Rep. Peterson opposes Obama's health care reform plan (First Democrat to make it public)

National Public Radio ^ | 6 August 2009 | Elizabeth Bairer

[Vigilanteman]

St. Paul, Minn. — President Obama and U.S. Senate Democrats say they're "united" on the goal of overhauling the nation's health insurance system. But when it comes to hammering out the actual legislation, the party has been far from unified.

The House adjourned last week after its health reform bill cleared a key committee by a slim, three-vote margin. Five of the Democrats on that committee sided with Republicans and voted "no."

The full House is expected to vote on the measure in September. And a key voting bloc will be the "Blue Dog" Democrats -- 52 moderate and conservative Democrats, who represent rural and suburban districts.

U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, a DFLer who represents the northwestern part of Minnesota, is a member of the Blue Dog coalition. He's said he can almost guarantee he will vote against the health care reform bill.

"Frankly, I just don't think this is sustainable," Peterson said on MPR's Morning Edition. "[The Blue Dog coalition] made some changes, but I read the bill, and there are just things in there I think are problematic."

One of Peterson's biggest concerns has been that the Medicare system pays less to doctors in Minnesota than it does to doctors in other parts of the country. The state's entire congressional delegation has expressed concerns about that same issue.

[Colonel_Flagg]

After the idiotic statement Peterson made about his constituency recently, he knows he has no choice if he wants to keep his seat in 2010.

[MplsSteve]

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[Manic_Episode]

"He's said he can almost guarantee he will vote against the health care reform bill."

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[mplsconservative]

Manic, you know how to spot politicspeak. Nailed it!

[Manic_Episode]

Almost isn't good enough for me.

SoB still needs talking to.

[mplsconservative]

You are right. They all need a talkin’ to. I’m double plus ungood these days. Thugs.

[Sistyelder]

He is our congressman. Nice guy...seems very genuine...he stopped at my door one day years ago...introducing himself, before the election. If he hadn’t been a dem I would have voted for him. It doesn’t surprise me at all that he is voting against it...hopefully he doesn’t change his mind..and he knows he won’t keep his seat if he does.Our district is red.
Scott Hennen (1100 AM The Flag..conservative radio station..online also) has him on his show once in a while. I will plug that station...we love it! If you don’t know Scott...great guy! Mr Radio...owns the station..it is new in the last year or so...during the flood time with the Red River it was awesome!