Bill Foster signals support for strong public option

[BlueJessamine]

via Downtowner @ Daily Kos:

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/7/12/752103/-Bill-Foster-signals-support-for-strong-public-option

In a move that surprised me (because I've been having an ongoing conversation with his spokesperson Shannon O'Brien and have been unable to get a definitive answer) Bill Foster signalled his support for a strong public option, without triggers, when he signed a letter from 22 members of the New Democrat and Blue Dog coalitions to Nancy Pelosi last Wednesday.

A copy of the letter is posted here on Firedoglake:

http://firedoglake.com/files/1/files//2009/07/public.pdf

snip

Where this letter is concerned, these 22 New Democrats and Blue Dogs are essentially breaking with their coalitions to offer support for a strong public option that may prove critical to actually achieving some reform that will move us toward actual health care for all.

Because of this, because Foster is still gathering input about health care reform, and because I think we can absolutely count on the fact that Repubs in the district - Prince Hastert the Younger among them - will be be trying to make political hay out of this issue, it's very important that we do everything we can to get Foster's back on this stand.

Take the time to call or stop by his office:

1339 Longworth HOB *
Washington, DC 20515
[phone]

27 North River Street
Batavia, IL 60510
[phone]

119 W. First Street
Dixon, IL 61021
[phone]

137 S. State St., Suite 344
Geneseo, IL 61254
[phone]

snip

While poll after poll has shown that the public is 75% in favor of a strong public option, you can bet Repubs are going to try to raise a very loud noise about this in-district, so Foster is going to need all the support on this issue that his progressive and Democratic constituents can give. Please contact him asap, one way or the other, and let him know how you feel.

[madrchsod]

1. here in dixon we are losing 250 jobs in august

lee county has about 3000 unemployed and whiteside has more. the two hospitals here are 3 million in debt due to emergency room and uninsured patients. even the insured can not pay the amount the insurance compaines do`t pay. he`ll have a hard winning lee county but who knows even the republicans here in ronnyland may vote for foster...

"prince hastert the younger"...:rofl:

[rosesaylavee]

2. Ha. I just now came here after sending an email to Foster

re his position on health care... as in what exactly is it? It's not on his website. Told him I was disappointed to not see him as a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus as reported on dkos too: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/7/15/753811/-CPCs-Whip-Count-on-Public-Option

Will take a look at the link you provided... was actually coming in here to see if there was anything re Foster and healthcare. Thank you for posting!