Posted on 08/18/2009 6:22:33 AM PDT by Revelation 911
(Pittsburgh, Pa.) -- The words of a local congressman on the issue of healthcare are coming under scrutiny.
Democrat Eric Massa told a group in Pennsylvania that he would vote against the interests of his constituents on healthcare reform if he believes what he's voting for would be helpful to them.
Massa has held dozens of town hall meetings, many focused on healthcare, but while in Pittsburgh this past weekend meeting with the grassroots progressive political action group Net Roots Nation, Massa answered questions about where he stands on healthcare reform versus where his constituents stand.
"I will vote adamantly against the interests of my district if I actually think what I'm doing is going to help them....I will vote against their opinion if I actually believe it will help them," Massa said.
To the congressman's credit, on Sunday in Olean he held another open town hall meeting on healthcare reform and stood to answer questions for more than four hours.
Massa’s press secretary says he has been among the most vigilant representatives when it comes to hosting these meetings and hearing his constituents’ views and that the congressman will be discussing the video in his weekly conference call with the press Tuesday morning.
Hand-held video of the encounter with the congressman surfaced on the Washington Times Web site.
never found it on my search - thanks
Amazing the lame-stream media reported this. I hope the NY GOP snagged this for the primary.
My boy Steny Hoyer , basically said the same thing.
I intend to work hard to get him retired. Obviously he has worked too hard and needs the rest.
The word “Representative” is obviously not in his dictionary...
Yes Massa, Yes Massa, Yes Massa! What big kneepads you have!
Massa’s all about looking out for himself. We voted out Kuhl for doing the same thing. But Upstate’s probably gonna lose two House seats after the next census. I’m sure Massa’s figgering that into his calculations.
I have a term for these elitist types which is sarcastic - social benefactor. Kind of like the Jimmy Carter days, the mindset that the elite (politicians) know what best for us and and we are considered not smart enough to know better - something like we are children to the gov’t. Reminds me of the poster child for Clinton back in the ‘92 election season - the person who had the long pony tail. If I remember right, that person made a comment that we the people were like the children to the gov’t parent.
I live in this district and haven’t heard a peep about it on any of the “news”
It is going to make a great ad nevertheless
In the last election, Murtha basically called all his constituents redneck losers and they still voted for him, so many of these reps are feeling mighty brave.
Yeah, that’s cuz they stuck it on the internet instead of broadcasting it on the news.
Massa talks about YouTube videos
EXCERPT
“I’m not focused on it,” Massa said of the video during a nearly 40-minute teleconference with media this morning. “I stand by my words. My politics, when it comes to being independent, come from people like Amo Houghton and, frankly, Ronald Regan and Franklin Roosevelt.”
He said he has a plaque in his office quoting Reagan: “We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.”
“And I think that that is absolutely critical,” Massa said. “When I look at people like Amo Houghton, who under incredible pressure voted against the Iraq war, I am inspired, and I will continue to conduct myself in that manner.”
http://www.stargazette.com/article/20090818/NEWS01/90818021
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