a letter from the republican leaders of the house and senate to the federal refuse serve board instructing them not to take any action to lower interest rates in the next two days? that is as one former commissioner said, outrageous, and indefensible. do you believe that that is do you believe that is an attempt by the republicans to manipulate the federal reserve in some way? why else would come on, why else would they send the letter? they are trying to put political pressure on them not to lower interest rates. when i go home to illinois, the businesses i meet are struggling to borrow money, to expand their businesses and hire people, lower interest rates will help them. homeowners who are facing the restructuring of their mortgages would welcome lower interest rates. and none w the republican leade say despite this, despite the unemployment, the federal reserve board should do nothing. that is the republican answer to our weak economy, and it s not one that s going to play