Many public option supporters sent the PCCC their thoughts about the health care bill passed by the House last night. Some call it "a start" -- others, frankly, feel betrayed.
One thing's for sure: A public option was not included by the House despite thousands of us taking action and proving the votes existed in the Senate to pass this popular proposal if the House went first.
Why didn't House leaders include a public option? One reason, of course, is that the White House preferred to leave it out -- stifling the will of those in Congress who would otherwise be inclined to fight.
But Politico reports another reason: "Inserting a public option into the House reconciliation bill would blow up a possible deal with the Blue Dogs."
We're going to keep fighting for a public option, but that's not enough. We need to defeat Blue Dogs and elect bold progressive fighters to Congress.
Today, over 2,500 people chipped in $46,000 to the PCCC's first 2 endorsed House candidates of 2010 -- can you help us reach $50,000? Click here.
These two candidates are Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02) and Krystal Ball (VA-01):
- Ann McLane Kuster is a longtime progressive who worked hard in New Hampshire to improve access to affordable health care for families -- and led grassroots efforts in the state on behalf of reproductive rights. Her primary opponent is Katrina Swett, national co-chair of Joe Lieberman's 2004 presidential campaign. This Democratic open seat is a golden opportunity to elect a bold progressive over a corporate Democrat. Support Ann!
- Krystal Ball is owner of an educational software company, mother of a young daughter, and a progressive champ. She has big momentum in her campaign against Blue Dog Scott Robinson. The winner will face off against right-wing freshman Republican Rep. Rob Wittman in Virginia. Support Krystal!
For the past few months, we've been working closely with these campaigns -- interviewing the candidates, meeting with their staff, and evaluating their plan to win. And we'll be working side-by-side with them until November, starting with sending them a skilled progressive staffer to help their campaigns.
Each of these candidates faces a March 31 fundraising deadline -- which will be looked at to determine their momentum.
Can you chip in $4 to each of these progressive campaigns? Every bit makes a big difference -- click here to help them.
Ann has promised to co-sponsor a bill that would make a strong public option available to every American. Krystal has too -- even promising to co-sponsor Rep. Alan Grayson's recent "Medicare You Can Buy Into Act," another strong version of the public option that would be available to all. Today, she wrote us:
"I believe in a public health insurance option -- and, frankly, I believe that if all of our legislators were dedicated first and foremost to the country's best interests, we would have passed a health care bill with a public option in August. As a progressive member of Congress, I will proudly co-sponsor and fight for Rep. Grayson's 'Medicare You Can Buy Into' Act."
We need to elect more bold progressives like this to Congress.
Please stand with them by chipping in $4 to each of their campaigns today.