GOP fears Democrats are about to reap rewards from coming economic 'boom'

With vaccinations in the United States accelerating and a mammoth $1.9 trillion relief package about to hit the economy, many analysts are expecting the American economy to come roaring back in the second half of 2021.

Politico reports that Republicans are worried that Democrats are about to reap political rewards for the coming recovery in a way that they didn't after passing the 2009 stimulus package that many economists believe was too small to pull the country quickly out of recession.

The publication notes that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) last week even went so far as to predict that "we are about to have a boom," and added that "if we do have a boom, it will have absolutely nothing to do with this $1.9 trillion."

Veteran GOP strategist Tony Fratto said that Republican attacks on 2009 stimulus worked because the jobs market remained stagnant for years after its passage -- but he doubted Republicans could pull the same trick if the economy performs as well as expected.

"It worked in 2009, when the economy was still struggling, but I don't see how it works if we get mammoth job creation numbers," Fratto said. "Maybe you could say the economy is running too hot, but I don't think 'the Biden bill was too effective' would sell too well."

Fratto also said complaints about wasteful spending the the Democrats' bill would sound petty if Americans get vaccinated and are able to live normal lives again.

"Maybe they'll find examples of stupid spending like golden toilet seats, they can say your money is being wasted in Chicago or Philadelphia or whatever," he said. "But it'll be tough."