Will Target Dems Green Light Pelosi’s Controversial “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).

Will Adler Green Light Pelosi’s Controversial “Slaughter Solution”?

Pelosi Balks at Transparency, Attempts to Sneak Healthcare Bill Through Congress

Washington- In a brazen attempt to sneak her government healthcare takeover through Congress, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her fellow Democrats will attempt to use a controversial procedural maneuver deemed the “Slaughter Solution.” As rank-and-file Democrats continue to express anxiety over voting for their party’s wildly unpopular bill, this backroom tactic is an attempt to pass their healthcare bill without taking an up-or-down vote. In response, House Republicans announced today that they will call for a vote opposing Pelosi’s shady scheme. With an opportunity to stand up for the transparency that the American people demand, will John Adler support this resolution or will he green-light his party’s efforts to sneak their healthcare agenda through Congress?

Pelosi’s 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 Adler’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)

“As Democrat leaders attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of the American people, John Adler has an opportunity to put an end to their shady scheme and force a clean up-or-down vote on their unpopular healthcare takeover,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “While Democrats believe they can fool Americans with smoke and mirrors, the American people who have repeatedly rejected their agenda are onto these underhanded tricks. Adler has a clear choice: Stand with New Jersey families who oppose his party’s healthcare takeover, or sign off on his party’s attempt to sneak their bill through Congress before taxpayers know what hit them.”

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