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Matheson gets no thanks from GOP for health vote

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Just shows | 11:31 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
that with the Republicans, it's all about politics and not about trying to come up with a real solution.
CougarKeith | 11:39 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Poor Matheson, he does the right thing and gets the brunt of it from both ends! He is one of the FEW politicians in Washington I would give you two cents for, and earns his salary and probably half of a crooked guys bribe money and his salary too! Way to go Matheson!!! I for one am sick of BOTH PARTIES! If I was still in NY I would be a registered Conservative STILL!
It Figures | 11:41 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
The Republican Party just told America what it really thinks. It's not about what's doing right for the 26+ million people that don't currently have health care. It's just about politics and their party being in control. Having young adult children that currently have no health coverage (1 has gall stones and needs an operation) I just find that kind of behaviour unacceptable. I can't wait for the next election, as previously I voted for whom I thought best for the job...regardless of party. Next time...I'll do the same UNLESS they are republican, by which case there isn't a chance that I would waste a vote for a party that clearly doesn't care for my kids.

Republicans....you just sent out the best message you could to my childrens generation. They don't matter....
Comments continue below
Liberty | 11:41 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Matheson needs to hang with a friendlier crowd... like a school of piranhas. Being a moderate on any issue will get you blasted by extremists on both sides.
Anonymous | 11:49 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
The Republican bill costs more for doing less. They are out of touch and out of ideas.
DMH | 11:53 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I think what Matheson is trying to do is get both parties to agree on parts of both bills. This legislation needs to be a blend of both. Unfortunately, each party is out for their own interests and that is what is making this legislation so hard to pass. I think that there are parts of each bill that are good for the American people and will not bankrupt this country.
Mark | 12:00 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Why does there need to be a solution to a problem which does not exist?

Many people without health insurance do not want it. Why take away their freedom of choice and force it on them?

Others ARE cover3ed at hospital emergency rooms. If they cannot pay, their bills are forgiven.

You want to fix something which is not broken. How about allowing health insurance to cross state lines? How about getting the trial lawyers out of the equation-that alone would greatly reduce costs.

What about truly checkeing the credentials of foriegn degreed doctors, instead of rubber stamping or approving their qualifications without real questioning?

There are another of good options which do NOT give us government controlled healthcare.

Why fine or imprison someone for not agreeing with YOU? Just because you want them to have health insurance??? You are willing to put people in JAIL for that??? Are you the freedom loving types.
MormonDem | 12:01 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I'm just wondering who exactly Matheson thinks is going to be voting for him next time around? He'll get no love from the Republicans, no matter how nice he plays with them, and he just turned his back on his own caucus. I'm not going to be donating $ or knocking doors for him.
Anonymous | 12:02 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Poor Rep. Matheson.

Just goes to show,
There is no moderation in all things in Utah.

Seems it is All or nothing, extremeism at it's worst.
Anonymous | 12:03 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Republicans will be "upset" with anything a Democrat does. It's called politics. I'm glad Matheson represented the vast majority of Utahns by voting against the seeds of socialized medicine. I wouldn't expect him to back the Republican version of the bill that has no chance anyway.
bob tanner | 12:05 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
in all seriousness i think jim matheson should officially become a member of the republican party...he is there as far as ideology is concerned, he is well liked and would be a perfect fit. i personally feel that the republicans are making a mistake by not courting him...sincerely, bob tanner.
Phil | 12:06 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Matheson wants to force companies. Is that what reform is? More control. I want my liberty to be responsible for my actions, but I guess my neighbors want me to be forced to underwrite their poor health choices.
Al | 12:08 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Both major political parties are two heads of the same dragon.
Matheson was right | 12:12 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I am a Republican and I am proud of Jim Matheson. Jim did the right thing. The GOP bill didn't have important wording to cover those with pre-existing conditions which is very important and Jim didn't sign on to it either. Jim did vote against the ugly Pelosi bill which makes him a winner in my book.
anon | 12:16 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
If the truth were know, Pelosi made a deal with Matheson on the Health bill. She let as many Dems as possible opt out of voting in the affirmative, so they could keep their power in the several states they represent.
Bottom line: Its all politics all the time. Nothing to do with patriotism and the American way.
Can't win for losing | 12:20 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
And I had to laugh about the "no arm twisting" from the national Democrats - they know what state Matheson is from. What would be the point? They worked on other Democrats from less conservative states until they had enough votes, then they held the vote.
Silva | 12:21 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Both parties need to realize that they are Americans first. Party loyalty should never come above your country.
Anonymous | 12:23 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Typical conservative thinking: if you're not EXACTLY like me, we're against you. This is the epitome of being un-American.
MormonDem | 12:24 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Mark @ 12:00pm said:

"Why does there need to be a solution to a problem which does not exist?"

I can't tell if this is serious or parody. A problem that doesn't exist? I've heard a lot of nutty stuff about the health care problem, but that kinda takes the cake.

"Others ARE cover3ed at hospital emergency rooms. If they cannot pay, their bills are forgiven."

Exactly. They wait until a minor problem, which could be resolved inexpensively if they had insurance, becomes serious enough to warrant going to a very expensive emergency room. And even if their bills are "forgiven," that doesn't mean that someone else magically pays them. That treatment incurs expenses that are passed on to ALL of us in the form of higher hospital costs and higher insurance premiums.

If you don't understand that basic facet of the healthcare problem, you should probably go do some reading before holding forth with your opinions.
Chill | 12:24 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Cool down, guys. It wasn't Utah republicans dissing my favorite rep (Jim). It was the National Republican Congressional Committee. The NRCC is a bunch of partisan idiots. This is exactly what we should expect from the NRCC.
I am not a Repu | 12:29 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Matheson will not get my vote. It will be better that he will become Republican. How can you see god's eyes and explain to him that you oppose to heal a sick person due to lack of insurance.
Atlas | 12:30 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Get the government out of our lives, our hospitals, our medicine, and our wallets. Vote no on any and all government creep. And give us our money back.
Cats | 12:42 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Poor Matheson. It's really hard trying to serve two masters, isn't it. He knows he can't vote with his Democrat leadership or he won't be re-elected. He won't vote with the Republican free-market solution because he's actually a lefty and he's too scared of Nancy Pelosi. So, he just tries to sit on the fence.

That's the kind of mediocrity you get when you have a guy who is basically in conflict with his constituents and really should never have been elected in Utah.

Instead of voting for a fake conservative like Matheson, let's get a real one. Let's get someone who won't vote for Nancy Pelosi for speaker and then try to claim he's a conservative. IF HE WAS A CONSERVATIVE, HE WOULDN'T BE A DEMOCRAT.

Get Matheson out in 2010!
Re: I am not a Repu | 12:51 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
How can you look justice in the face and tell her that you have the right to take money from a healthy, hard working American and use it to pay for someone else's health care? That's what this bill boils down to.

I applaud Matheson for not supporting either bill. Neither presented a workable and just solution. Both were just political pandering to gain power, which is precisely what one would expect from the two major parties.
The only major recent blemish on Matheson's record in my mind is his vote for the government bailouts last year. I don't know if I can forgive him for that, but he has done a good job since then. Maybe enough people cussed him out for that that he wised up.
Conservative: | 12:53 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I'm a conservative - not a republican. Republicans are dirty just like Democrats. Thank you Matheson for not voting on either bill. Spain has his own issues as does the republican party at this time.
He Is A Democrat! | 12:53 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Enough said.
Digbads | 12:54 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Matheson will DEFINITELY not get my vote!!!

I'm not in his district.
Govt. regulates | 12:59 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Govt. regulates communications including movies and television, electricity, gas, coal, saftey, food, persciption drugs, abortion, etc. I could go on and on. Govt. regulation is not the evil. It is overrun govt cost that is the evil. Matheson is one of few who understand the issue and seek for a fiscally responsable solution for govt regulation of health care. With the extreamist on both sides of the isle, all I can say is good luck to anyone who has rational thoughts (like Matheson)on this issue.
Go Matheson! | 1:01 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
"The NRCC is a bunch of partisan idiots." I agree! Matheson has a BACKBONE! I would prefer a Republican with a Backbone and good sense, but short of that, I will send Matheson to Washington any day of the week.
Realist | 1:14 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
GOP.... doing the job that Lib's refuse too~~
Mike | 1:15 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Hey It Figures, Someone needs their gallstones out? Then go and get it done and then work out how to pay for it with the MD and the hospital. That is how free enterprise works.

Or, better yet, take responsibility upon yourself to get the necessary coverage for your kids to cover said operation. I don't want to pay for your insurance so get off your butt and do it yourself. The government does not owe you a living and neither do I.

By the way your beloved bill will cut Medicare by 500 BILLION dollars. Gee, that means that my 78 year old father will get his medical care cut and he worked his whole life to be forced into Medicare now that he's retired. I hope he doesn't ever get any major malady, because under your bill, he'll be screwed.
Cats | 1:24 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
To: I'm not a Repu...That's the kind of emotionalism that explains why people are liberals. They do what makes them feel good--not what actually gets results. Giving to the poor is a Christlike thing to do. Forcing someone else to give to the poor is not Christlike. It is Satan's plan. Liberals are always generous with someone else's money--not usually their own.

Government, by definition, doesn't do things well. This has been proved over and over throughout history. Let's not destroy to best healthcare in the world by letting the government destroy it.

Again, don't be fooled by Matheson. He is just riding the fence to get re-elected.
vernal | 1:29 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I am proud of jim matheson for voting no. People lets face it if the government cared about you and me, they would have given the stimulas money to every tax paying citizen in america and let us decide what we needed. we could have paid off homes, bought new car, and purchased health insurance on our own. that would have been better for the american people it would probably have gotten rid of the welfare program. i know it would have kept people working to build cars and supply things to the american people as it is all i see it doing is costing people their jobs, homes and cars along with insurance when they have no way to pay for it because they don't have a job. wake up people or before you no it you will be depending on the government for everything and lets face it they are pretty poor managers. if they weren't social security, medicare, medicade and the post office would not be bankrupt. I can't afford to have any more taxes levied on me! CAN YOU? you will be paying for this health care bill NOTHING IS FREE! WAKE UP.
I called Matheson | 1:30 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
and his office refused to say how he would vote and I was treated very rudely by the young man who answered the phone. Matheson was on Pelosi's side all along. It was all politics on his side! I am very disappointed in Jim and will do my best to campaign for his defeat!!!!
momofeight | 1:35 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Well, I AM in his district, and he WON'T be getting my vote this time!
$789,429  | 1:38 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Of course Matheson voted against reform, he has 789,429 reasons to vote against it. That's the total amount of donations he has received from the health sector since he was elected to the office. If you want your congressman to take your input seriously, your letter better be accompanied by a large "campaign donation" (read: bribe).
Conservative | 1:39 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
As a conservative I watched in dismay as the House pushed legislation that seemed to be more horse and pony show rather than a real fix that is needed. Congress was so eager to show that they could "get things done" that they ignored bipartisan reports that show the bill would do little to change the way Health Care does business and increase government spending. Where do they think the money comes from? Rep. Matheson is showing that he can be strong and stand for what he believes and what his constituents believe rather than listening to the shrill screaming of left and right zealots.
Brain | 1:40 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Sell out your party and still get the shaft! It appears you've won a lot of new support here in Utah. All in all, I guess Matheson is a lighter shade of red. Both bills are flawed, but the one that passed is much, much closer to what we need. I'm sure we can count on Hatch and Bennett go against their party and vote for real reform on out behalf...ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!
The Rock | 1:48 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
The Pelosi bill only creates a huge bureaucracy, protects the lawyers and does not correct any of the root causes of the current problems.

The Republican bill did address the root causes and would make health insurance much less expensive. It did not increase the welfare state providing giveaways.

We need tort reform. The Democrat party is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trial Layers Association. The Polosi plan included language that would punish any state that capped medical malpractice awards. (The Trial Lawyer Preservation Act.)

We need some well financed doctors to run for congress. They would know how to fix this problem.

Here is my tort reform:
1. The doctor shall be held harmless if they followed established and documented best practices. (This means they did the right thing and they should not be punished for that.)
2. Cap non financial awards at $250,000.
3. Include disability insurance in the health insurance policy. If you are disabled by a medical procedure, whether the doctor is at fault or not, you can get up to 100% of your salary depending upon the degree of disability.

Nobody loses but the lawyers. What could be better?
Primary him | 2:01 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Matheson wussed out, plain and simple.
GOP-Utah is a BIG JOKE | 2:15 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
GOP kills EVERYTHING they touch. Overnight trading markets gave early indications that the first day of the new week might present a fresh record for gold prices (while also making life interesting in the oil trading pits), and that the US dollar would likely return to the pivot points it first visited in October (75 on the index and $1.50 against the euro). Following that, the New York spot markets opened with additional gains in precious as well as base metals, and oil. Since the day will be filled with travel once again, we can offer up only the starting gate numbers and a second half consisting of a roundup of background stories that were 'canned' prior to this morning. Today' late developments will have to be covered in retrospect. Gold opened with a $12.20 per ounce rise, and was quoted at $1110.00 this morning. Silver added 33 cents to start Monday's session at $17.72 an ounce. Platinum rose $12 to $1355 and palladium climbed $2 to $331 per ounce. Rhodium remained unchanged at $1850 the troy ounce. Also at last check, the US dollar was seen at 75.05 on the index.
CBB | 2:26 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
I just got off the line with Matheson's DC office and spoke with Kevin who was very courteous. Jim's vote was based on COST. 50 % of our country's budget goes to health costs per Jim on town hall call in September. If we don't get healthcare it will exceed 100 % of our budget.

Universal healthcare for all (at a fair price) and the same healthcare as our representatives/senators get will Bring Down the costs eating away at our country's budget. Plus we will all be better off and so will our country.

It's the RIGHT THING TO DO. Without good health what good are WE?
@The Rock | 2:40 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
The CBO reported a tort reform would "save" $54 billion over 10 yrs.
Many states already have tort reform. For example, CA caps noneconomic damages at $250,000. Question: what "damages" would be awarded in case of a child killed by negligent medical practices?


Economic Sense | 2:48 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
A landmark study by the Institute of Medicine estimated that 18,314 Americans between 25 and 64 die each year because of a lack of health insurance. These deaths are largely because of failures to diagnose illness and to limited access to good quality care. However, that study was based on data from 1993. A new study, to be published in the December issue of the American Journal of Public Health, puts the number of deaths among Americans between the ages of 18 and 64 associated with lack of health insurance at 44,789 a year.

US government agencies typically use a figure around $7 million to represent the lost economic output from each death. If we conservatively use only half of the government figure, or $3.5 million, it suggests that the annual cost to the US economy of 40,000 deaths is about $140 billion. That adds up to a cost of more than a trillion dollars over a 10-year period - even taking future inflation into account - well above the cost of enacting a health care package.
The Facts | 2:50 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
People living in states with the highest insurance levels have better health indicators, including fewer low birth weight babies, lower infant mortality, and lower death rates from diabetes, heart disease, strokes, Alzheimer’s, and some types of cancer (cervical, colorectal). While expanding health insurance is just one component of a state’s approach to improving health, the data are striking. Moreover, the annual death rate for residents of the states with higher insured populations was lower than for those living in the lowest insurance states.
Its not republican's fault  | 2:57 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Democrats have huge majorities in both the house and senate, and they have the presidency. The reason this isn't going through is because Democrats know the reforms they propose are a bunch of hogwash too. Sorry, but Obama, Pelosi, and Daschel lied to you.
MormonConservative | 3:20 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
Zombie Government Reality Check

The stats and growth prognostications from tout television, New York banksters, our Federal Reserve, U.S. Treasury, and various U.S. Government fiscally incestuous cabal members are replete with liars, exaggerators, and crooked politicians. The U.S. Government and several others are economically dead; they just haven't admitted it yet.

The United States' financial affairs are an empty burning hulk of disaster.

There is not enough taxing power, stealing power, money and bond-printing power on this globe for these dudes to worm their way out of a major collapse. It may take some time, but its coming for sure. There is no way out except to inflate. And, we know how that one ends. Read about Germany's hyper-inflation of 1921-1922.

We are not yelling fire in this theatre of the absurd but rather giving an untenable situation the cold, blank, fishy-eyed stare of an auditor. Two and two isn’t 20 and never will be. Most everyone is broke and going broker. Even those with no debt and holding supposedly strong assets in government paper and real estate reside in quicksand.

VOTE GOP ALL out in 2010 Utah.
Scott Mathason would | 3:23 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
be very ashamed of how his son voted on this one. I for one will not support him any more. And he claims the Democrats are not upset about this? Just like everyone in office, they get out of touch with the people that voted for them. Now he is in touch with the money that health insurance companies are handing him to vote the way they want. Thanks Jim, for nothing!
Cats | 3:23 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
to @Rock: Tort reforms would do nothing to prevent actual damages in malpractice cases. What it would do is cap the unreasonable punitive damages that are currently costing us all so much on everything in the world, not just medicine. Defensive medicine is creating havoc on health costs.
Pagan | 3:26 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009
GOP blasts Matheson for voting with them.
GOP blasts Bush for 9/11
GOP blasts Regan for Reganomics.
GOP blasts...

see a pattern?

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