LOUISVILLE-- Following a meeting with U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Louisville) and an array of Louisville government and community leaders at the Muhammad Ali Center, U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said a second economic stimulus package could be passed "as early as next month" and would focus on job creation and infrastructure investment.

Joined by Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson and Yarmuth at a press conference following the meeting, Hoyer said the nation was in a "severe economic downturn." He suggested a second stimulus package would differ from last year's proposal - when taxpayers received a rebate check - and instead address "specific needs," including bolstering unemployment insurance, food stamps, and infrastructure rebuilding.

The appearance by the Majority Leader obviously had a political tinge, occurring just eight days before the general election when Yarmuth will again face his 2006 opponent, former U.S. Rep. Anne Northup (R-Louisville) in the race for the 3rd Congressional District.

Amid his discussion of the economy, Hoyer also praised the Louisville Democrat in front of cameras and local reporters.

"You can tell a lot about a candidate for Congress by what he asks you to do when you come to his town or his district or his state," said Hoyer. "One of the things that John Yarmuth made sure that I did when I was here was sit down with the folks in Louisville and Jefferson County and talk about the needs of the community."

Hoyer also said the freshman Democrat "has made an extraordinary impact in a very short period of time."

After the event, Hoyer crossed over the nearby Ohio river to campaign for U.S. Rep. Baron Hill (D-Ind.). He was scheduled to return to Kentucky shortly thereafter to re-join Yarmuth at an event with state Sen. David Boswell (D-Owensboro), who is seeking Kentucky's 2nd Congressional District.