By AP, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – Missouri's Congressional delegation was closely split in a vote on the $700 billion bail-out plan but not along party lines.
The measure failed 228-205 in a mid-afternoon vote Monday in the House.
Three Republicans from Missouri voted no, while two voted yes. Democrats were split down the middle with two voting no and two yes.
Democrat Russ Carnahan voted in favor of the package. In a statement he said he believed taking no action would put the U.S. economy at considerable risk.
His colleague Democrat William Lacy Clay voted against the measure. A spokesman says Clay voted his conscience after hearing from many constituents who expressed their opposition.
Republican Congressman Kenny Hulshof, who is running for governor, voted against the plan.
The bailout plan is unpopular, but House leaders say it's necessary to prop up shaky financial institutions and free up frozen lines of credit.