May

3

Eldridge and Donoghue on Health Care

May 3, 2007 |

Lynn got some serious follow-up by two of the candidates on their health care positions. Eilleen Donoghue Jamie Eldridge’s Campaign Manager responded to one of her posts at LeftinLowell, which was sparked by our latest podcast, and they were definately interesting.

Donoghue:

I’m happy to have the opportunity to clarify my position on a single-payer system. I believe that if the political will existed in Washington to pass it, a single-payer system would be the ideal solution to our health care crisis and I would be the first one in Congress to vote for such a plan. My comments regarding my willingness to look at other policy solutions is rooted in my belief that the political will doesn’t currently exist and is unlikely to exist for sometime in Congress. This landscape may change, but I believe it is naïve to ignore the current reality. This campaign is just beginning and I’m very much looking forward to continuing the discussion regarding how government can help solve the healthcare crisis here in Massachusetts and across the country. I hope this clears up any confusion about my position on a single-payer system.

Eldridge’s Campaign Manager:

Turch and Lynne - good question about Jamie’s support for single-payer - let me take a stab at it, and if this isn’t good enough let me know:

Jamie Eldridge voted for the Massachusetts reforms and in favor making health care a right under the Massachusetts Constitution.

The new Massachusetts system is certainly an improvement in many ways, so it makes sense to vote in favor. But the Massachusetts system would have tremendous difficulty nationwide, especially in states with much less economic stability and a weaker middle class.

A Congressman has to decide national policy. The only way to solve our health care crisis on a national level is single-payer health care.

Jamie will be announcing his detailed policy proposal along with his official candidacy on May 10 - following Congressman Meehan’s resignation. We’ll be in Lowell, Lawrence and a couple of other towns around the district.

Stay tuned for more details, and keep up the great job of holding candidates feet to the fire to commit to exactly how they will solve this immensely important problem facing our nation.

-Mike Moschella
Campaign Manager

I take the view that a defeatist attitude isn’t going to be able to push for change, but that’s just my .02.

~Ryan


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