That Poll-Asked Look

The latest Gallup poll shows Americans want job stimulus spending, big time.

Among four pieces of legislation Congress could consider this year, Americans are most supportive of authorizing more economic stimulus spending. Specifically, according to a June 11-13 USA Today/Gallup poll, 60% of Americans say they would favor "additional government spending to create jobs and stimulate the economy."

Nearly as many Americans -- 56% -- favor regulating energy output from private companies, a key element of the "cap and trade" bill that has been stalled in Congress and that President Obama alluded to in his Tuesday night Oval Office address. However, it should be noted that the question highlights the positive goal of reducing global warming, but not any of the potential costs for business and consumers.

Americans also approve of more regulations on banks and are split on health care reform.  Republicans naturally want no additional spending or regulation and a full repeal of health care legislation, Democrats want the opposite, but Independents prefer all four measures, including repealing some or all of health care reform.

As I said earlier today, the Dems still have a long way to go to convince people health care reform was worth it.  But they do have a fair amount of support for job stimulus spending...so why are Democrats like Ben Nelson blocking it?

Maybe it has something to do with Nebraska's 5% unemployment rate, and the fact Nebraska gets as many Senators as California and Michigan, states hurting badly for jobs and being blocked on job legislation by Big Ben.