CONGRESSMAN CONTINUES TO CATER TO LIBERAL BOSSES

Although South Carolina Congressman John Spratt has publicly said he is on the fence when it comes to legislation creating a “robust” public health care option, information leaked from U.S. House Majority Whip James Clyburn’s office proves otherwise.

A “whip list” of Democrat House members meant to tally support for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s aggressive proposal to create a government-run health care plan was obtained by reporters late last week. And on it, Spratt was listed as firmly in support of a public option.

That, however, is contrary to what Spratt has been telling voters in his district. At a health care town hall forum on Monday, Spratt said he was “keeping an open mind.”

Spratt has used the “open mind” mantra months to delay deciding between the wishes of his constituents, who are overwhelmingly opposed to a public option, and his liberal bosses in Congress who are trying to pass one.

Worst of all, say detractors, is that a public health care option would punish Spratt’s largely rural district more than many others in the country.

According to The Hill, “Hospitals under the ‘robust’ option would be reimbursed at Medicare rates. Rural lawmakers find that unfair, because in rural areas most healthcare is provided through hospitals, and there’s often only one in a region.”

The Pelosi public plan also reimburses health care services at Medicare rates, plus 5 percent. But such a low reimbursement rate makes it nearly impossible for rural communities to attract enough doctors and hospitals.

That means a public option would be devastating to much of Spratt’s district, which is classified as 53 percent rural.

Asked one Beltway insider, “Why would [Spratt] support a plan that many Democrats say would decrease healthcare access and quality for over half of his constituents?”

I think most people would agree, that’s a pretty good question… One that could likely be answered at the polls next year.

Photo: TIME