A Centrist Democrat Fights Back

The old saying that no good deed goes unpunished has, unfortunately, been proven to be the case too often during the current health reform debate.  Conscientious lawmakers who are working hard to construct centrist, bipartisan legislation are being villainized by groups on the political fringes who are blatantly mischaracterizing these moderate members of Congress as being “anti health reform.”

Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) is a prime example.  Organizations that strongly advocate a government-run health plan have been advertising heavily in Nebraska, condemning Senator Nelson for the simple reason that he doesn’t agree with their point of view.

I’ve met with Senator Nelson and I can guarantee you that he is a strong health reform advocate and wants a bill to emerge from current Senate negotiations.  He’s a former state insurance commissioner who has a detailed understanding of how health coverage works and wants legislation that will strengthen, not undermine, a robust, competitive, affordable marketplace.

That’s why I’m pleased to see that the Senator won’t allow himself to be a punching bag and has started purchasing his own ads on Nebraska TV stations to answer the unfair charges of his critics.