I love the stuff I just voted against

It figures that the republicans would somehow try to take credit for any benefits resulting from a bill that they fought tooth and nail against. Why should it in any way surprise us?

Rep. John Mica was gushing after the House of Representatives voted Friday to pass the big stimulus plan.

"I applaud President Obama's recognition that high-speed rail should be part of America's future," the Florida Republican beamed in a press release.

Yet Mica had just joined every other GOP House member in voting against the $787.2 billion economic recovery plan.

Mica is the top Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and a longtime backer of high-speed rail. GOP committee spokesman Justin Harclerode explained that Mica saw the bill's $8 billion for rail as a "silver lining," and "he's encouraged others are supporting high speed rail too."

But nowhere in the Mica statement was any mention that they opposed the bill.

Harclerode wasn't sure why Mica didn't mention his opposition. "It's not really secret," he said. "I guess it just wasn't the focus."

Wasn't the focus. That's what they're calling it these days. I'm sure that, if things pick up in his district as a result of the bill, his Democratic opponent in the general election will probably make sure that it becomes "the focus".