Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Part of the political calculation in Washington, D.C., this weekend centered on how voters would react to lawmakers’ votes on the historic health care reform legislation that was approved on Sunday. A key question – would Democrats who voted for the legislation face the wrath of voters back home who opposed the bill?
Here in Western North Carolina, the equation’s a little different for U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler, D-Waynesville. He’s a conservative Democrat in the mostly rural mountains, and he voted against the bill. So how will that affect Shuler’s chances for re-election this November? After all, he’s got to play to the liberal Democrats in the big city of Ashvegas, as well as the staunch Republicans out west.
It’s way too early to tell, of course. But there’s one immediate reaction online: the creation of a new Facebook group titled “Heath Shuler has LOST my vote.” There was already a group titled something like “Heath Shuler has no spine.” But this new Facebook reaction ties Shuler’s action directly to the November election.
As Shuler explains his vote, here’s some of the reaction on the new Facebook page:
Kris Rogers Scherr The fact that he didn’t have the guts to say he was voting “no” all last week shows his weakness. The idea that he had to read the entire bill before making a decision is a joke. I’ve never called his office and received a straight answer as to where he stands on an issue. The only way I’d vote for him at this poin…t is if he can quickly solve the global warming crisis we’re in – which he should be able to do since he and the other “C Street” gang members believe they are hand picked by god!
Richard Pascal Norton We didn’t send Shuler to Washington to vote his conscience, we sent him there to vote ours!! I too have made it clear that I will not support Shuler in the upcoming election.
Kaye McCauley If he isn’t going to represent the people of WNC he doesn’t need that office! Obviously Heath hasn’t been in an ER lately!!!!
Thanks to loyal reader Edgy for the heads-up on this.
I am one of his FORMER supporters, thats for sure. I have no problem with Republicans who oppose the bill. This is something they have been consistently opposing for years. I do have a problem with a Democrat who misses the bigger picture consistently. Shuler will cost WNC more than he apparently realizes.
1. Do you think Democratic leadership will want to assist him in any meaninful way for future campaigns or pet project funding?
2. This was a historic bill. A real once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (support or oppose) for a politician to actually help pass legislation that will have a positive impact on a majority of his constituents.
3. Do you really think Republicans will flock to the polls to vote for Shuler instead of their candidate next fall?
Shuler has gained nothing and lost a lot. He is a very naive politician who just threw away his chance to do something very meaningful.
Just as a QB who never could identify his own team, he has thrown another interception in an important game.
Heath Shuler’s complete statement explaining his vote, as posted on Mountain Xpress Web site, is a well-reasoned, literate essay (which may be a surprise). As a supporter of health care (and health insurance) reform, I was struck by some of the provisions of the bill (a long, complicated document). Why, for example, are the insurance companies still allowed to be exempt from anti-trust laws? Before we start condemning Shuler reflexively, read the bill – if you can make it through – and consider this statement by the Congressman: "Now that it has passed and will become law, I look forward to working with my colleagues to address specific areas that need improvement. I assure you that I will continue to work as hard as I can to fix our nation’s health care system in a fiscally responsible and compassionate way."
And here’s another one: Remove Heath Shuler (D-NC) from Office
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Remove-Heath-Shuler-D-NC-from-Office/107759039242056?ref=mf