WASHINGTON (CNN) – At least one Democrat is rejecting efforts by House leadership to punish Rep. Joe Wilson for his controversial outburst on the House floor last week.
New Hampshire Rep. Paul Hodes, who is also running for Senate in 2010, said Tuesday that he will not support the "resolution of disapproval" against Wilson, which is scheduled to be voted on later today.
While Hodes called Wilson's actions "reckless and disrespectful," he said in a statement that "the focus on his outburst has served as a distraction to the larger goal of providing affordable, portable, high quality health care to every family."
"In my judgment, it's time to move on and I do not support this resolution," Hodes said. "We should not allow Mr. Wilson's reckless conduct to overshadow the need to work together to craft a strong health care reform measure that gives Americans lower costs, more choice, and real control in a fiscally responsible fashion."
From CNN Politics
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Agreed! Let's move on. Mr. Wilson does not need any more publicity for his future campaigns, and many in the U.S. cannot afford to wait for new legislation. Thank you Mr. Hodes for keeping your eye on the prize!
Can't we Democrats ever agree on anything?
Hodes why do you object to this. Are you saying he should not apologize for his outburst? Who side are you on when even his own party thinks he should. You are not a true Demo and you should give your seat to a Repub. Boy the nerve of some Demo unfortune you don't want you seat and give it to someone who don't like the President. Maybe they need to check you out as well.
Can we seriously give this up already and maybe focus on the important issues? He disrespected the President, he apologized to the President, the President accepted and basic ally said "let's move on".
Sure, he beat up his neighbor, but the cops created such a traffic jam – why don't we just forget the whole thing?
He didn't insult a man or a party – he insulted the Office of the President, the House of Representatives, the Senate and the American People, and, by definition, disgraced himself
He committed a breach of the rules of conduct of the Congress of the United States, . This isn't partisan or political – it's about being able to conduct yourself appropriately, or hitting the road. It's not about a new rule invoked to embarass this man, it's about existing rules, protocol, and the consequences of ignoring established rules of behavior in this environment.
If my Congressperson or Representative acted in this manner, I would be the first to see that he or she never held office again – they certainly wouldn't be representative of what I consider good citizenship.
Move On? Are you kidding? Why waste an opportunity to further divide our great country! The Democrats – starting with the false claim that Bush stole the election in 2002 – have done everything they can think of to divide our country and spew hate. I am sick of you Libs acting as if you are smarter than everyone while you seek to destroy everything that has made this country great. False claims of racism. False claims of doing what's best for America. False claims = The Democrats are all just ONE BIG LIE!!
Moreover, what will this "resolution" accomplish? Can we expect the same results as the "resolution" to cal Iran's election a fraud? Or the "resolution" to do what's right for America?....Quit "resolving" and start PRODUCING!~!!!!!
He had better watch it. With statements like this, Nancy will soon be investigating him for his allegiance to the party. Tread lightly, sir.
That's because Hodes thinks he's going to get some NH sympathy. Paul Hodes is down in the polls and will lose his Senate bid to popular NH Attorney General Kelly Ayotte. Senator Kelly Ayotte 2010!!!!
This is how rethuglicans win because Dems are too high minded and always do the right thing and rethuglicans play dirty.
OMG! Give this man a hand. he actually is trying to reach across the asle....thank you for your class sir!!!!!
Republican Wilson isn't worth wasting any good energyon ....let's focus on healthcare reform!
He will be punished despite the weaklings in the Dem party who are too afraid to stand up for what is right.
My opinion of South Carolina is in the gutter.
well congressman I would like to help your constituents vote you out of the senate race. No don't just move on. we have moved on after evry republican antic whci continues to set this country back and incites hate speech, which by the way Joe Wilson's outburst can be considered as such. And the worse is that it was premeditated, preplanned and there should be repercusssions. So no congressman Hodes we can not and should not just move on... I am sick of the republican's antics but I amsicker of people like you caving in to those antics.
Hopefully, the voters of South Carolina will punish Republican Joe Wilson next election. Rightly so.
1. This isn't piling on. This is a part of the Congressional rules, and is what the consequences for behavior such as Wilson's.
2. Not disciplining him is going to set a dangerous precedent of disrespect for elected officials, especially for the office of Presidency. It started with those outrageous teabag parties, then to the town halls, now to this. What's next? How much more disrespect can people show for our duly elected President?
Republican Joe Wilson must of had one of those mothers who forgot to teach her son manners and respect. I'd be ashamed of him if I were her.
Punish him, they should give him a medal for saying what everyone else is actually thinking. Everything the President said during the address was a lie.
Joe Wilson reminds of the kid who used to beat us all up the minute we step on the school bus. HE'S A BULLY!!
A rational Democratic Congressman with a brain who I would consider supporting in a general election, and I'm a Republican. We need more politicians like Rep. Hodes in both parties.
Typical Republican, he'll never apoligize, he's royalty!
You know, the Dems are such a bunch of timid people. They let the republicans get away with everything. My goodness, show some backbone and take care of Wilson once and for all. The Dems cannot stick together unlike the republicans who will stick together through their racism and thier continual lies!!!
I don't think Wilson is worthy of any punishment or attention.
I did not vote for Obama, but he will respect my president.
Good for him!!! Amazing that Pelosi and her cronies can say all sorts of disrepectful things to the Americans and CIA and she never has to apologize, and then you have Rangel who is a disgrace and Nancy doesnt want to take any action on it now. I realize there are good and bad apples in both parties but some of the Democrats are acting like Bantam Roosters thinking they are above it all. Just remember you reap what you sow!