| It seems apparent that all the insurance industry and health care industry money has had an effect on the way that various Senators are leaning with respect to including a public health care plan into any health care reform undertaken by Congress this year.
Well, Nate Silver shows that there is indeed a linkage on the probability of voting against a public health care option if a Senator receives money from those industries. And not surprisingly, the more money you get, the less likely you are to vote in support of a public health insurance plan.
To that end, a group - Louisianans for Real Health Care Reform - has sent out a press release calling for Senators Landrieu and Vitter to return any money they've received from the healthcare industry: (emphasis added)
NEW ORLEANS, LA.- June 22, 2009 - Today, Louisianans for Real Healthcare Reform called on Louisiana's two senators to return the millions of dollars in campaign donations they have received from the healthcare industry.
Senators Vitter and Landrieu have come under intense criticism for an alleged conflict of interest in their acceptance of millions of dollars in contributions from the health insurance lobby, while at the same time opposing the inclusion of a public option to compete with private health insurance companies as a part of President Obama's plan for healthcare reform.
To remedy this, the group has asked Senator Vitter and Senator Landrieu to return the millions of dollars they have received from the insurance lobby. Zach Hudson, a spokesperson for the group, said that it is the only way for them to maintain credibility if they continue to oppose a public plan.
"Senator Vitter and Senator Landrieu have disappointed the working men and women of Louisiana in their opposition to a public plan that would dramatically lower the cost and increase choice for their constituents' healthcare," he said.
"If it is true what they say, that contributions are not effecting how they vote on healthcare reform, then as an article of faith they should return the money they received from these companies. Only then can they vote with a clear conscience and without any personal or political motivations."
Hudson went on to add that there is still time for the two Senators to change their minds on healthcare reform. "While we obviously have low expectations of Senator Vitter, given his history, Senator Landrieu has a proven track record of fighting and winning for Louisiana's working families. We still have hope that she will continue to stand with them and not with the insurance lobby."
Louisianans for Real Healthcare Reform is a grassroots coalition of activists, bloggers, students, and concerned citizens dedicated to pressuring Louisiana's congressional delegation to support a comprehensive healthcare reform plan that will lower cost and increase choice for the citizens of Louisiana.
I share Mr. Hudson's doubt that the Sinning Senator David Vitter will return any money that he has received, whether it be from the healthcare industry or the brothel industry on Bourbon Street.
Senator Landrieu's office continues to have no further comment beyond what they sent out last week:
Senator Landrieu is committed to reforming the health care system and ensuring that all Americans are covered. She is currently reviewing all of the reform proposals, but does not believe that health care reform starts with a public option. Sen. Landrieu supports a predominantly private system that features a federal backup plan that serves as a safety net. This approach is part of the bipartisan Healthy Americans Act, which she has co-sponsored. As the debate proceeds, Sen. Landrieu is open to compromise in a comprehensive legislative package, and is focused on appropriate consumer protection and patient-centered care.
However, Senator Landrieu's proven track record of fighting and winning for Louisiana's working families is on the line. If she refuses to support a public option, that proven track record will be stopped, and she will have to restart it anew. |
