Obama heads west with message

WASHINGTON - Keeping the economy front and center, President Obama heads west this week to sign the $787 billion stimulus bill and tackle the home mortgage foreclosure crisis.

The direct appeals for public support follow scant GOP backing in Congress for his agenda and increasing partisan bickering.

Top aides said yesterday the skyrocketing unemployment rate would fall once the money begins to flow. But they also said the economy will continue its downward spiral in the short term.

The president's determination to sign the stimulus bill into law in Denver tomorrow suggests Obama will continue taking his economic message to the American people, who are giving him high marks for handling the crisis. Colorado will draw major benefits from the stimulus.

As part of the next steps on the bailout, Obama was expected to offer help to homeowners on the brink of foreclosure. Details have not been disclosed, but the nature of the crisis suggested mortgage loans would have to be revalued downward along with interest rates. *