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Citing FDR, Specter calls for policies to spur job growth

In his continuing effort to appear palatable to the Democratic base, Arlen Specter published an op-ed on the front page of the Huffington Post this week calling for government policies specifically designed to spur job growth.

While praising the stimulus for stemming job losses and investing in “shovel ready” projects across the country, Specter insists “it is time for the government to take more direct action to stem the tide of joblessness that is hampering the recovery and demolishing the hopes of millions of unemployed workers.”

Specter’s ideas include a tax credit similar to cash-for-clunkers (cash for jobs?) that would stimulate employers to hire new workers or extend the hours of those they already have. The article is light on specifics, making me think that politically, its more about the medium than the message; publishing blog posts like this on the Huffington Post helps shore up Specter’s cred with the party base, and help to appease the ever-skeptical progressive netroots.

Of course, Specter isn’t the only candidate talking about jobs. Just a few weeks ago, Joe Sestak introduced the American Small Business Innovation Act to help spur economic growth and create new jobs. As the son of two small business owners, I applaud the congressman’s efforts, and think he has put forth several good ideas on how to spur investments in small business and help grow our economy.

It is likely that the outcome of this election will come down to the economy, so its no surprise to see both these men jockeying for the position of savior of small business and jobs.

October 22, 2009 at 4:14 pm

--Adam Schwartzbaum

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