Dems Who Dissed Health Bill Feel Their Party's Wrath

39 House Democrats voted against it
By Sarah Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 11, 2009 10:51 AM CST
Dems Who Dissed Health Bill Feel Their Party's Wrath
Demonstrators in favor of a public health insurance option protest in front Blue Cross offices in downtown San Francisco on Sept. 22, 2009.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

They can't win. The 39 House Democrats who voted against the health care bill may have thought the move would win them the favor of their often Republican-heavy districts; instead they're fending off attacks from constituents and interest groups from the left, Politico reports. In Florida, about 60 people protested outside the office of Rep. Suzanne Kosmas. A local Alliance for Retired Americans rep called her vote "a slap in the face from someone you’d expect to be a friend."

Liberal Democrats are shelling out plenty of harsh words online. The founder of the Daily Kos is urging activists to "skip any donations to the DCCC," saying it planned to protect incumbents who voted against it. "Instead, give to those elected officials who best reflect your values." Others are turning to TV. MoveOn.org is planning a $500,000 ad campaign targeting six dissenting Dems. "I think they will pay a real price from the base if they continue to take this position," the group's founder said. (More health care stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X