Nevada delegation split as House rejects bailout plan

By Lisa Mascaro

Monday, Sept. 29, 2008 | 11:51 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- In a stunning rejection of the $700 billion bailout plan, the House fell at least a dozen votes short of passing the proposal in a dramatic session this afternoon, with Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley and Republican Rep. Dean Heller casting no votes to help shoot it down.

As one lawmaker shouted "600 points" to the Republican side of the chamber in an apparent reference to the stock market nosedive, congressional leaders from both sides huddled together to rescue the plan.

But few lawmakers would switch, let alone enough to reach passage.

Republican Rep. Jon Porter joined leadership in voting yes.

Heller and Porter watched the historic vote play out from the chamber floor. But Berkley appeared to have left shortly after being among the early no votes.

Her opposition illustrates the dissent Democrats faced from the left, while Heller's vote showed the problem Republicans faced getting conservatives and rank-and-file members on board.

While more than half the Democrats voted in favor, only about one-third of Republicans joined, showing the continued revolt in the Republican Party from Bush administration policy.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is now caucusing with Democratic senators, with a briefing expected shortly.