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Matheson will not support Demos' health-reform bill

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Anonymous | 3:14 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

It is nice to see that the people sent from Utah are more interested in doing what is right, than in making their party look good.

Good Decision | 3:15 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Good for you Jim - you have proven that you have a brain and are capabable of making a decision that you feel is best for the constituents in your District as well as the country.

Supply & Demand | 3:24 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Americans expect a high quality health care system. We want to be free of pain, we want quality of life, we want to live and enjoy life beyond our 70s. We want to be 80 years old and still able to go golfing and fishing.

Do we really have to pay so much to enjoy life and be healthy?

How much health care cost is due to trial lawyer. Do doctors authorize expensive scans and other tests in order to cover themselves from the risk of a lawsuit?

How much of our health care system is due to our poor diet and the food industry providing us with junk, fast food, processed food, etc.

I believe change can happen in healthcare. But we do not need this health care bill. Eat better, enact more legal reforms (restricting lawsuits), sleep more, live to be healthy. Diabetes is ravaging America but can be avoidable in many cases.

I am grateful Matheson is voting against it. At least he listens to his constituents here.

Comments continue below

Wow | 3:25 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Well let me first say it is good that he is not supporting this and did not give in to the Pelosi threats and arm twisting.

The fact they have a MASSIVE majority in the House and can not get the support/votes to pass it speaks volumes about the extreme nature of it.

The accounting of how it is paid for and what it will realistically do to the deficit long term makes ENRON look like choir boys.

I personally wrote Matheson 4 letters regarding this issue voicing my opposition.

The scary thing is that he was even considering voting for anything close to this!

Given the fact who his constituents are, there is no way that it was even close here in terms of where people here stand on this issue.

People want real reform NOT PELOSI EXTREMIST SOCIALIST DEFICIT BLOATING STUPIDITY!!

This garbage bill/legislation WAS just more special interest payoffs (trial lawyers), Government CONTROL, and an avenue to increase your taxes in the future when the current scheme to "pay" for it evaporates because it is unsustainable.

newsraptor | 3:35 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Wait for a Friday afternoon to release the news and hope it gets lost over the weekend so his constituents don't raise hell. A real profile in courage, Jim.

Anonymous | 3:40 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Thank you for realizing that the answer to all problems is NOT: spend, spend, spend

Concerned | 3:40 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Thank you Jim Matheson! Just hope there are enough other Democrats with the good sense to see that Pelosi's and the liberals' do or die determination to push this mess through is not what we need. Health care reform, yes, but not a government take-over like they are trying to cram down our throats!

Thanks Jim | 3:45 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

I was ready to go door to door to campaign for your opponent. You have seen the light and heard the calls of your constituents!

Hey Jim | 3:47 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Why not work with the Republicans to improve their bill?

Health Care Industry | 3:50 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

The Checks in the mail Jim, Thanks again for your loyalty to Corporate America and we really appreciate a wolf in sheep's clothing confusing those who voted for change only to get the same "GOOD OLD BOYS CLUB".
We'll send you next weeks talking points and proposals that can further this lucrative deal we have, and make both of us a nice little nest egg.

Keep em scared of change, remember your oath to "Strive for mediocrity."
You've got the best health care in the world! Your constituents can only dream of the insurance benefits afforded you and yours, so we know you don't want to change that, you might have to have the same coverage as those you represent and speak for, maybe even pay for it like the American workers do, for your 2.5 day work week.

We're in this together Jim,
American Health Care/Investment Firm

DMH | 3:52 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Thank you Congressman Matheson for standing with the rest of your colleagues from Utah in not voting for this bill. You are right in that there are better ways to bring down health care costs and that this bill is not the way to do that. Keep looking for the real roots of the problem and you will find the answers to them. You cannot punish businesses and individuals with more taxes in order to provide health care for a few that could get it with a little motivation.

Wrex | 4:14 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Matheson will be going DOWN the next election cycle.

lost in DC | 4:19 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

I agree with his decision not to cave to queen nancy and the Chicago Cabal, but I don't know what "bipartisan, budget-deficit-neutral, cost-lowering bill is on the table in the Senate," he's talking about, certainly nothing that came out of Bausus' committee.

Steve | 4:21 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

I am so pleased with his decision. Thank you Jim.

Demutah | 4:24 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

I am increasingly having to ask myself why I should support Rep Matheson. I am a Utah Democrat and am not in Matheson's district so my opinion is of little consequence to him. My perception is that it is very hard to tell the difference between Matheson and the other Republican members of Utah's delegation based on voting records. I wonder how hard he's working for health care reform. Based on this article he sounds pretty laid back and passive about it - waiting for those working hard on reform to come up with something acceptable to him.

My problem is that if he "walks like a duck and quacks like a duck" he's probably just a duck, i.e., another Republican. His position on the critical issue of health reform is costing him my support in the future.

Health Care Industry Offensitve | 4:27 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

I was offended at Health Care Industry's remarks impugning the integrity of Jim Matheson. How shameful of you! Disparage the character of a person who is making a vote of conscience! While I'm a Republican, I am proud of Matheson for withstanding such whithering pressure and arm-twisting from liberal wackos like Pelosi and the left wing lunatic frings on this socialistic bill. Thanks, Jim, from a Utah Republican! hang in there.. the majority (of both parites) are with you on this one in spite of what the left-leaning media says. It's socialism in disguise.

Jim | 4:40 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

I think you made a big mistake. Your forgot that you represent Salt Lake County, where most of your constituents. WANT HEALTHCARE REFORM. I hope you get voted out of office. Either way your not getting my vote.

Claude | 4:48 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Matheson is nothing but another DINO.

vote for Jim in 2010 | 4:50 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Well, Jim just got my vote in 2010.

One Blue Dog Down... | 4:52 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

69 to go. Looks like Pelosi is about 23 votes short. Jim makes a good choice. I am starting to feel that the vast majority of the people he supports are finally being heard by their representative... KILL THE BILL! KILL THE BILL! KILL THE BILL!

The Government can't even run a Flu Shot program. We are still waiting for the vaccine all across America. And you want them to take over our entire Health Care System?

WAKE UP AMERICA!

We can't afford Obama's Massive Socialist reforms. We are already suffering from the stupid "Spendulus" so called stimulus bill they pushed through without anyone being able to read it.

Pelosi lied and said there would be 72 hours online before a vote, and now she is trying to say that "Full House Bill" online meant "Manager's Ammendment." Umm... We aren't stupid Nancy. Who do you think you are, Obama? Apparently it is a democrat thing to promise one thing and then do another.

Glad at least that Jim got this one right.

Dave | 4:54 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

At least one Democrat has a moral conscience. Thank you Jim and keep representing Utah and not Ms Pelosi and her den of power thieves.

Skitz | 4:54 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

@ Jim and Wrex

Hahaha are you serious? I'll be truly surprised if Matheson doesn't get re-elected. Feel free to look around you in the state. This state is heavy conservative and republican. Matheson is one of the few democrats because not only is he a moderate democrat but he happens to be very intelligent. Better luck next time though comrades!

Hallsy | 4:58 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Health care is no more a right than driving an automobile. Sure, all legal citizens have a right to health care, just like all legal citizens can own and drive an automobile. I know government was trying to give out free cars with cash for clunkers, but really, if you want a car - pay for it. If you want health care - pay for it. Freedoms don't come free. Neither does health care. Neither do automobiles. If people want health care they can learn to buy it just like any other good or service, or just move to Cuba. Down with Socialism, and down with big government spending. If government would quit regulating health care all together, the problem would be solved. Thanks Jim for opposing this, but you still have a long way to go before I'll trust you with my tax dollars.

America wins | 5:01 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

A vote against Barack and Nancy is a vote FOR America!! Way to go Jim!

Actually, | 5:34 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

It makes no difference what Matheson says or does when we have a governor uneducated enough to know the state cannot meet the needs of medicare, and surplus payments on their own, says he will refuse the federal governments help. We know those really affected by these cuts in benefits aren't sitting anywhere that makes a difference in policies anyway. None of those voting on the issues will be voting on a matter that affects them, so they just go with the lobbyists.

Sterling | 5:43 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Thanks, Congressman Matheson for standing up to the "Pelosi bullies". EVERYONE wants to improve healthcare for EVERYONE, and new and better ideas need to come to the forefront. NOT just throw money at the issue!! Money that we don't have!

Anonymous | 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Thank you Jim Matheson for not voting down party lines. This is why I vote person not party. I am so glad I voted for you!!!!

Joyce | 6:31 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Thank you so much for listening and supporting your constituents as well as keeping up with what really is going on with this bill.

peter | 6:57 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Nice thinking Mr. Matheson. If this bill passes, an alleged 45% of practicing physicians would leave health care. With increasing numbers of eligible citizens for health care coverage, the remaining 55% wouldn't be able to keep up with such a flood of patients. And this would be the least of our concerns re: this bill. The Feds shouldn't be in charge of running anything with their track record on Medicare/Medicaid, social security, welfare, education, family services, etc. It's time for people to wake up and demand that the FEDS get out of our lives!!

Captain Kirk | 7:05 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Thank You for listening.

Now if those in Washington would just understand that government intervention IS the problem with healthcare. Then I would be more thankful.

St George | 7:25 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Thanks Jim. Your father and Leo Warenski would be smiling at you.

Jo | 7:48 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Thanks, Jim!!

Brian | 8:21 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Thank you for representing us and looking at the long term ramifications of this bill.

Well done.

This proves moral charactor not party are most important.

KM | 8:26 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Thanks Jim.
For whatever reason you decided to stop the madness. I hope you push for more transparency and responsibility to the taxpayers going forward.
Behemeth bills that don't even get read, and are unsustainable. Thanks again.

Great Decision! | 9:01 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

I am an independent, but am becoming increasingly afraid for our country. It gives me a little hope that there are still men that vote their conscience instead of straight party lines. Vote for the man or woman and their character and ethics, not the party:) Way to go, Jim! I'll vote your kind of character in anytime.

Jon | 9:55 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Wow. After Matheson bowed to Pelosi on Card Check and the Stimulus, this comes as a big surprise.

Good for you! | 10:01 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Thanks for standing up for what you think is right and listening to the people instead of caving in to pressure. This bill could be a huge step towards socialism and mark a disturbing change in the history of our county. We hope and pray other democrats will see the light and have the courage to follow your example. We admire you for the stand you have taken.

bert | 10:02 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Please stand firm and vote against this bill. There aren't enough safe guards. Also people must take some responsibility for managing their own health care. Government run programs are efficient. Yes, we do need to help those who need help but at what cost. I am not rich but why are we always wanting to sock it to the rich?

Good Choice, But... | 10:07 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

If there's anything positive about Matheson, it's that he knows where his bread is buttered. He knows, like we all know, that people don't want the so-called reform bill in its current form.

But it makes me wonder how he's going to win the Democrat primary next year. Won't Pelosi/Obama/Reid shut down Matheson like they do with all dissenters?

Just a small town Hokey | 10:08 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

I am sure the Pressure from Party Leaders is great. I see no way to health reform without addressing the Tort law problem! There are frequent comments about the un-needed tests that physicians are doing to increase there charges, but no one is pointing out that it a test to rule-out x or y is not given then the Doctor gets his paints sued off when a diagnosis is missed. Thanks Jim for not voting for the sake of voting, we must have a well thought out bill that is comprehensive and inclusive of all the problems facing health care reform.

Cindy | 10:08 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Thanks Jim!!

ron | 10:27 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

steady jim.. don't go against a guy that understands that you can't keep throwing good money after bad. He is smart on this one. i wish the two guys on my side of the aisle had the guts to vote against their buddies on certain issues.

Anonymous | 10:34 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

Affordable and Quality Healthcare is a right.

The person who says...Health "medical" care is not a right! It must be earned, just like an education, housing, a job, food and clothes. The only true rights we have, and which are protected by the Constitution are life, liberty and ownership of earned property.

The first right that is mentioned is life...doesnt that mean affordable and quality healthcare?

If Healthcare is not a right than why criminals get free healthcare with our tax dollars?

What about those who obey the law? Shouldnt they get more rights than a criminal in prison?

Other countries laugh at our system because the healthcare system in America encourages people to disobey the law!

What a joke.. Criminals in America have more rights than those obeying the law in America.

B. | 10:42 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009

You chose...wisely. Jim isn't a dunce. He can sense the change in the air. After Tuesday's elections, I think most blue dog dems are thinking the same way. There is a change coming and they don't want to be on the wrong end of it.

Morgan H | 12:05 a.m. Nov. 7, 2009

Thank you Rep. Matheson from a registered Republican who isn't a member of your district for listening to the American people who attended town hall meetings and said no to "Obamacare". How long will it take for Nanci Pelosi and Harry Reid to realize that "Obamacare" isn't what America wants it is what they want? Now if only more blue dogs would listen to their constituents and not Nanci Pelosi and Harry Reid we would have the health care proposal that addresses true reform principles like tort reform.

Worst Bill Ever | 12:40 a.m. Nov. 7, 2009

It's interesting that the Wall Street Journal earlier this week branded the Pelosi Bill as one that "...may well be the worst piece of post-New Deal legislation ever introduced." The article went on to state "Critics will say we are exaggerating, but we believe it is no stretch to say that Mrs. Pelosi's handiwork ranks with the Smoot-Hawley tariff and FDR's National Industrial Recovery Act as among the worst bills Congress has ever seriously contemplated."

The lengthy article (much shorter than 1,990 pages of the actual Bill) goes on to explicitly "make its case" in significant detail. The article (Worst Bill Ever, 11/01/09) gives a good description of the Bill's ramifications. Not everyone will agree with the their assessment, but I would recommend you read it before blasting away at the Wall Street Journal.

Anonymous | 12:52 a.m. Nov. 7, 2009

Thanks, Jim, from a registered Republican who is in your district and keeps voting for you.

I agree that we need healthcare reform but this bill would be disastrous for the country. IMO it is a big power grab by Washington and would only increase costs for all of us in the long run. We can do better. Washington can do better. Let's take the time to get it right rather than humor Reid and Pelosi, two of the scariest and shiftiest people in Congress.

I agree with Jim that healthcare cooperatives are the best way to go. Yes we need tort reform and yes we need to take responsibility for our own health. We can do all that and more under the umbrella of state cooperatives.

It's interesting to see that some Democrats don't like the way Jim is voting. Goodness, I'm about ready to elect him governor.

Anonymous | 2:34 a.m. Nov. 7, 2009

I urge all you people against health care reform to call an insurance company and try to get a quote. Its impossible if you have pre existing conditions or they charge you so much it unaffordable.

Finally sanity | 3:41 a.m. Nov. 7, 2009

This is some very good news and I also favor his decision. Now if we can get the rest of congress to use some logic and common sense we can dumpt this insane idea of socialized insurance.

Congressional hypocrites | 5:27 a.m. Nov. 7, 2009

Almost all legislators thrashing about with this current health care reform are supreme hypocrites. Until they either eliminate their own cushy health care plan, or include all the rest of us in that same plan, they are hypocrites.

Matheson may be a ray of light to those who have nothing good to say about anything even remotely connected any Democrat, but to me he is just one more politician refusing to solve the health care crisis.

The past several U.S. Congresses did nothing to prevent the myriad of problems the citizens of the U.S.A. are now having to deal with individually and on our own. Matheson just adds to the pain through inaction. If he can't live with what has been offered up, then he darn well better gather enough support to provide SOMETHING that he can support and get passed.

Doing "NOTHING" is not an intelligent option.

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