Why are Target Dems Silent on the “Slaughter Solution?”

FYI, a version of the release below went out to the following districts: John Adler (NJ-03); Jason Altmire (PA-04); Michael Arcuri (NY-24); John Barrow (GA-12); Tim Bishop (NY-01); John Boccieri (OH-16); Leonard Boswell (IA-03); Dennis Cardoza (CA-18); Chris Carney (PA-10); Gerry Connolly (VA-11); Jim Costa (CA-20); Kathy Dahlkemper (PA-03); Lincoln Davis (TN-04); Steve Driehaus (OH-01); Gabby Giffords (AZ-08); Martin Heinrich (NM-01); Baron Hill (IN-09); Steve Kagen (WI-08); Paul Kanjorski (PA-11); Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-01); Suzanne Kosmas (FL-24); Betsy Markey (CO-04); Jim Matheson (UT-02); Michael McMcahon (NY-13); Harry Mitchell (AZ-05); Scott Murphy (NY-20); Glenn Nye (VA-02); Bill Owens (NY-23); Tom Perriello (VA-05); Earl Pomeroy (ND-AL); Nick Rahall (WV-03); Loretta Sanchez (CA-47); Mark Schauer (MI-07); Kurt Schrader (OR-05); Zack Space (OH-18); Betty Sutton (OH-13); Harry Teague (NM-02); Dina Titus (NV-03); and Charlie Wilson (OH-06).

Why is Betsy Markey Silent on the “Slaughter Solution?”

Colorado Democrat Has Yet To Denounce Shady Backroom Loophole For Healthcare Takeover

Washington- With Democrat leaders determined to ram their government takeover of healthcare through Congress by the weekend, it is clear that they will attempt do so at any cost – even if it requires using the controversial procedural maneuver known as the “Slaughter Solution.” This shady backroom tactic would ‘deem’ the healthcare bill passed by Congress without an up-or-down vote, slamming the doors on the millions of Americans who have repeatedly voiced opposition to the Democrats’ unpopular healthcare takeover. Rather than speaking out against this underhanded trick, Betsy Markey has remained silent, leading Colorado families to believe she supports passing healthcare through this shady backroom loophole.

“Pelosi said Monday that she is considering a rule that would deem the Senate bill passed and send it to the president’s desk if a companion reconciliation bill amending it is passed by the House. That would allow Members to avoid a separate vote on the Senate bill. Republicans have said they plan to offer a resolution on the floor that would prohibit the use of the deeming process for the health care bill, forcing a vote.” (Steven T. Dennis, “Pelosi: No Decision on Procedure to Pass Health Care Bill,” Roll Call, 3/16/2010)

The Democrats’ potential use of the “Slaughter Solution” has led to public uproar with editorial boards across the country slamming this toxic procedure:

“[U]sing such a dicey procedure to enact President Barack Obama’s biggest domestic initiative — the most far-reaching social policy change in decades — could inflame a public that’s already annoyed at the legislation’s tortured path and disgusted with Congress.” (David Lightman, “House plan to pass health care raises constitutional questions,” McClatchy, 3/16/10)

“That may help some House members dodge a politically difficult decision, but it strikes us as a dodgy way to reform the health-care system.” (“Health-reform vote deserves a reasonable process,” Washington Post Editorial, 3/16/10)

“They are also leaving behind a procedural bloody trail that will fuel public fury and make such a vast change of law seem illegitimate to millions of Americans.” (“Slaughter House Rules,” Wall Street Journal Editorial, 3/16/10)

With the majority of Americans opposing the Democrats’ healthcare takeover, a “Yes” vote could be the end of Markey’s political career.

“This disgusting process, which Democrats brazenly wish to bring to conclusion this week, is being done with little regard for the opinions of a clear majority of Americans who, while they may believe health care reform is necessary, think this particular approach will take our nation down the wrong economic path.” (“Arrogant approach to health care,” Cincinnati Enquirer Editorial, 3/16/10)

“…60 percent say that they are more likely to vote for a candidate who opposes this bill and wants to start over, while just 32 percent are more likely to vote against a candidate who takes this position. This suggests clearly that a “yes” vote is problematic.  A detailed look at the research shows that representatives who change their vote from opposing it last November to supporting it now will probably be committing political hara-kiri.” (Douglas E. Schoen, “The handwriting on the wall,” Politico, 3/16/2010)

“Betsy Markey may think she is fooling Colorado families with smoke and mirrors, but they are on to her party’s underhanded tricks,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Markey’s silence is nothing short of an endorsement of this underhanded procedure that will sneak a bill that the American people have repeatedly rejected through Congress. Colorado families need to know: Will Markey silently endorse her party’s sleight-of-hand as they attempt to ram through their government takeover of healthcare?”

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