Radio Silence: Dem Candidates Run from Democrats’ Healthcare Agenda
FYI, a version of the release below went out to the following districts: Ami Bera (CA-03); Paula Brooks (OH-12); John Callahan (PA-15); John Carney (DE-AL); Mark Critz (PA-12); Suzan DelBene (WA-08); Lori Edwards (FL-12); Raj Goyle (KS-04); Denny Heck (WA-03); Roy Herron (TN-08); John Hulburd (AZ-03); Charlie Justice (FL-10); Brian Lentz (PA-07); Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02); Rob Miller (SC-02); Doug Pike (PA-06); Steve Pougnet (CA-45); Cedric Richmond (LA-02); Dan Seals (IL-10); Robbie Wills (AR-02); Trent Van Haaften (IN-08); and Tom White (NE-02).
Radio Silence: Carney Runs from Democrats’ Healthcare Agenda
Democrat Candidate Silent on His Party’s Signature Issue
Washington- Washington Democrats are doing everything they can to force their runaway healthcare bill through Congress and onto the American people. It’s been widely reported that Democrat leaders have made healthcare the centerpiece of their unpopular political agenda, even as the American people continue to reject their policies. One would think that the prominence of such an issue would compel Democrat candidates like John Carney to take a stand. One would be wrong:
“Hardly any Democrat running for Congress seems to want to talk about healthcare.
“Of the 26 leading Democratic House candidates contacted by The Hill, only one would commit to voting for the Senate healthcare bill if and when it comes to the House floor.”
“Those declining to comment for this story included: former Delaware Lt. Gov. John Carney; Illinois open-seat candidate Dan Seals; Indiana state Rep. Trent Van Haaften; Nebraska state Sen. Tom White; Franklin County, Ohio, Commissioner Paula Brooks; Pennsylvania special-election candidate Mark Critz; Bethlehem, Pa., Mayor John Callahan; and former Marine Capt. Rob Miller in South Carolina.” (Aaron Blake, “Democratic Candidates Don’t Want to Mention It,” The Hill, 3/11/10)
There’s no doubt that the issue will play a central role in Carney’s campaign. So why won’t he speak up?
“48 percent of people told the Gallup poll that they would tell their lawmaker to vote against a health bill similar to Obama’s, while 45 percent said they want their representative to vote in favor of the bill.”
“The close tally reflects the split public opinion over the healthcare proposals favored by the president as Democrats in Congress appear to be moving toward finishing work on the legislation.” (Michael O’Brien, “Gallup Poll Shows Opposition to Obama health Plan by Slim Margin,” The Hill, 3/9/10)
“Democrats in Washington have been trying to ram healthcare legislation through Congress for months, but John Carney still hasn’t taken a stand,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “That can only lead voters to believe that he’s either trying to hide his support for a wildly unpopular bill or doesn’t know where he stands on the centerpiece of his party’s agenda. Does Delaware really need a representative that can’t take position on something this important?”
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