Another Gutsy Dem Steps Up for Health Care

John Boccieri, freshman Dem from Ohio, and considered politically vulnerable, stepped up yesterday and announced that he was changing his vote on the reform bill from “No” to “Yes”.

Mr. Boccieri noted that he has been warned his vote for the bill could cost him re-election in November. “If in this job I can save one life, one family, one person, one Natoma, this job is worth it,” he said. “I want my mom [who is a breast cancer survivor and was fortunate to have health insurance when she was diagnosed] to know I am standing up today and doing what I believe in.”

More like this please!

Posted by marindenver on 03/19/10 at 07:56 PM • Permalink

Categories: Politics • Health Care •

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My wife & I were very excited to hear that today!!!

Boccieri is our Rep. We actually campaigned for him in 2008, when we were campaigning door to door for Obama. My wife has been to some events where he has spoken too. We were disappointed in his previous “no” vote, as he has always otherwise seemed like a pretty good stand-up guy. Very happy to see him have this public “change of heart” out here where it really is a “red” district.

I had been trying to reach is office multiple times per day (330-489-4414) over the past 2 weeks to directly indicate my support for the Healthcare bill, but every time I got a busy signal.

Comment by G on 03/20/10 at 04:25 AM

This is great news. :-)

But can I just point out the obvious: health care for everybody should be an absolute no-brainer. It shouldnt’ be something that would cost a Rep his job, it shouldn’t be something one must have courage to vote yay. For goodness’ sake, we’re the only supposedly civilized world that puts profits of insurers ahead of the health of its citizenry. That is WRONG.

Comment by zhak on 03/20/10 at 08:55 AM

I’m going to call Lipinski (not my rep, but from Illinois) to remind him that if he ever has any aspirations beyond his district, he’d better be on board. I doubt he’ll vote Yes—the Roman Collars own him at this point. Also gonna call Bill Foster and remind him that it would be a sweet victory for the guy who took over Hastert’s seat to be a vote in favor of HCR.

As far as I’m concerned, this is a key Democratic Party principle and has been for years. If you don’t believe in universal healthcare, join the GOP.

Comment by Oblomova on 03/20/10 at 09:07 AM

Exactly, O. If you’re a Democrat, then VOTE LIKE ONE! Or step aside for someone who will.

Comment by marindenver on 03/20/10 at 12:25 PM

This is great news. :-)

But can I just point out the obvious: health care for everybody should be an absolute no-brainer. It shouldnt’ be something that would cost a Rep his job, it shouldn’t be something one must have courage to vote yay. For goodness’ sake, we’re the only supposedly civilized world that puts profits of insurers ahead of the health of its citizenry. That is WRONG.

Agreed! Well said, zhak, well said!