The GOP isn't just going to take it lying down. After last night's health care vote, they've mobilized the power of the tubes. The Republican Party has exhorted its members to take their protest to the Internet – the GOP's "fire Nancy Pelosi petition site" has been getting donations at breakneck speed.
As I write these words, the Fire Nancy Pelosi petition site has received over $700,000 in political donations. The money will be used against Democrats in the upcoming 2010 elections. The site is correct: if the Republicans want to fire Nancy Pelosi, they'll have to elect quite a few R's to the House of Representatives (at least 40). Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele endorsed the Fire Nancy Pelosi site:
"It is time to fire Nancy Pelosi and send a message to President Obama that it's time to stop their partisan liberal agenda of government takeovers…"
The site's goal was to raise just over $400,000 but since that much money was raised in a very short amount of time, they've upped the ante.
But two Democrats have responded with "A Ticket for Rush" – a satirical site that plans to purchase a first-class ticket for Rush Limbaugh, who satirically said he'd go to Costa Rica if the Health Care Reform bill passed.
"Recently, a number of interesting things happened. First, Rush Limbaugh said on his radio show that if the Health Care Reform bill passed, he would go to Costa Rica. Second, the Health Care Reform bill passed."
Rush has said he meant he would get all his medical care from Costa Rica, not move there. (It's doubtful he was serious.) But the "A Ticket for Rush" site is soliciting $1 donations anyway. They've raised just over $500. If Rush Limbaugh declines the ticket, the money will be donated to Planned Parenthood.
Fire Nancy Pelosi.
A Ticket for Rush.