| Recently, I posted a diary that outlines an initiative we are undertaking here at Blue Jersey with respect to the upcoming health care legislation as it relates to the public option. While most of the NJ Congressional delegation supports a public option, only Rush Holt and Donald Payne have committed to NOT SUPPORT a bill that did not have a public option. And, as I said in that diary, as well as on Blue Jersey Radio last week, that is why we here at Blue Jersey are going to ask you - the Blue Jersey community - to help whip our fine Representatives into shape.
We will be focusing on each of the six other NJ House Democrats and then probably the three republicans (LoBiondo, Lance, Smith), and will go in order of District. We did Rep. Rob Andrews (NJ-1) last week, and today we are focusing on Rep. John Adler (NJ-3). We are also coordinating this effort with DFA-NJ, and with your participation, this could be a great way to show how the progressive community in NJ can work together to accomplish great things. Before I get into it though, I have one request: Please go to this diary and read the "rules" in terms of some general requests for when you call the Representatives.
What we need you to do
Rep. Adler's contact information is below:
DC Phone:202-225-4765
DC Fax:202-225-0778
Please call his office and thank him support for a strong public option and for "Standing with Dr. Dean" on health care reform. Most importantly, due to his lack of strong statements and his involvement in centrist Democratic policies and coalitions, we really want to try and get his staff (or him) on record to not just support a public option in its current form, but to vote against a watered down bill that may ultimately be produced in reconciliation that will either (1) not include a strong public option (as outlined in either HR 676 or the current House bill) or (2) will include a "trigger". A "strong public option" includes the following:
- available nationwide;
- on day one
- and accountable to Congress and the voters
Please report your findings in the comments section below. Additionally, FireDogLake has a "whip tool" that you can fill out with the applicable information, if you are able to get anything definitive (either good, bad or neutral). Also, please get the name and title (and whatever other applicable information) from whomever you speak to.
A little bit about Representative John Adler
Rep. Adler was elected to his first term last November, is on the House Committee on Financial Services as well as the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, where he sits on a number of subcommittees for each. None of his committee assignments relate to the health care debate.
Rep. Adler is also one of 13 members of the NJ Congressional delegation (everyone except for Rodney Frelinghuysen and Scott Garrett) who have expressed support for a public option, and is also noted as supporting a public option on the Stand With Dr. Dean website. Adler is also a member of the "New Democrat Coalition", which describes itself as (among other things) "pro growth", "strong military" and "fiscally responsible" - not too different from the "Blue Dogs". On his own website, Adler states that he is against single payer, and supports tax credits for individuals and small businesses to purchase health insurance in the private market. The House bill on health care was HealthcareForAmericaNow.org called a "good bill", and while both Rep. Andrews and Rep. Pallone are cosponsors of this bill, while Rep. Holt and Rep. Payne are cosponsors of the more comprehensive HR 676, Rep. Adler is not a cosponsor of either bill.
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And while you are calling, if you could also call Representative Rob Andrews (DC Phone: 202-225-6501) if you missed last week's diary, and report the responses at this link , that would be doubly great.
Thanks so much and we really appreciate your help and participation. I am sure the hundreds of thousands of uninsured and underinsured New Jerseyans thank you even more.
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Our next diary will focus on Representative Frank Pallone (NJ-6). |
