Posted on 08/22/2009 4:35:49 PM PDT by Libloather
Freshmen Dems torn by party, voters on health care
Backbencher Democrats thrown into the front lines of the debate are caught in a crossfire
BOB LEWIS and MIKE BAKER
Associated Press Writers
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
FORK UNION, Va. — By his ninth town hall meeting this week — in a sweltering Virginia middle school auditorium — freshman Rep. Tom Perriello is no longer fazed by angry crowds mobilized for and against health care reform.
He and other backbencher Democrats thrown into the front lines of the debate are caught in a crossfire between their congressional leaders to the left and conservative constituents to the right. These newcomers hold clout that could determine if health care legislation passes — and in what form.
Perriello won by just 727 votes last year, and with re-election looming in just 15 months, he has no choice but face critics in town hall meetings around his rural swing district in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As his car rolled into an overflowing parking lot, he was greeted by protesters on both sides of the debate: "Public Option or No Re-Election," read one sign. Another declared, "No Obama Care."
"I certainly catch it from both sides," Perriello said.
(Excerpt) Read more at vaildaily.com ...
FORMER Congressman Perriello.
All elected officials should dread winning an election.
Tom's problem is the libs that put him in office don't vote in mid terms, tough luck Tommy!
I think MOST of the members of Congress know, full well, that this issue will hurt them, if they are on the same side as Obama.
Also, it is inconceivable to me that even the most liberal members of Congress, from the most liberal districts, have ANYTHING to worry about, from the Left, if they vote against Obamacare.
Perhaps some of the “hard Left” voters will stay home, but none of these folks needs to fear a primary challenge, from the Left. And, again, the Left has nowhere else to go.
Those voters you saw in 2008 will be decreased by fairly signicant numbers in 2010. You also have the Dems that voted for the first time because of ZERO that no longer like what they see. Republicans that were less then happy in 2008 will flock to the polls in 2010 to throw out the Democrats.
If this guy only won by so few votes, he is toast. He either switches to Republican or kisses the seat goodbye. He voted for Pelosi and that is all voters need to know.
Why don’t they just do the right thing and bury this bill.
The only thing that is important to the vast majority of politicians is winning reelection. Nowhere is this more true than in the House of Representatives.
Pelosi, Waxman and Frank, with their carefully gerrymandered districts may be safe, but the rank and file dems like this know damn good and well their assets are on the line — most especially if seniors continue to resist, as they probably will.
Right now, Obama must be feeling like a man with his balls caught in his zipper — no matter what he does, including nothing at all — its gonna hurt.
Do not underestimate the willingness of the Dem leadership to throw Billions of dollars at these districts to buy them off. I just hope that the blue dogs demand as much as they can get and then some.
When the chips are down, they’re still Dhimmicraps.
Yes, there will be a huge march on Washington next month! Be there! And be there early next year for the State of the Union Address! We have to push back until!
I think you’re right. Those voters came out to be a part of history, but there’s nothing historical about the 2010 election and most of the history that’s come from the 2008 election hasn’t been good.
I have said this repeatedly... these so called “conservative” dems, are DOA if they vote for Fauxbama care and they know it. They will not fall on their swords for this schlub.....
Public Option is already DOA.. now they are trying a backdoor “co-ops” which of course will go broke, get “bailed out” and wind up as the PUBLIC OPTION by default.
Don’t be conned, NO FAUXBAMACARE, PERIOD.
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