Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) had said throughout the August recess that the outcome of this year’s health reform debate will likely hinge on lawmakers’ individual experiences with the sometimes-rowdy town hall forums that marked the break.
In the case of Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark.), Grassley hit the nail on the head. And if the vocal Blue Dog is any indication of a trend, supporters of the public option might be in for a long autumn.
“„Ross credited the August recess and his interactions with constituents with leading him to oppose the public plan, about which he had previously expressed a great deal of apprehension.
“„“I have been skeptical about the public health insurance option from the beginning and used August to get feedback from you, my constituents,” Ross said [in a constituent newsletter]. An overwhelming number of you oppose a government-run health insurance option and it is your feedback that has led me to oppose the public option as well.”