PUNDIT PREP: The Republican shutout is a slap at the president in the short term but poses a big risk for Republicans in the long run. The president met privately with House Republicans at the Capitol, Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel had a private White House dinner for House GOP moderates, and the president had members of both parties and both chambers over for cocktails last night – but did not peel off a single House R. The tally took reporters by surprise – aides had said the party's votes for the package might be in the single digits. So 'zero' was a feat for Leader John Boehner of Ohio, who said on 'Meet the Press' that he would oppose the package, and the next day asked members to follow him; Whip Eric Cantor of Virginia, who nailed down the votes; and Conference Chairman Mike Pence of Indiana, who sensed his members falling under Obama's spell during their meeting Monday and brought them back by telling the President: 'Know that we're praying for you. ... But know that there has been no negotiation [with us] on this bill – we had absolutely no say.'
BUT: Republicans now risk being the party of 'No' at a time when hard- working, God-fearing families are losing their health insurance and watching dreams of college disappear. THE WHITE HOUSE PLANS TO RELEASE STATE-BY-STATE JOB NUMBERS 'SO WE CAN PUT A NUMBER ON WHAT FOLKS VOTED FOR AND AGAINST,' according to an administration aide, who adds: 'It's clear the Republicans who voted against the stimulus represent constituents who will be stunned to learn their member of Congress voted against [saving or] creating 4 million jobs.' A Democratic official: 'We will run campaigns in their districts.' Some Republicans will vote for the bill on final passage after the Senate version emerges, but that doesn't obviate the political risk. WATCH AS THE WHITE HOUSE RESPONDS BY BLENDING THE BLUNTNESS OF MR. EMANUEL WITH THE LIGHTER TOUCH OF THE PRESIDENT.