Blog - Rep. Dogget Calls on Health Care Reform Advocates to Speak Up

Yesterday, I attempted an analysis of the measly 12% approval rating for the health care bill on OpenCongress. Basically, I said that it shows that even though actual public support for the bill is running around 50 percent, the opposition is much more energized. And throughout the August district work period, the energy level is going to shape members of Congress’ perception of how they should vote on the bill in September.

Today, Democrat Rep. Lloyd Doggett [D, TX-25], whose meeting with constituents over the weekend was overrun by conservative tea party activists, said so himself:

I’ll tell you, unless more Americans who are suffering under the insurance companies get out there and express their opinion, write their letter to the editor, call these talk shows – if they don’t get their message out the insurance companies will win in September and we just cannot let that happen.

Dogget, however, said yesterday that the protesters haven’t deterred him for pushing for a progressive health care bill. “I am more committed than ever to win approval of legislation to offer more individual choice to access affordable health care,” he said in a statement. “An effective public plan is essential to achieve that goal.”