, accusing the GOP of knowingly criticizing the ARRA while believing it's working.

"I think the Republican members who are seeking these funds know that the Recovery Act is doing the trick," Kaine said, saying that the lawmakers' touting of stimulus projects comports with that, making the criticism hypocritical.

Kaine also defended his stewardship of the DNC from attacks by former Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder (D), who called on Kaine to step down as party chairman.

"We know it's going to be a challenging and tough cycle," he said. "But we're not panicked people. If a couple races don't go our way, we're not going to panic."

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