Somehow not a great surprise.. The Walberg camp points out the perfect timing of Mark Schauer when it comes to conversing with his “peeps” the apparent sugar duck citizens in his (Schauer’s) view who aren’t worth listening to BEFORE those big decisions are made.
Tipton, MI– Congressman Mark Schauer is holding a town hall meeting in Battle Creek this afternoon to discuss his recent vote in favor of the Obama-Pelosi trillion dollar health care bill. Mark Schauer holding a health care town hall meeting after the health care vote sounds like an April Fools’ Day prank on his constituents, but meeting with constituents after he votes on critical legislation is a pattern for the Congressman.
Last year, as noted and criticized by the Jackson Citizen Patriot and Daily Telegram Editorial boards, Congressman Schauer refused to hold unscreened public town hall meetings prior to his vote on November 7, 2009 in favor of the Obama-Pelosi health care bill. This week, Congressman Schauer is repeating his pattern by holding town hall meetings after his March 21st vote in favor of the final Obama-Pelosi health care bill.
“Mark Schauer’s votes for trillion dollar deficits and a trillion dollar government takeover of health care are harming Michigan families. He should at least have the decency to listen to his constituents before he votes in favor of health care legislation that will cost trillions, raise taxes, and reduce access to care for seniors,” said Republican Congressional Candidate Tim Walberg.
“I held town hall meetings when I had the privilege to serve the citizens of south central Michigan and I will be holding more to discuss the need to repeal the Obama-Pelosi health care bill and replace with common-sense, patient-centered reforms. Ending lawsuit abuse, allowing the sale of health insurance across state lines, letting small businesses join together to purchase insurance for their employees and giving people the same tax benefits as corporations when purchasing health insurance are all steps I support to make health care more affordable,” added Walberg.
Background:
Jackson Citizen Patriot November 18, 2009 Editorial:
“Fresh from his historic vote for a health-care overhaul, U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer stormed through his congressional district last week to seek public input. Unfortunately, it was after the fact.”
Jackson Citizen Patriot August 16, 2009 Editorial:
“As distressing at it has been to see Americans brawling over national health care, this debate must occur. It would be wrong to throttle it. And yes, Congressman Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, is wrong to avoid it. It is a time for members of Congress to face the kinds of angry taxpayers that many local officials encounter in property-tax appeals or school board hearings on privatization.”
The Daily Telegram August 12, 2009 Editorial:
“President Barack Obama hosted a town hall meeting Tuesday night. U.S. Rep. John Dingell, who hosted some of the loudest meetings, said he was glad he had scheduled a pair. It is disappointing that U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer has chosen not to hold town hall meetings during his recess here in Michigan’s 7th District. At similar town hall meetings in August of 2007, former U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg answered criticism for not supporting an immediate pullout of U.S. troops from Iraq.”
As we are all aware, this time as in others, the press was on to get the legislation passed before the break.
I guess it worked.
