"Healthcare is more than just a public policy with Specter, it's personal. "

[babylonsister]

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/4/25/724528/-Sen.-Specter-nods-at-healthcare-reform


Sen. Specter nods at healthcare reform
by BP in NJ

Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 08:42:22 PM PDT


I just caught a little seen story about Senator Arlen Specter that I'd like to share with you all.

I found it buried in the health section, of the news section, on Reuters website. Not the front page news mind you. Unlike his challenger's poll numbers, this was not headline news.

However, I'm sure this story is sending shivers up Republicans, so called, spines.

I'm sure we're all aware that Republican Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania has a primary challenger named Pat Toomey. Also noteworthy is that Toomey is beating the pants off him according to recent poll numbers. (51-30)

However Senator Specter is not to be easily dismissed. The man has been in Pennsylvania politics for decades. He knows his constituency. He knows that healthcare is important to them. How many union members have lost their jobs in PA? How many middle class families are having to choose between basic living and healthcare costs? The economy is crushing everyone. The auto industry is unable to compete with companies whose home countries have universal care. Healthcare that is provided for by the government. Healthcare is survival to businesses and for families. Not to be forgotten is how many newly registered Democrats there are in Pennsylvania. All of whom will be open to healthcare reform.

Healthcare is more than just a public policy with Specter, it's personal. This brave man has battled cancer twice, while staying on the job in Washington.

As one of only three Republicans to vote for the Stimulus bill his future vote on healthcare will be closely watched.

As part of the stimulus, Specter supported:

an amendment to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act resulted in the infusion of an additional $10.4 billion to support the work of the National Institutes of Health, including the National Cancer Institute.

His support for a healthcare bill would seem a no-brainer. Well today he gave a wink and a nod in that direction.

The Senator said he wants a new agency formed to help biotech companies that are struggling financially. The "Cures Acceleration Network" would award grants to help develop new treatments through biotechnology.

"these companies are having difficulty tapping into private capital and a number have cut or put on hold important drug development programs that could provide new treatments for cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and other diseases".

That sounds remarkably like stem cell research. Look out.

The Senator from Pennsylvania intends to make this new agency, along with increased NIH funding, a central part of his re-election.

As things heat up for next years election I believe all eyes will be on Pennsylvania.

He also said he would push to include the measure in the sweeping healthcare overhaul that Obama wants.

So, he wants his measure included in the Obama plan? WOW! Not only that, but he referenced soaring costs and the tens of millions of uninsured. Maybe he should run as an independent after all. Today he doesn't sound much like a Republican. Michael Steele will have to send a sternly worded letter!

It wasn't noted where the speech was given, but a copy was made available in Washington.

Yeah, they're gonna freak.

:evilgrin:

[Fleshdancer]

1. Health care was my first thought when I heard Specter switched

Here's to hoping that Specter's switch today motivates Democrats to push for the best health care reform and not just something that puts more money in the hands of insurance companies.

[babylonsister]

2. I'm just glad he's on our side on this issue. Should be interesting.

And I do wonder if he was promised the development of the new agency he's touting.

[Bluerthanblue]

3. if health care really matters this much to him- to the point where

he's switching parties- I think he'll be a good addition for us.

More than it being 'personal'- it shows an empathy- a people ahead of $- that doesn't seem to fit into the republican mindset. There ARE republicans who have known illness, yet don't really look at how it impacts those who don't have the financial cushions, or adequate health care that they do.

I'm happy he switched- I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.


:hi:

[babylonsister]

4. I'll take his vote gladly, but I don't have to trust him.

He's burned us too many times, and it's not always because it's his conscience telling him what to do. He can be too wishy-washy. That shows a lack of integrity to me. I don't understand people who can turn their opinions on a dime.

[Bluerthanblue]

5. I agree- but

that's also true of some Dem's as well.

(That and standing on 'principal' when it costs everyone in the end.)

But all in all, I think his defection is a good thing for us.

:hi:

[babylonsister]

6. You're right about Dems.

I think I'd even have traded Ben Nelson for him, maybe. ;)

:fistbump: