We like politics. We find it interesting and a little bit of fun — especially on a Friday. But unfortunately in the politics game, where one sees fun, another sees an attack.
That’s the situation for U.S. Senator Ben Nelson who has been a target of two campaigns against him run by Change Congress, an organization that urges politicians to use public campaign financing, reject campaign contributions from lobbyists or PACs, and put an end to legislative earmarks.
The campaign attacks Senator Nelson for reportedly coming out against a public-private health insurance plan proposed by President Obama and other lawmakers in Congress.
Allegedly, Senator Nelson said that public-private plan would beat out private plans and hurt the insurance market.
So in effect, the Change Congress campaign accuses the Nebraska Democrat of taking millions in campaign contributions from the health care and health insurance industry, reported Forbes and the Associated Press.
Senator Nelson, naturally, took issue with the campaign and shot back.
First, the Nelson’s office said the campaign was a “misleading fundraising gimmick by a special-interest group. ”
Then, Nelson’s spokesperson Jake Thompson released a written statement attacking back.
There’s no doubt Senator Nelson understands the insurance industry’s important role providing health care for millions of Americans. After all, he’s been an insurance executive, an insurance industry regulator, a governor who created a children’s health insurance program, and today he represents Nebraska, arguably the insurance capital of the world.
But let’s look at this group closely. They claim, ’Ben Nelson said he may not support Obama’s plan.’ Can they send us a copy of the plan? No, because President Obama hasn’t offered a specific plan yet. Next, they ask if people are ready to change Congress and ’take on special interests’ and ’only donate to politicians who prove they are willing to do that.’ Then, they promote an election law proposal they’re lobbying for.
So, let’s get this straight: These people are endorsing something they haven’t seen, criticizing Senator Nelson for something he hasn’t done and using health care as a fundraising gimmick — to lobby for unrelated special interest legislation. These people have a political agenda that has nothing remotely to do with helping Nebraskans get and keep affordable, high quality health care. Their effort is silly, sad and sophomoric.
Nebraskans are far too smart to fall for just another special interest group grabbing a hot issue and misrepresenting both the president and Senator Nelson to raise money to lobby Congress.
Here are some facts about Senator Nelson and health care:
- During his presidential campaign and recently President Obama has said Americans who like their private insurance will get to keep it, or have the option to join another plan.
- Ben Nelson agrees and he’s eager to see more details from the president, and he wants to make sure that the 85 percent of Nebraskans who have insurance today will continue to have the option of staying with their existing plans.
- Senator Nelson believes that all Americans should receive health insurance and agrees with President Obama that those who currently have health insurance should be assured that it won’t be taken away from them.
- Senator Nelson is spending much of the congressional break in Nebraska this week meeting with Nebraskans, listening to them discuss health care and reform ideas. He’s listening to patients, providers, employers and others. He looks forward to hearing from many more Nebraskans on ways to strengthen, broaden and provide stability in America’s health care system.
Change Congress already went after U.S. Representative John Conyers and promises to go after a Republican next.
Things are only bound to get more entertaining.