Teague Votes with Republicans to Force Recorded Vote on Health Care (New Mexico District 2)

The Albuquerque Journal ^ | Thursday, 18 March 2010 14:34 | Michael Coleman

[CedarDave]

New Mexicans following the endless twists and turns of the national health care debate might be interested in this new development: Rep. Harry Teague today voted with Republicans to force a separate vote on the health care bill.

The Republican resolution failed on a 222-203 vote, with 28 Democrats - including Teague - voting in favor. Had it passed, Democrats would have been blocked from using a controversial "deem and pass" parliamentary tactic to get the bill to the president's desk. The "deem and pass" manuever could allow the bill to pass without individual members recording their votes ...

Teague's position on health care is really the only wildcard left with respect to the New Mexico House delegation and the final vote, now expected Sunday at about noon. Sens. Tom Udall and Jeff Bingaman, as well as Reps. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan - all Democrats - have voiced support for the legislation.

I read Teague's vote on the Republican resolution as an indication he may vote against the bill. Here's another possible clue: His spokeswoman told me this week he opposes the Democratic strategy of packaging student loan reform, which he supports, with the health care bill.

Teague says the two issues should be considered on their own merits. Does that mean he plans to oppose the health care bill and laments that he may have to effectively oppose student loan legislation in the same vote? Maybe. Of course, this is just speculation. Teague could surprise me and vote for the bill.

As of last night, Teague remained officially undecided. His spokeswoman, Sara Schreiber, is out of the office today and I have not been able to determine if, in fact, he remains undecided.

[CedarDave]

Here are his office phone numbers. Call tomorrow to ask him to vote NO!

• Washington D.C. Office - 1007 Longworth HOB * Washington, D.C. 20515 * Phone: (202) 225-2365
• Hobbs Office - 200 E. Broadway, Suite 200 * Hobbs, NM 88240 * Phone: (575) 393-0510
• Las Cruces Office - 135 W. Griggs * Las Cruces, NM 88001 * Phone: (575)-522-3908
• Socorro Office - 111 School of Mines Rd. * Socorro, NM 87801 * Phone: (575) 835-8919
• Los Lunas Office - 3445 Lambros Loop NE * Los Lunas, NM 87031 * Phone: (505) 865-7802
• Roswell Office - 102 East 4th Street * Roswell, NM 88201 * Phone: (575) 622-4178

Click on keyword Obamacare for the latest articles and reasons for him to vote "no."

[CedarDave]

New Mexico list PING!

[ABQHispConservative]

Regardless of how this loser votes, he needs to go!

[Jukeman]

Good for Teague but the others want to take care of the illegals in North Mexico - Uhh - I mean New Mexico.

[Kakaze]

I spoke with Teagues office this morning.

A really nice young man took my views and promised to send them on to the congressman.......we'll see.

Keep calling!

[Rembrandt]

Whether the votes are recorded or not, the mission in November is clear — defeat as many Democrats as possible!

Maximum punishment!