Auto Bailout!

So the Republicans refused to pass the aid package sent to them. This is political as far as I can see and shouldn't be confused with caretaker objectives. Saying that the unions should take a pay decrease or some other kind of concession is obviously not the real issue at this moment in time.

When the auto industry first began, it was credited for creating the middle class that created a vast amount of economic wealth. Some would say the North American economy is built on the back of the auto industry.

I think it's also fair to say that when President Elect Barack Obama takes office in the new year there will be a package delivered to the automakers in Detroit.

Here's my question:

What is to be gained by stalling the bailout package and why are the republicans playing stupid party politics when so much is at stake?