Obama uses e-mail to grow stimulus support

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama turned to his massive grassroots e-mail list, compiled during his campaign, to try to build support for his economic stimulus plan.

Saying he needed help to "spread the word and build support," Obama asked e-mail recipients Monday to join "thousands of people across the country by hosting or attending an Economic Recovery House Meeting this weekend."

The House passed its version of an economic stimulus plan, an $819 billion proposal of tax cuts and spending. No Republicans voted for the measure and 11 Democrats voted against it.

The Senate takes up its version of the measure this week. Both Republican and Democratic senators have voiced reservations about the measure as passed by the lower chamber.

Democratic National Committee Chairman and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine agreed to record a video outlining the recovery plan, Obama said in the e-mail. In addition, people can submit questions online for consideration.

"You can help restore confidence in our economy by making sure your friends, family and neighbors understand how the recovery plan will impact your community," he told recipients.

"The stakes are too high to allow partisan politics to get in the way," Obama wrote. "That's why I've consulted with Republicans as well as Democrats to put together a plan that will address the crisis we face."

He said his administration worked to ensure "an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability" would be available to track the money once the stimulus plan is signed into law.