Vulnerable Reps. Largely Vote ‘No’ on Bailout

Almost two thirds of the members of Congress who are facing tough reelection challenges next month voted against the bailout legislation for the U.S. financial industry in Friday’s votes.

Of the 39 members whose races are rated to “lean” a party or as a “toss up” by the Cook Political Report, 25 voted against Friday’s House Resolution approving the assistance legislation.

15 of the 21 most vulnerable Republican incumbents voted against the legislation, while ten of the 18 most vulnerable Democratic incumbents voted against the resolution.

Members facing the most difficult races–those in the “toss up” category–were even more likely to vote down the measure. 16 out of 21 of those in a “toss up” district in either party voted against the bailout. Half of the 18 members in a “lean” district voted “no.”

–Michael O’Brien