Feinstein faults Obama, GOP senators for legislative stalemate

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said Tuesday that President Obama shares the blame with Senate Republicans for the legislative stalemate.

The Fresno Bee reported Feinstein told the editorial board that her Republican colleagues have used parliamentary procedures for the past two years to stymie Obama's agenda, but that Obama could do more to move his plans ahead.

"He could be more active in terms of picking up the phone and calling people," Feinstein said.

According to The Bee, Feinstein recalled how former Democratic President Clinton often called lawmakers, who then felt flattered when the president made a personal call to seek support for a bill, helping move his agenda.

"I'm not sure [Obama] understands that," Feinstein said.

Feinstein is in a reelection campaign against Republican Elizabeth Emken, who is not expected to be a threat to the 79-year-old lawmaker.

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