Recovery Stalemate

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In Washington, a republican senator is continuing his protest against a spending bill he says isn't paid for.  But a fellow republican stepped into the fray, saying his protest is hurting people who need Washington's help.

This protest has been a distraction for both parties and on Tuesday lawmakers worked behind the scenes to make it go away.  Defiant as ever, Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning refused to drop his one-man blockade of a $10 billion spending bill.

"I have the same right as any Senator here on the floor," said Bunning. 

For a second day, highway funds frozen, thousands of transportation workers furloughed without pay and nearly 400,000 people closer to losing unemployment insurance.  Bunning doesn't oppose the spending but demands it be paid for first.

"The question I've been asked is why now?  Well, why not now?" said Bunning.

The public spectacle isn't helping republicans.  And Maine's Susan Collins became the first GOP lawmaker to publicly ask Bunning to back down.

"On behalf of numerous members of the republican caucus who have expressed concerns to me," said Collins.  Democrats are trying to score points without appearing to be too political.

"The majority of the senate disagrees with you.  Let us either vote on that or withdraw your objection," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Both sides spent the day searching for a compromise that would satisfy Senator Bunning and get the bill passed.  It's great political theater but a scene that's not exactly helping Washington's reputation right now.