How can one tell when the Republican Party is moving firmly into the lunatic fringe of ideas when it comes to the economy? How about when business associations start warning Republican senators that if they support a filibuster of the stimulus package – as most of them seem to be eagerly lining up to do – that vote can and will be held against them?

The National Association of Manufacturers has also weighed in, telling Republicans that votes on the bill “including potential procedural motions” may be considered for designation as key votes in NAM’s scoring of their legislative record.