Yesterday, George Bush vetoed a bipartisan bill that would provide health insurance to over 10 million low income children. On September 25th, Joe Knollenberg voted against this legislation that would give children the health care they need.
Today, Gary Peters called on Joe Knollenberg to stand up to President Bush, and vote to override the veto in order to protect Michigan’s children.
“This is about protecting the health care of Michigan’s children. Even though Joe Knollenberg has previously voted the wrong way, he needs to understand the critical importance of this issue to his constituents and vote to override President Bush’s veto.”
-Gary Peters
Joe Knollenberg is the 2nd most vulnerable Republican to vote against SCHIP. MI-09 has a PVI of R+0, and Gary Peters has consistently performed above the Democratic base vote in 9th district precincts.
This is not a partisan issue. It is about providing necessary health care for children, and protecting our societies most vulnerable. SCHIP is supported by a vast majority of Governors and a bipartisan coalition of Members of Congress. Republicans in Michigan voting for the bipartisan legislation include Representative Fred Upton (R-MI 6th), Representative Vernon Ehlers (R-MI 3rd), and Representative Candice Miller (R-MI 10th).
As Gary Peters calls on Knollenberg to change his vote, Democrats nationwide are raising awareness about SCHIP. The DCCC has begun radio ads and robo calls within many battleground districts, including Michigan’s 9th.
The calls feature Lisa Matzenbach, a mother of a chronically ill child on SCHIP who lives in the 9th district. The text of the call is available at the Stakeholder.
The DCCC isn’t the only group going on the offensive. According to Swing State Project, Knollenberg is the 2nd most vulnerable Republican to vote against SCHIP. The Hill also notes that Democrats are going on the offensive in protecting children’s health care coverage. Michigan Liberal, MyDD, Talking Points Memo, and Swamp Politics also all criticize Knollenberg’s decision to vote against the interest of Michigan’s children.