November 9, 2009
Posted: November 9th, 2009 02:35 PM ET

From

WASHINGTON (CNN) – A coalition of unions, liberal interest groups and other organizations is providing air cover for 20 House Democrats who voted this past weekend in favor of the Democratic leadership's health care reform bill.

The umbrella group Health Care for America Now and one of its larger members, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, are spending $650,000 to run the ads for one week in each of the Democrats' congressional districts "thanking them for theirvote," said Jacki Schechner, spokeswoman for HCAN.

All but two of the Democrats were elected in 2006, 2008 or 2009 and several of them only won by slim margins. The two Democrats elected prior to 2006 included in this ad campaign are Rep. Tim Bishop of New York (2002) and Rep. Leonard Boswell of Iowa (1996). The National Republican Congressional Committee has already announced plans to target Democratic members over their vote in favor of the health care bill.

Schechner also said that another one of HCAN's members, Americans United for Change, will thank 10 more members in TV ads, bringing the total amount spent on this campaign to $1 million.

See the ad and the list of 20 Democrats.


View the ad here

List of the 20 Democrats in this campaign
· Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut
· Rep. Michael Arcuri of New York
· Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada
· Rep. Carol Shea-Porter of New Hampshire
· Rep. Mark Schauer of Michigan
· Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy of Ohio
· Rep. Debbie Halvorson of Illinois
· Rep. Bill Owens of New York
· Rep. Gary Peters of Michigan
· Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick of Arizona
· Rep. Bill Foster of Illinois
· Rep. Kurt Schrader of Oregon
· Rep. Harry Mitchell of Arizona
· Rep. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico
· Rep. Jerry McNerney of California
· Rep. Steve Kagen of Wisconsin
· Rep. John Hall of New York
· Rep. Dan Maffei of New York
· Rep. Timothy Bishop of New York
· Rep. Leonard Boswell of Iowa

HCAN's Jacki Schechner on the new ad campaign, the Lieberman filibuster threat and the Senate fight ahead:

Follow Mark Preston on Twitter: @prestoncnn

Filed under: Democrats • Health care


bob   November 9th, 2009 5:07 pm ET

If the unions are for the bill that is enough reason for America to be against it. These bloodsuckers have been bankrupting the private sector for years, now they want to make their mark on the country at large.

Billy J..Texas..   November 9th, 2009 5:03 pm ET

How paranoid, crazy and willfully ignorant do you have to be to defend the folks who are standing in the way of reform. It makes me sick to think the black helicopter gibberish we see on here is from completely well meaning folks who believe the crap that is shoveled in front of them everyday. I suspect there are plenty of things that would make a better bill, but some reform is better than none. Why is there so much hate for the middle class from their own ranks?

Randolph Carter, I'm no expert but...   November 9th, 2009 5:02 pm ET

Keep your capitalism out of my healthcare. Have a nice day!

Bill   November 9th, 2009 5:01 pm ET

no need to target anybody. When health care reform fails this country, democrats will be a footnote in history

Laura, Boston MA   November 9th, 2009 4:55 pm ET

Of course the greedy unions would do anything to keep their meal tickets in office....

Were you liberals aware that some unions such as the UAW (those who have taken a bail-out) members don't pay one dime for healthcare...nope..but they will be glad to keep those in office who keep it that way.

Conserva-Baggers are bad for America   November 9th, 2009 4:52 pm ET

"The liberals need to understand that when this country goes broke, they will be included."

And the conservatives need to understand that if they can't afford health insurance for themselves and their families, thanks to the Democrats passing insurance reform with a public option, they will be able to be insured.

Marion/Alabama   November 9th, 2009 4:50 pm ET

I want to congratulate all the congressmen and women retiring in 2010,that voted for the health care bill knowing it will not pass the Senate as is..They are too stupid to be re-elected and just want to placaid the sheeple who think they were voting for a passable health care bill.

Mike in LR   November 9th, 2009 4:46 pm ET

The government run health care option does not enjoy the support of the majority (although polls published here and largely made up of democrats would differ) of the people. That will be made clear in 2010. We simply cannot afford it and if we could it is still a horrific idea. Inefficiency, fraud, waste and rationing are the bedrock hallmarks of this plan. Those independents, the majority of which lean conservative, who believed Obama's untruths will not be fooled twice.

liz   November 9th, 2009 4:46 pm ET

What the American people are going to wake up to, and i hope sooner rather than later, is that they've been lied to by the insurance companies and their GOP lapdogs! this bill will help the majority of people including the ones mindlessly screaming against it. it won't help as much as single-payor, but it's a good start. but watch it get killed or eviscerated in the senate by King Joe the First. I thought lieberman was just a senator. apparently his is the only opinion on healthcare that counts, at least that's how he's acting.

New Father   November 9th, 2009 4:45 pm ET

I think the union workers are more important than any of you people on here and you should be taxed more to keep the UAW and SEIU alive and well. After all they donated atleast a $100 million getting the Dems elected and it is only fair Obama and friends should return the favor. So what if it isn't there money, OH WAIT a minute, that is my money they are repaying the favor with. Wonder how many people could get healthcare with the $350 million Obama used to get elected or the $10-20 million to he spent flying around fundraising for Dems and and Chicago?

Marie MD   November 9th, 2009 4:44 pm ET

One of the newly elected reps in MD who voted against health care reform is Kratovil. He's from a part of MD full of trailer hillbillies and rednecks. That pretty much tells you who is for and against health care. Some people are not smart enough to understand that this affects us all and you would think those people would be the first to ask for health care that they otherwise wouldn't be able to afford and probably can't afford at present.

frodeo   November 9th, 2009 4:41 pm ET

People are twisting the issue about healthcare needing to be reformed due to "higher costs".

If i build cars, and say one year i build one, but next year i build 10, my costs to build those cars has roughly gone up 10times!!!! OMG we better reduce costs!!! Let's let the govermnemt step in and force us to sell the cars for less and to deny no one with bad credit or no money. You also can't force the new owner to return the car if they stop paying for it.

Now apply this analogy to healthcare. As a whole, we have more, and better services available. THis all costs more. But government is stepping in and forcing pricing practices...it's a recipe for disaster. We've already seen the houseing market collapse, then the car makers. Now it's only up to the Senate to crash the healthcare system....

charlie in Maine   November 9th, 2009 4:41 pm ET

Okay "tea partiers" I have a question- actually 2 questions,
1st Question I get why the insurance companies are against this (after all if UPS or Fed Express could get rid of the Post Office and charge whatever the hell they want for sending packages I could understand them wanting to do so). I also get why the GOP leadership is against this bill as well (one need only lokk at how long they were out of power after being against Social Security) But why oh why are regular people against this?

2nd Question. If it really is about te money wher the hell were you guys when George W Bush decided we should spend 12 million dollars an hour on a war against a counrty that never attacked us? It has been a while but when W took office we were looking forward to surplusses as far as the eye could see. But that didn't seem to bother you did it?

Norm   November 9th, 2009 4:39 pm ET

The GOP’s “Right To Life” position is a strong part of their platform in that they are against abortion and euthanasia. However it’s ironic that they won’t support health insurance reform, with a public option, that could save your life once you’re born. They want you to be born so you can pay premiums to the health insurance industry, but if you can’t afford insurance premiums it is then acceptable to the GOP if you die.

Simply put, the majority of the GOP places three things above your right to affordable insurance and possibly your life:

1. Continuing to receive campaign contributions from pharmaceutical, medical, and insurance companies.
2. Playing to their base to get re-elected.
3. Insurance companies making profits.

Mike Syracuse, NY   November 9th, 2009 4:38 pm ET

Just like the Democrats to collect their pieces of silver.

Mojo   November 9th, 2009 4:35 pm ET

~I'm pretty sure I haven't seen the insurance companies running special ads to support members of the House and Senate.~

Really? You haven't noticed? They've been spending 1.5 million dollars per week on advertising to kill health reform.

dave g, minneapolis   November 9th, 2009 4:32 pm ET

The bill passed by the House is scary. First (i've only read the first 50 pages) it says that insurers cannot increase premiums, deny care, drop care or refuse due to pre-existing conditions....BUT then it goes on to say regarding what the government can do if it's own costs cant be covered..." the Secretary shall make such adjustments as are necessary to eliminate such deficit, including reducing benefits, increasing premiums, or establishing waiting lists."

No matter what party you're in, you should be afraid that the Sec'y of HHS has this much control. What happens when party affiliations change?? They're already holding companies to a standard that the government is not obligated to.

This bill is Cr@p.

William, SJ   November 9th, 2009 4:32 pm ET

Yes, the end of the Health Insurance Racketeering Industry is almost at an end. It start with the overinflated hospital bill ($90,000.00), which is benefit paid by the insurance company if they approve it ($9,000.00) which is followed by your co-pay if you have decent "insurance" ($900.00). Anybody see a pattern here? Come on all you wingnuts, open that fabulous windows calculator (you'll find it under accessories in case you've probably never knew it existed). It's racketeering, it's almost as bad as the mob but they don't break your legs, (if you're covered) they usually set them. This bill will leave them to court you, NOT the other way around! So what's the problem?!

D. Tree   November 9th, 2009 4:31 pm ET

Congress gets good marks for actually getting something *done*

Unions are evil   November 9th, 2009 4:31 pm ET

Unions in the US are like terrorist cells. They will destroy this country from the inside. They run on GREED

Bev   November 9th, 2009 4:27 pm ET

"Owens campaigned in NY23 that he did not support the public option and within 1 hour of being sworn in he reversed and pledged support for it ... I hope WHIPLASH is covered by Blue Cross ..."

And, Owens already has to campaign for reelection to that seat in 2010!!!

His vote in favor of the public option--when the majority said "NO" --and he campaigned saying that he did not support it--will guarantee that he is NOT reelcted.

Hoffman-–a complete unknown until 2 weeks ago-–only lost
NY-23 by 3 points.

Owens is just keeping the seat warm, until the 2010 elections!!

LacrosseMom   November 9th, 2009 4:22 pm ET

The Democrats in the House who VOTED FOR Healthcare should be thanked!

As usual the GOP is against any social program that will help Americans! The GOP was ALSO against the following:

Social Security (they said it was socialism)
Medicare
Medicaid
SCHIP
CIVIL RIGHTS
Unemployment Benefits
Desegregation
Minimum wage

The Blue DOG Democrats will be challenged in the primaries with REAL Democrats! OUT WITH THE DOGS!

gt   November 9th, 2009 4:19 pm ET

gee just add the aclu and trial lawyers and you get a clear picture of there support...

JAMitchell   November 9th, 2009 4:18 pm ET

Oh... almost forgot. The polls on THIS VERY WEBSITE have the current health package clocking in 48% approval with 42% disapproval. Sooo... it is also disingenuous to say that the people do not want it.

JAMitchell   November 9th, 2009 4:17 pm ET

Ummm... the Congressional Budget Office has the bill clocked in as reducing our deficit, which flies in the face of the statement that this will bankrupt us.

There is specific language banning the use of any federal subsudies for abortions... which flies in the face of the thought of the government paying for abortions.

There are specifically no sorts of "death panels" or anyone else deciding who gets to live or die... there is no change from the current system, where a panel of people decide if you get covered for what you need.

There are difficulties with this sort of legislation, such as the language which "frowns upon" putting limits to how much medical malpractice lawsuits can pay out and how much money lawyers get paid. However, arguments such as those above are disingenuous and stop us from having a true debate on the issues.

Hammerer   November 9th, 2009 4:14 pm ET

How many tax dollars did Obama spent Saturday to purchase the 20 Dems and one Repub vote to pass the House healthcare bill?
When Blogo tried to sell a Senate seat he was removed from office, Obama bought 21 House votes and not a word said. Why?

obummer, 1 and done   November 9th, 2009 4:11 pm ET

Give a man a fish, feed him for a day, teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.

Thanks for all the fish democrats! Now we have no fishermen.

Proud Member..Party of No   November 9th, 2009 4:08 pm ET

Let's see now, why would they feel compelled to "provide cover"? Oh yeah, because it's a terrible bill that will ruin our health care and the public doesn't want it.

Oh, and why does this "public option" not kick in until 2013? Oh yeah, because Obama thinks he will have already been re-elected(fat chance) before the people realize that they have been completely bamboozled by the democrats on this.

C. Farrell, Houston, Tx   November 9th, 2009 4:05 pm ET

Use your head and do your own research and you will know President Obama is going to reduce our deficit which will pay for healthcare reform and the Republicans know this. Get your heads out of the sand, watch President Obama's travels, which the Republicans all complain about knowing his travels are directly related to reduction of our deficit.

u2canfail   November 9th, 2009 3:59 pm ET

The GOP can target away. I am glad it passed. I hope it passes in the Senate. You see I am one of those that needs health insurance at a reasonable rate. Something the insurance companies, just won't do, they are FOR PROFIT. And that is after those CEO salaries, air planes, and trips, not to mention lobby costs!

mjm   November 9th, 2009 3:58 pm ET

A coalition of unions, liberal interest groups and other organizations is providing air cover for 20 House Democrats ..........

Which party was controlled by special interests again?

I'm pretty sure I haven't seen the insurance companies running special ads to support members of the House and Senate.

Democrats seem to be bought and paid for.

sharon   November 9th, 2009 3:58 pm ET

Great Idea !!!!!!!!!!!

Those that voted no...............should loose their chairman position if they have one. That is for starters .......unless they get on board.

Jay T.   November 9th, 2009 3:57 pm ET

And Right Wing, corporate giant, billionaire David Koch funds the teabaggers, meaning, they are a group of corporate sheep. Thanks a lot, teabaggers for allowing corporations to be placed ahead of human beings. Educate yourself before you spew the lies you hear on Right Wing radio and talk shows.

William   November 9th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

Until we can bury "liberal" vs "conservatism" and learn to debate issues on their relative merits instead of dogmatic ideology, the United States of America will continue it's steady decline. When are we going to learn that we're being manipulated?

Joe in NJ   November 9th, 2009 3:50 pm ET

Instead of thanking people, think how much $1 million could go towards providing health care for people. What a waste.

Carlton Desmoney   November 9th, 2009 3:47 pm ET

The liberals need to understand that when this country goes broke, they will be included.

Mark   November 9th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

paybacks, the chicago way of politics.

Is that change you can believe in?

Rich   November 9th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

The Obama /Pelose Admin. is taking us down the wrong road as a country. The backlash is coming. Many who didnt care before cant wait to vote them out in 2010. We Know your names and will settle with you soon. See you socialists in 2010

220-215...TRICK..   November 9th, 2009 3:41 pm ET

While the country was asleep....
the House-dems voted a 219...TRICK.without the TREAT
Under the House-dems the Nation's DEBT will keep on climbing up-
up-HILL
Lets call it hte House-dems 2000–page bad-bad-BILL

TRICK OR TREAT...? So help us...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John independent from NY   November 9th, 2009 3:41 pm ET

Anytime they vote for a poorly organized fiscal nighmare of a proposal they will be held accountable. Bill Owens you are already a marked man in your district. Your political career is a mockery as soon as you have started.

Harley   November 9th, 2009 3:38 pm ET

The Lib. Dem's. and there Pres. are nothing but TAX and SPEND SOCIALIST who like hand outs rather than a hand up !!!! Just like there Heath Care we have to pay for people to have abortion and death panels for the old or dying. Not to mention Gov. Run Oh by the way Obama is spending allot that means higher TAXES for everybody and there is the highest unemployment in what 30 years !!!! Dem's = Taxes = lies = Socialism

JP   November 9th, 2009 3:35 pm ET

So the Unions who have wrecked U.S. manufacturing and keep teachers on the payroll who can't teach are for this bill. That should be enough to be against it.

donttreadonme   November 9th, 2009 3:34 pm ET

You mean moveon.org supports the dems ultra-liberial agenda and the take over of private healthcare? What a shocker???

Willy Brown   November 9th, 2009 3:34 pm ET

Time to vote them out. Cross party lines.

Robert Bartosh   November 9th, 2009 3:34 pm ET

How is the medical overhaul going to impact the Mason's / Shriners?

The majority of their fundraising comes from donations for free healthcare for children. And support of their hospitals worldwide.

I bet they are pushing hard behind the political scenes to stop the President and the Democratic party from passing healthcare legislation.

The childrens healthcare issue is one of their top reasons for gaining new membership.

Operation Replacement   November 9th, 2009 3:28 pm ET

Owens days are numbered no matter how many ads they run.
He's just another one of Pelosi's stooges.

Terry from West Texas   November 9th, 2009 3:26 pm ET

I can understand their attention to this. Conservatives – who have unlimited financial resources – will be on those local markets screaming lies about death panels, selling the USA to socialism, taking away our health care, government assassination squads killing our grandparents, Communism, "Why don't you go to Cuba where your kind belongs?", Obama's birth certificate, protecting our childrens' birthright, blah blah yadda yadda on and on.

Between determined Liberals and Hardshell Conservatives, there is a mushy middle of voters who bend with the wind like grass. They assume that where there is noise there must be a message. They are heavily influenced by advertising (even more than most Americans, which is saying a lot).

The list of elected officials who actually risked their jobs to vote for what they think is right for the country probably consists of pretty courageous people. I note that there are no Texans on the list, but Texas Congressmen are a pretty timid bunch for the most part.

Pepou   November 9th, 2009 3:21 pm ET

I commend the courageous and patriotic democrats who voted for the bill.

Liberals don't think   November 9th, 2009 3:19 pm ET

The terrible healthcare bill that passed the house doesn't even reduce the costs of healthcare. Instead, it reflects the costs to the taxpayers. The bill fines companies and individuals that don't have the 'right kind' of insurance. (What 'right kind' we don't know–it hasn't been specified).

I was just taking care of a issue at a government agency. If healthcare turns out anything like that experience, those that crafted the bill should be tossed in jail.

Also, the president and ALL of congress need to be switched to the public option upon passage of the bill.

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   November 9th, 2009 3:17 pm ET

When you work for the people, we will get you re-elected.

GP   November 9th, 2009 3:16 pm ET

I can't seem to understand why Americans are so against taxes. The taxes we pay are what made and continue to make our country so great.

GoWilson!   November 9th, 2009 3:07 pm ET

PALIN 2012 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Democrats will destroy our country.

Hugo   November 9th, 2009 3:06 pm ET

Won't matter 2010 is coming, they should all say goodbye now and thank the American tax payer for the perpetual "service" payment they will receive in the mail each month from the end of their service. This Bill will hopefully die on the Senate floor, 2000 plus pages of more government bureaucracy. Just what America needs, failed Economy, Failed Social Security, Failed Medicare, Failed foreign policy, Failed Homeland Security, Failed Energy Bill all to go along with a failing society in whole.

aproudmemberoftheunpatrioticmob   November 9th, 2009 3:04 pm ET

All groups controlled by corrupt unions I notice. That kind of gives me an idea of why this legislation exists and why these people are in office and how they stay there. Corrupt, liars and thieves. ACORN is controlled by the SEIU as is AARP. They smell of corruption. These are Obamas people. Obama, one and done.

Kevin in Ohio   November 9th, 2009 3:03 pm ET

They are TOAST in 2010. How dare they go against the will of the American people, especially in their own districts?

Jane/Seattle   November 9th, 2009 2:56 pm ET

It sure would be nice if we could not have to spend money so foolishly. Then we could feed the hungry, clothe the naked, house the homeless! You know the teachings of that guy, Jesus, that all the patriots proclaim as their teacher! What a waste of resources mankind finds as he wastes so much money-his past time whille the poor suffer! Sik of this political crap. ABOLISH MONEY and take care of the world instead! Peace

andy   November 9th, 2009 2:50 pm ET

Nothing like a little payoff for pushing the liberal socialist agenda. Even thought most americans who think for themselves without Obamas help know that this health bill is wrong. Pay off the bobbleheads for their thinkless /blind following of Obama.

Bob in Pa   November 9th, 2009 2:49 pm ET

Did they thank my children for the hidden 5% tax increase on their future earnings ? What will these Unions do for the future generations of Americans after they have satisfied their lustful greed for money and the need for saving their own hides ?

These Unions are nothing more than politicians at best.

They made promises they knew they couldn't keep.

They have thrown their own constituents under the bus to further their own agendas and wish to offload you onto a government run healthcare system.

They have driven business after business from existence or from our shores, all along blaming Corporate greed.

One union in particular yearns for more government so they can increase their membership roles

How long will you continue to believe them?

vic nashville , Tn   November 9th, 2009 2:49 pm ET

After AARP endorse this bill still republicans talking about death panel that mean they don’t read news paper

panem et circensus   November 9th, 2009 2:48 pm ET

Owens campaigned in NY23 that he did not support the public option and within 1 hour of being sworn in he reversed and pledged support for it ... I hope WHIPLASH is covered by Blue Cross ...

Richp   November 9th, 2009 2:45 pm ET

Come 2010 there will come a house cleaning. That they could pass a 2000+ page bill, by candle light behind closed doors spell back room deals between lawyers, health care companies and elected and trusted officials. SO tell us Pelosi, are you REALLY proud of this.

Jamie   November 9th, 2009 2:44 pm ET

Excellent, they should get a thank you. Standing up for what is right isn't easy but has its own rewards in the end.

oldtimer   November 9th, 2009 2:43 pm ET

How truly uninformed they are. I bet if the president told them to jump off a cliff they would gladly do it.

Fan of Common Sense   November 9th, 2009 2:42 pm ET

The special interest calvary is on the way to protect their congressional investments. Unfortunately I don't think it's going to do much good against the wrath of the american voters when they finally wake up and realize what a government take-over is going to do to their healthcare system and their economy.

Bobby in NJ   November 9th, 2009 2:38 pm ET

$650,000 is a lot but I would've held out for more.

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