Delaware Dems Put Pressure On Carper, Pass Public Option Resolution

Yet another state Democratic Party has passed a resolution urging its congressional representatives in Washington to pass a public option for insurance coverage and to use "any available parliamentary means" to do so. This time the target is Sen. Tom Carper, the Delaware Democrat reportedly pushing for a compromise proposal that would allow states to set up their own public plans.

In a little-noticed move two weeks ago, the State Executive Committee of the Delaware Democratic Party unanimously passed a resolution endorsing "a robust public option similar to Medicare." The authors of the resolution went on to call alternative proposals -- including "co-ops or so-called 'triggers'" -- "inadequate in and of themselves to generate either the kind or the amount of competition needed to keep medical and insurance costs down."

And in a clear effort to get the attention of their elected colleagues in Washington, the resolution's authors sent a copy to "all members of Congress who represent its members," including Democratic Senators Thomas Carper and Ted Kaufman as well as Republican Representative Mike Castle

"THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED," the resolution concludes, "that the Delaware Democratic Party urges [these members of Congress] to vote for such healthcare reform proposals as contain a robust public option at all stages of the legislative process including conference and reconciliation, and encourages legislators to use any available parliamentary means to pass such reform."

In issuing the resolution, the Delaware Democrats became the latest in a series of state parties to put pressure on their congressional delegations to get on board a public plan. Previous efforts have targeted two other senators on the fence: Ben Nelson (D-NE) and Kent Conrad (D-ND).

The progressive group Democracy for America, which helped organize the effort to get these resolutions passed at the state party level, also sends word that the Oregon Democratic Party has done the same.

"When we pass a Public Option Resolution in a local Democratic Party, it reminds members of Congress that the choice of a public option is not a left-wing issue," explained a DFA press release. "It is a core Democratic Party issue. It says, a Public Option isn't radical -- it isn't some way-out idea that is supported only by the "left of the left" -- it's the entire Democratic Party, backed up with support of 76% of America."

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Comments

[Deschris]

What about pressure on Schumer,Feinstein and McCain.Force the lot of them to explain why they are not supporting the best option for the people....bet you they can't explain that.Let them look the American people in their face and tell them that it is better for them to let the insurance companies have the whole hog and go unchecked with their high premiums and low service.

Let's see how many of them vote against dropping the anti trust protection the healt insurance companies now have.They cannot have it both ways anymore,either they represent us or the insurance companies.

[ilse]

My least favorite blue dog is Blanche Lincoln. Why has no pressure been put on her. She's one of the top prostitutes for the Health insurance industry. Are the people she represents in her district that deep red or are her constituents just being ignored?

[Littlewords]

Squeeze Carper 'til he squeals for single payer or public option!

[lily31]

"We need to do the same thing in Maine! " says this Mainer!!

It is the only way we the people can exert the power we have in between elections.

[stargazer13]

Power to the people

may we over come the greed factor when people,s health is concerned !!

single payer for all when ? Now !! who do we want it for all americans,

yes even the one,s who don,t approve of it !!

[olgraydawg]

It's simple now. Open up Medicare to all, goat gland injections can be purchased in addition to the level of plan you choose, if you got it like that. The framework is already in place and a payroll deduction would be a simple matter. Employers don't need to be in the insurance providing business. Get em out. People who hang around large amounts of other peoples money have a hard time of it. Employers included.

[vgirl1]

Hopefully they will also run some ads on their vote and urging of this Delaware Democrat to vote for the public option.

Unless the Senator is publicly encouraged or embarrassed before his constituents to do the right thing as per the vote of the State's Democratic Party their action will probably fall on deaf ears.

All these Senators on the fence or hedging seem to think they do not have to take a stand for their constituents or these Senators are hiding in the shadows hoping their positions are not revealed to the voters until after the votes are taken.

[Kingstone]

How much money has he taken from Insurance Lobbyists? Third Party is the answer not these corrupted parties.

[JHKH]

Amazing that this is buried on a back page (even on Huff Post). Are they afraid that other states' Democratic parties might start getting ideas?

[Harry Miaflusa]

If u don't like the Dem party as it is now,u can go to the Green Party & try your luck there...

Good riddance...

[trackerone]

I don't like any party that is run by lobbyists, Republican or Democrat.

[Chris Wolfe]

Great to hear of local Democratic organizations taking the lead. However, in order to get the leadership's attention, we need to do a fund raising boycott for 3-6 months. I am a major donor and have decided that unless there is a public option in the Healthcare Bill put up for a final vote, I will not donate to the DNC or to any Democrat. This doesn’t mean the bill will pass, but at least it gives the Democratic leadership a reason to grow some backbone. I’m exhausted and demoralized by the lack of character and leadership shown by Obama, Reid, Pelosi and the DNC. Of course we should be pushing for legislation to reduce/curb corporate influence in Washington (goes well beyond campaign financing). Without tackling the root cause, good luck with any initiatives that require major change.

[vgirl1]

Not the best strategy as this is like cutting off your nose to spite your face.

Repubs are collecting money in record quantities. While we may not be totally happy with all the Dems, the Repubs in even larger numbers would be even more dangerous and detrimental to the nation and all of our objectives.

[bonnywide]

How refreshing to see an intelligent, civilized response after watching the children on the right throwing their tea parties and temper tantrums. This gives me hope. Now, the rest of America, grow up once.

[Jannsmoor]

Bonniewide,
The anger on the right is real and lasting. They hate government. We need to figure out a way to reach these people.

[vandegrasse]

A good way to reach them is to put them under psychiatric care.

[pinhead71]

want an easy way to see whats in the health care bills???
http://www.kff.org/healthreform/sidebyside.cfm
its a useful, informative site.

[Harry Miaflusa]

Are u sure that the Blue /New Dems in the House will finally vote for a bill with govco ?

Clearing the commitees is one thing...

Meanwhile,keep ..."hope alive"...

[tandrmcdonald]

Re Carper;
One simple question;
How much money is Carper getting in donations from the insurance industry and their lobbyists?
Anyone with an answer?

[Teresa201]

$53,490

Coming in at 36th highest paid in the Senate.