Letter to the Editor: A political calculation

Dear Editor:

After gauging the political winds in a Congressional district that opposes government-run healthcare, Rep. Tim Holden (D-17) recently voted against final passage of Pelosi's health reform bill. To many Pennsylvanians living in the 17th Congressional District, this was nothing more than an attempt to navigate the turbulent waters surrounding the healthcare debate in Congress. But Holden's political calculation has been uncovered.

What he doesn't want his constituents to know is that he previously cast key votes that not only shaped the legislation, they allowed Pelosi to slash hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicare, a move that would force thousands of Pennsylvanians to change their current health coverage. When given the chance to rein in frivolous lawsuits, a measure that would drive down healthcare costs, Holden voted 'no' and sided with the trial lawyers who are exploiting the legal system at the patient's expense. Lastly, on the critical and politically sensitive issue of government-run healthcare, Tim Holden voted to advance Pelosi's so called 'public option' through the House of Representatives with little debate. On government-run healthcare, as the saying goes, Holden "voted for it before he voted against it."

Tim Holden's vote against final passage of Pelosi's health plan was a political calculation to protect his career as a politician. That's why he flip-flopped, and that's why these votes that will cost him on Election Day.

Robert Ames

Chair, Schuylkill County Republican Committee

John McNally

Chair, Dauphin County Republican Committee

Faith Bender

Chair, Lebanon County Republican Committee

William Benner

Chair, Perry County Republican Committee

Emily Ulrich

Perry County State Committee Member, Republican Party of Pennsylvania

Royal Furer

Berks County Republican Committee Member