For Owens, you are damned if you do and you are damned if you don't. The problem is Owens put himself in this moldy political sandwich because he broke his own campaign promise and voted for health care the day after he was sworn into office. He has made himself a national symbol of the Democrats 2,400+ page health care reform package. In fairness, Owens owed his first vote for health care reform to Pelosi, Obama and company because the administration campaigned hard for him last fall.
Unfortunately for Owens, the unions and the Obama machine are threatening to withhold a campaign visit and political money to any Democrat who refuses to vote in favor of socialized medicine. The unions and some liberal interest groups are even threatening to push a challenger into races if incumbents like Owens vote against the Senate version of the health care bill this week. The Working Family's Party would certainly have to withdraw their support of Owens.
The best Owens can hope for is to try and convince the House leadership to shelve this health care bill so he doesn't have to go on record again. That's a long shot, and despite the pressure from the left we are predicting that it won't be long until you see Congressman Bill Owens wearing flip-flops around NY-23 in late March. On a positive note at least the newest member of Congress will be trying his first pair of sandals on in DC and not Plattsburgh.
Soon Bill Owens is going to look just like a John Kerry whiff-whaffle if he votes against this bill. I think he is going to be in serious trouble either way you look at it. If Owens could just work with a few Democrats to jabronize this thing he would be all set.
ReplyDeleteDarn right we oppose that bill. I voted 50 or 60 times on NewzJunky's poll to get my point across. Get health care the right way, get a job.
ReplyDeleteNo he shouldn't flip flop because his yes vote for HC will open the door wide for a new representative in the 23rd which we need badly!
ReplyDeleteMr Simmmons-Ammmaco and Mr Spaulding what happened to 2nd tier? How biased are you guys?? We Know Your Agenda!
I'm glad you "waded in about flip-flops" (a pun intended), so I assume you have yours on, right, Bugs? To wit:
ReplyDeleteFrom the Buffalo News
"The Slaughter Solution (deemed passed) may sound like highly complicated and arcane parliamentary procedure, but its objective is very simple: "An end run around the democratic process," said Rep. David T. Dreier of California, ranking Republican on the House Rules Committee that is headed by Slaughter.
Oh, that David Dreier? Let's keep him honest, shall we?
* In the last Congress that Republicans controlled, from 2005 to 2006, Rules Committee Chairman Rep. David Dreier (R-CA) used the self-executing rule (deemed passed) more than 35 times -- he and others were not strangers to the concept of "deem and pass."
That strategy, then decried by the House Democrats who are now using it, and now being called unconstitutional by WSJ editorialists, was defended by House Republicans in court (and upheld).
Rep. Dreier used it for a $40 billion deficit reduction package so that his fellow GOPers could avoid an embarrassing vote on immigration.
How's that for an historical fact about flip and flopping, Bugs?
Natural GOP response: Historical fact? We don't need no stinkin' historical facts.
Wow, I'm just surpised to see an anti-Owens post finally. All I was seeing here for so long were shots at other Republicans like Barclay and Doheny. I'm glad to see Buggs isn't in the tank for Bill.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, no matter which way Rep. Owens votes on health care, he will still beat Doug Hoffman in November. Matt Doheny may be another story unless he goes tea party.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, passing health care reform is the right thing to do. Contact your representatives and tell them to vote "Yea" on health care reform.
The unions should stick to making good products and creating american jobs - not politics
ReplyDeleteThey're 2 seperate bills. voting for the house bill and voting against the reconciliation bill is not flip-flopping.
ReplyDeleteSlaughter House Rules... Beware
ReplyDelete9:15pm, stop kidding yourself. What planet are you living on exactly? John Kerry, watch out... Bill Owens is trying to top your flip-flop record!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnon. 10:55 -- you warn about a rule that has been in place and used by the GOP, too. Don’t believe, then ask Rep. David Dreier (R-CA) when he was the Rules Committee Chair ... but be prepared for him to just say "Rule, what rule?"
ReplyDeleteHe used it many times between 2005-2007. Check the record and please try to stick with the facts and not FOX talking points or wild opinion. That would be helpful.
Then check my above post @ 2:28, okay - a refresher on this subject.
~ scurry on now.
In November, its Bye Bye Billy!!!!
ReplyDelete