Democrats: No need for town halls. We’ve done enough outreach.
I’m incredulous at the continuing response of the Democrats in our congressional delegation who say they’ve done all the outreach they’re going to do on Obamacare:
South Dakota’s two congressional Democrats say they’ve done ample public outreach on health care reform despite not holding any public town hall meetings on the subject during Congress’ August recess.
Sen. Tim Johnson and Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin have been at events throughout the state, their offices say, and the two will continue to meet with constituents during the recess. Neither plans to hold town-hall style meetings that have generated controversy in other parts of the country.
and…
But for many, that level of access hasn’t been enough. Debbie Bentz, a Republican in Sioux Falls, said she has been unable to get information about the schedules for Johnson and Herseth Sandlin. She thinks the issue merits public town hall meetings because she and others have questions about various proposals.
“I’ve called their offices and nobody can tell me anything,” she said. “I think that’s sad.”
Thankfully, South Dakotans can plan on Senator Thune to give them an opportunity for unscripted input:
Sen. John Thune’s office confirmed that the Republican is holding a public meeting on health care.
“The schedule is still being organized, but given the great public interest, there are plans in the works for a forum or town hall in coming weeks,” Thune spokeswoman Andi Fouberg said.
Inaccessibility to her constituents on an unscrpipted basis is continuing to snowball into an issue that’s going to hurt Democrat’s image with the voters come next fall. And Herseth Sandlin is the one who has the most to lose.
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Comments
it’s nice to see just a smidgeon of scrutiny for Herseth, although it’s still extremely rare. maybe the press could, you know, actually do this more, especially try to get her to take a stand on something instead of her typically BS answer about how she’s “looking into it” or “gathering information” or “waiting to see how the bill develops.” These are all evasions and attempts to avoid accountability. People are starting to catch on.
uh oh, if there’s some scrutiny, it’s time for the Princess to run to KELO-Land and get them to do a story about how she loves her baby!
Odd that town halls now are the only way for members of congress to communicate with constituents. Could it be a bunch of hecklers are all dressed up with no place to go.
Come on Tim, come on Stephanie, do a town hall. Never mind the tar, we’ve been fixing potholes. And the feathers, they’re from the chicken fry we’re having after. Really PP, I think most people are familiar with “The Spider and the Fly”.
And forget the “Democrats are afraid of their constituents” tripe. Remember the Bushies setting up fenced-off areas for demonstrators far from the venues where Bush spoke–and far from the routes he traveled. Hell, I’m surprised Republicans didn’t set up demonstrator space in South Dakota during their 08 convention in Minneapolis.
Yes, time for a gratuitous baby photo. Clearly, South Dakota is only a necessity for her current employment.
If you’re going to hold public office, you need to show up and be willing to answer questions. Legislators do it at cracker barrels all the time, whether they like it or not.
You guys Thune is probably off fundraising for a presidential run on this beautiful saturday!
He can be forced to do town halls when he votes against his constituents!
The saddest thing that has occurred in politics is how sheltered they choose to be and how we seem to let them.
Moses,
I’ll make a deal with you. You assemble all the meetings open to the public in South Dakota of Herseth and Johnson. I’ll do the same for Thune.
We will then publish the list right here on SDWC with date so what you provide and what I provide can be verified on if it really occurred or not.
And, I’ll make a wager with you. Thune’s exceeds those two combined.
Troy – great idea!!! I’ll be waiting with baited breath. This should be interesting. How about it moses?
Cowards! I can’t say I’d do it either but what is the big deal if Herseth and Johnson are against it?