Dispatch:
Ohio GOP Chairman Kevin DeWine was quick to heap scorn on the so-called "cash for clunkers" bill passed by the U.S. House last week -- but among those voting for the legislation were 59 GOP lawmakers, including four from Ohio. The overall bill passed easily, 298-119.
The legislation was written by Rep. Betty Sutton, D-Barberton, and gives people up to $4,500 worth of vouchers for trading in used cars with low miles-per-gallon ratings for new, more fuel-efficient cars. Proponents say it will stimulate auto sales and help the environment.
But DeWine called the bill "insanity" in a fundraising appeal. He said the legislation "allows the federal government to spend $4 billion to buy used cars." The cash sought by DeWine would help the Ohio GOP recruit "strong, conservative candidates who have the resources to be competitive in next year's elections."
Although Kevin DeWine might not like the plan, it is used in Germany, with great results, according to the New York Times:
...A concept embraced by President Obama on Monday as part his effort to save General Motors and Chrysler from collapse would provide cash to buyers of new fuel-efficient cars — if they traded in a clunker.
Similar incentive programs overseas have lifted automobile sales despite the awful economy. In Germany, an offer of about $3,290 for trade-ins helped to increase February car sales there by 21.5 percent from a year earlier, a 10-year high, according to the German Association of the Automotive Industry....
I have a feeling that the word "innovation" is not even in the Republican dictionary.