It also brings out the big money interests. In the 2008 election cycle, health professionals were the sixth most generous industry givers, donating about $94 million to candidates, with 53 percent going to Democrats and 47 percent to Republicans, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a campaign finance research group. The pharmaceutical industry gave another $28 million, split between the parties.
Other issues, notably environmental policy, will be no easier. The president will face another unique set of obstacles — manufacturers concerned about the carbon tax, environmentalists who want curbs on global warming, carmakers concerned about retooling too fast — as well as members of Congress with concerns about the fate of local industries. He'll have to forge a new coalition for each issue, because the politics of each differs by region as much as by party or ideology.
Also contributing to the bumpy road is the politics of staying in Congress. Many of the House seats that Democrats gained last year are in swing districts and will be heavily targeted by Republicans in 2010.
That's why 20 House Democrats opposed the 2009 spending measure this week. Rep. Harry Mitchell, D-Ariz., a second-term member who won re-election with 53 percent of the vote last year, said that while he agreed with much of the spending bill, "it contains too much unnecessary spending," notably a 10 percent increase in legislative branch funds.
"Spending more on Congress — more on ourselves — will not help get the economy back on track," he said.
However, spending more on items that benefit the folks back home might at least get the lawmakers back to Washington, and so for all of Obama's lofty plans, he's going to have to get lawmakers to look beyond their self-interest and see the bigger picture.
It won't be easy.
"I know people in Washington are focused on the economy, but when I go home, people are asking me about funding a Little League field or help with housing,' said Rep. Jose Serrano, D-N.Y., a House Appropriations Committee member. "Sure, they're concerned about the big picture, but they don't want their lives to stop."
ON THE WEB:
House roll call vote on budget
Transportation, housing and economic development earmarks
2008 campaign contributions from health care professionals
2008 campaign contributions from pharmaceutical industry
MORE FROM MCCLATCHY:
As Obama unveils budget, deficit hits postwar record
Big stimulus bill sparks long-term fiscal fears
Earmark reform? 2009 spending bill contains 9,000 of them
Rosy economic predictions underlie Obama's budget
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