Posted on 03/17/2010 6:03:24 PM PDT by george76
The most important member of Congress this month may be a man you've never heard of: Jason Altmire, a painfully earnest former hospital executive from near Pittsburgh.
Why? Because as Jason Altmire goes, so goes the nation -- at least when it comes to the Democrats' quest for healthcare reform.
Altmire, 41, is a centrist "Blue Dog" Democrat -- a fiscal conservative who opposes big spending and higher taxes. His Republican-leaning district voted for John McCain in 2008 even as it sent Altmire back to Congress for his second term.
In November, Altmire was one of 39 Democrats who voted against his party's healthcare bill in the House. The bill squeaked through without his vote, 220 to 215.
But now the House is being asked to pass the Senate's healthcare bill, which is a bit more conservative than the House bill. And this time, unlike last year, President Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi need Altmire.
Some of the Democrats who voted for healthcare last year, spooked by growing opposition, are likely to vote no this time. So to win, Obama and Pelosi need to move some of last year's no votes into the yes column, and Altmire is a prime target.
(Excerpt) Read more at articles.latimes.com ...
They will lay down and submit, yes.
They are SPINELESS JELLYFISH, it should be a no brainer for you.
Democrats in Congress privately want this to pass, but none of them want to be the next Marjorie Margolis Mezvinsky.
I listened to this guy on Hannity the other day and he was pathetic. Afraid to vote against the bill and afraid to vote for it so he just waits on the fence for the call from Pelosi telling him that he is the 216th vote. At that point, the steel will return to his spine, he will vote to be liked and loved by Obama and Pelosi and signal to all those people who voted for him that he could care less what they think. Typical Washington D.C. scum. Any Republican who runs against him and has good enough name recognition to have a shot at his seat can count on few bucks from my wallet.
His offices have been accepting phone calls. I’m from another PA district, and they’ve been very cordial when I call. I don’t know what they really do with my comments, but they say they’re passing them on. Let’s keep the pressure on - no time for negativity and no time to let up.
Every Deemoncrat has a price. Once the price is met, they WILL fold.
“Altmire, 41, is a centrist “Blue Dog” Democrat — a fiscal conservative”
If that was true he wouldn’t be a Democrat.
Independents put Altmire in,and we all have to pay for their stupidity. I am from his area.
Thank you for your efforts. It’s always good when it comes from the guy’s back yard. Please do also send a fax. Make them put their eyeballs on it!
Keep the pressure on. You’re important here. The fat lady hasn’t sung yet!
FWIW, I think this is the guy Rush Limbaugh spoke about today...RL thinks the guy is going to vote NO.
Trust me. I don’t expect to move to Canada. Guys like Jason Altmire all too predictable. I will be shocked if this guy doesn’t cave in the end. He is just another mushy headed liberal who could care less what the American people want.
He’s actually pretty conservative compared to most PA Dems.
Altmire should vote “no” on this, I would think.
It would certainly be in his best interests to do so, if he wants to stay in Congress. Even if he scrapes by in this fall’s election with an “aye” vote, Pennsylvania will probably lose a seat in the 2012 reapportionment and a “nay” vote will make the Republicans in Harrisburg much less likely to target his seat to be combined with the 14th CD.
There is no such thing as a moderate democrat.
They will all vote yes.
Almost anyone would be conservative compared with our Rep Schwartz in the 13th. She's a party line voter; no questions asked. I call her staff to remind them that I'm paying attention and looking forward to supporting her opponent. She has courteous staff, to her credit.
There is a Republican running against him: Keith Rothfus.
Someone I’ve known for 25 years. The real deal. Not a RINO.
He (Altmire) seemed pretty emphatic tonight on Hannity that he is a “No” vote.
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