Republican challengers on HC

Timothy McNulty | November 9, 2009

Here's two more examples of how Republican challengers are trying to use health care votes to hammer Democratic incumbents. First up is Erie businessman Paul Huber, who plans on taking on Kathy Dahlkemper next year:

"I'm deeply troubled by Rep. Dahlkemper's vote in support of Speaker Pelosi's health care bill.  As a lifelong businessman who knows how to create jobs, I can tell you that this is a trillion dollar expansion of government and it will be a job-killer for businesses in Northwest Pennsylvania.

Rep. Dahlkemper once again caved in to the pressure of her liberal leadership and voted against the interests of our district.  This bill will raise taxes on families and small businesses, decrease the quality of care Americans receive, and cut billions of dollars from seniors' Medicare benefits.

I support common-sense health care reform that would lower costs, increase competition, and ensure that patients and doctors remain in control of important health care decisions.  Government-run health care is not the answer.

And from Johnstown, here's part of the statement from Republican Tim Burns, who may face Jack Murtha next year:

"No one - including John Murtha - knows what the details are in this bill, and it is clear that the plan as proposed leaves the door open to coverage of abortions with public dollars despite what he tried to tell people here in the district," said Tim Burns.  "Common sense dictates that John Murtha should read the bill and know all the details before he cast a vote that will make major changes to our health care system.  This bill opens the door for illegal immigrants gaining access to health insurance through a public plan, makes drastic cuts in Medicare, and potentially eliminates the children's health insurance program," asserted Burns.

"John Murtha has refused to meet with us and hear our concerns about this vote, and now he is prepared to march lock step with Nancy Pelosi to overhaul our health care delivery system.  He should do the responsible thing and vote NO today, and work with Democrats and Republicans to craft a bi-partisan bill that will work for America not just Nancy Pelosi and her liberal allies," concluded Burns.