Both the House’s passage of an $819 billion stimulus package and the Senate’s passage of a children’s health insurance bill broke along party lines, with the stimulus bill not receiving a single GOP vote. The result came despite Obama’s meetings with Republicans on Capitol Hill, his invitation to their leaders for cocktails at the White House, and the bipartisan guest list for his Super Bowl party last night. As early as today, he is expected to name a third Republican to his Cabinet — Sen. Judd Gregg (N.H.), as commerce secretary.

But the White House did not view the rejection of Obama’s initial bid at fostering bipartisanship as a stinging disappointment. Even as Obama was unable to pick up their votes, he was left with many Republicans praising his outreach. And judging by Obama’s record, it is this tone of mutual respect that — at least for now — he may be after as much as actual votes on bills he could pass without significant GOP backing.

The White House remains eager to broaden the consensus around the stimulus package. With the Senate taking up the plan this week, there are signs that Democrats will continue their efforts to get at least a handful of Republicans on board by expanding the tax cuts included in the package and possibly refocusing the spending around shorter-term stimulus instead of the longer-term priorities of Obama and congressional Democrats on health care, energy and other areas.

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