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| Bachmann called ineffective |
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| Wednesday, 12 December 2007 | |
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Don Heinzman ECM Publishers Contributing Writer Two contenders for the DFL endorsement in the Sixth Congressional District said Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann has been ineffective in representing her constituents because her votes are too tied to President George Bush’s wishes. Elwyn Tinklenberg and Robert Olson were among the speakers at a recent fund-raiser sponsored by Senate District 16 and Sherburne County that attracted 160 people. Both men criticized Bachmann’s vote against Children’s Health Insurance (SCHIP) and for the president’s veto of that bill. It would renew and possibly expand health insurance for children whose parents earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but who cannot afford private health insurance. Tinklenberg called Bachmann’s vote “unconscionable” and said, ”I don’t know how you can on the one hand support $10 billion a month on the war and argue against spending $7 billion a year to help fund children’s health.” He said her vote is inconsistent on how she talks about supporting life and protecting life. “Apparently it doesn’t extend to after birth leaving these children to get along on their own,” he said. Who she is Olson said Bachmann’s vote is representative of who she is. “She is one who supports the wealthy at the cost of the middle class the poor and working class and children,” he said. This SCHIP bill would expand the program by $35 billion over five years, tighten restrictions on any illegal immigrants receiving SCHIP benefits and cap the income levels of families that qualify for the program. Bachmann says she’s in favor of just more SCHIP-eligible children getting insured and not expanding it to cover childless adults and more affluent families. She also says it changes current law to make it easier for illegal immigrants to get SCHIP funds. Tinklenberg said the bill prohibits the possibility of children of illegal aliens getting health insurance. “This is just a fear-mongering device,” he said. “Don’t sick children of illegal immigrants deserve to be cared for and to be healthy?” He told the cheering DFL-ers that Bachmann is using polarizing wedge issues and not getting anything done. Time to leave “Given the fact that she’s so close to the president and given the fact that she has embraced the president’s policies in so many ways, I think it would be good if both of them left office at the same time,” he said. Olson commented, “We need to revoke Karl Rove’s minions, such as Michelle Bachmann. We need to bring her home.” Olson and Tinklenberg were among candidates who are seeking the DFL endorsement. All four U.S. Senate candidates — Al Franken, Mike Ciresi, Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer and Jim Cohen — spoke at the gathering. This is one of many DFL fund-raisers being held throughout the Sixth District at which candidates seeking the endorsement at the Feb. 12 caucuses are speaking. Social Bookmarking ...       |
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