Upstream | April 16, 2011 | 35 comments

Better know your district: West votes to end Medicare, Murphy hauls in the cash

source: http://gmail.com

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bambuu
Somebody had better explain to Allen West how many senior citizens are in his district. He represents Palm Beach and the retirement mecca Boca Raton. And he voted on Friday to end Medicare. Meanwhile, the guy who wants his seat is raising a ton of cash.

From the in-box, the DCCC previews the shape of things to come for Republicans who voted to privatize Medicare and replace it with coupons:
Allen West Votes to End Medicare

Today, Representative Allen West (FL-22) voted to end Medicare. West chose to end Medicare and ask seniors to pay more than $12,500 for health care instead of ending taxpayer giveaways for Big Oil companies making record profits or repeal tax breaks for the ultra rich.

“Representative Allen West voted to end Medicare and raise health care costs for Florida seniors,” said Jesse Ferguson of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “While Representative Allen West wouldn’t touch taxpayer subsidies for Big Oil companies and tax breaks for the ultra rich, he sold out Florida seniors by ending Medicare and leaving them with the bill.”

And the DCCC also reminds us just why Republicans want to sic the IRS on the AARP. Watch the middle para:

* NCPSSM: Plan would force Americans to foot the bill, make them vulnerable to the whims of the private marketplace. In April 2011, Max Richtman, executive vice-president of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, told an audience that Ryan’s 2012 budget plan “forces millions of American seniors to help foot the bill for a budget plan that puts the needs of middle-class Americans far below preserving tax cuts for corporations and wealthy Americans. […] The Ryan plan would replace the current Medicare program with vouchers and leave seniors and the disabled – some of our most vulnerable Americans – hostage to the whims of the private marketplace,” Richtman said. [NCPSSM press release, 4/5/11]

* AARP: Budget Undermines Vital Programs for Older Americans. “Among its provisions, the proposal would drive up costs for people in Medicare, take away needed coverage for long-term care from millions of older and disabled Americans and reduce critical help for seniors facing the threat of hunger.” [AARP press release, 4/7/11]

* GOP Budget Would Almost Double Healthcare Costs For Seniors. “The Republican congressman’s proposal to privatize Medicare would mean a dramatic hike in U.S. healthcare costs for the elderly, an independent analysis finds. Seniors would pay almost double — more than $12,510 a year.” [Los Angeles Times, 4/7/11]

Just by way of reminder, here are the demographics for the 22nd District (keeping in mind this is pre-redistricting, and Republicans will likely try to draw things more favorably for Captain Mock Execute the Iraqi Policeman:

* Male: 48.8%
* Female: 51.2%
* Median age: 43.0
* 18 years and over: 81.1%
* 65 years and over: 20.8%
* Employed: 58.1%
* Median household income: $51,200
* Families below poverty level: 4.6%
* Bachelor’s degree or higher: 34.1%



Meanwhile, also from the in-box, how’s that Patrick Murphy guy doing in fundraising to send West back to right wing talk radio-land? Turns out, very well:

Patrick Murphy Raises More Money Than Any Democratic Challenger in the Nation

Dem Rising Star Shows More Cash On Hand Than Incumbent Allen West

For more information, contact Eric Johnson at 561-246-0379 or email ericjohnson19@gmail.com.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - Fort Lauderdale, FL – Businessman Patrick Murphy, who filed against Allen West in Florida’s CD 22 three weeks before the end of the quarter, raised more money than any other Democratic challenger in the country, according to FEC reports filed today.

Murphy reported over $350,000 in his first 3 weeks – out-raising all other Democratic challengers in the country. In addition, the political newcomer starts the campaign with more cash on hand than incumbent Allen West. Murphy reported $304,261 in cash on hand to Rep. West’s $242,613.

“There is tremendous enthusiasm surrounding this campaign. It’s clear that voters and donors are rejecting the extremist policies of Allen West, Rick Scott, and the Tea Party in general. But even that won’t be enough – it is going to take a fresh campaign like ours with the ability to raise millions of dollars to take Allen West out of office,” stated Patrick Murphy.

Murphy’s FEC filing showed he is gaining early support from some significant Democratic and community leaders including: State Senator Jeremy Ring who represents a portion of the 22nd district in Broward County; former State Rep. Kevin Rader; former Governor Charlie Crist; former Congressman Harold Ford, Sr.; respected attorneys Jim Ferrraro and Roy Black; prominent Democratic fundraisers Stuart Cauff, Cynthia Leesfield, Ron Ansen and David Adler; and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers’ ElectroPAC, among others.

Murphy, a CPA and Vice President of Coastal Environmental Services, has in a short time established himself as a significant candidate, not only through fundraising but in social media. He has also amassed a growing local and national following of 4600 facebook fans.

http://blog.reidreport.com/2011/04/better-know-your-district-west-votes-to-end-m...
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35 comments // Better know your district: West votes to end Medicare, Murphy hauls in the cash

  • bambuu
    • +1
      bambuu  

    • The only black people I saw were the two girls holding up anti-Obama signs, Allan West and the choirboy at the end. When the camera pans away into the audience, I didn't see any black or brown people. In fact, what I saw was a bunch of teabaggers who appeared or looked like they all where on medicare.

      So listen to his speech and then reread the article West is a good bullshitter!!

      2012 GOP bumper sticker:

      "yea" Alan West abolished my medicare & not Obama!!

    • 2 years ago
  • 2hellnwait
    • +2
      2hellnwait  

    • Ahem. ! . . the usual debtocrat demagoguery . . . so "said" Jesse Ferguson of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. . . which most likely is opinion rather than fact.
      I'll wait on that, and see what Mr West has to say, in his "own words," before I rush to judgment.

    • 2 years ago
  • Richard_Wyatt
  • Warren_Merrill
    • -2
      Warren_Merrill  

    • "“Representative Allen West voted to end Medicare and raise health care costs for Florida seniors,” said Jesse Ferguson of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee."

      This is absolutely untrue. It's nothing but a lie and fear mongering. Seniors and anyone fifty-five and older will receive Medicare as usual. The plan will change for anyone under fifty-five. BUT, this bill will never be passed by a Democrat led Senate. It's the Republican's first presentation in the negotiation process. Any skilled negotiator knows you ask for a lot more than you want then start negotiating and compromising.

      My uncle is an elected Democrat. He asked me how I feel about Republicans taking Medicare away from seniors. I told him he could cut it out since he's not talking to the uninformed masses. When he proceeded I told him to stop. He laughed, backed off and said, "I guess I can't fool the informed."

    • 2 years ago
  • dinm76
  • dinm76
    • +3
      dinm76  

    • Just like the earth shifting under the feet of the democrats in1964 with the civil rights act....when the south which had always voted D, switched to R, (because they come from a racist background)...sorry but it's true.....the republicans have just lost the majority of their base, retired white people!, FOREVER.
      So-long republican party...we'll see you in another 40 years...maybe!

    • 2 years ago
  • KB723
  • Incredulous
    • +4
      Incredulous  

    • I have always considered myself a non-violent person, but at what point is it going to be necessary to go after these jerks with a baseball bat in a dark alley?

      Of course their health insurance would cover any damage they might incur, but if they aren't going to listen to the people they claim to represent, there must be some other way to get their attention, because they don't seem to have a clue who they represent anymore.

      Lately I find myself daydreaming that a giant earthquake just opened up and swallowed the entire House and Senate while they were in full session. It feels like these assholes need to be reminded that they too are expendable.

    • 2 years ago
  • Leen61
  • SamFL
    • +3
      SamFL  
    • Incredulous:

      I am so in agreement!
      And I LOVE these people who say 'write to your..Senator/Congressman'.
      Pffffffft- like your wishes Ever get close to these pigs slopping at the trough of our money!
      The baseball bat is looking like our only option.

    • 2 years ago
  • thefewbutproud
  • Leen61
    • +5
      Leen61  

    • I hope this Patrick Murphy can unseat one of the biggest right wing nut jobs currently in Congress....and that's saying something. With the cast of characters that's in there now!

    • 2 years ago
  • sammykatz
    • +3
      sammykatz  

    • http://package.so

      Wonder if West will give up his Congressional medical coverage paid for by the tax payers or his Tri Care for Life benefit from having served in the military and opt to buy insurance from a private carrier? Or will he claim he "earned it" as part of his compensation package, as so many others have? Only we're being called "leeches and dregs on society" and blamed for the huge deficit due to the continued tax breaks and subsidies given to corporations and the top 2%.

      And just a gentle reminder: West didn't usurp power to get into office: he was elected. There is a bitter lesson to be learned here: If you are not a multi-millionaire, the GOP is not the party for you...

    • 2 years ago
  • Leen61
  • sammykatz
  • Leen61
  • sammykatz
  • Leen61
  • sammykatz
    • 0
      sammykatz  
    • Leen61:

      Would be great if rather than recall, Wisconsinites IMPEACH, particularly with Walker's latest--emulating Snyder in creating economic mandates and disenfranchising people...

    • 2 years ago
  • Leen61
    • +1
      Leen61  
    • sammykatz:

      sammykatz, impeachment of Walker is doubtful if not totally impossible given the make up of the current WI State Assembly where the impeachment proceedings would have to begin. Here is the actual chain of events that would have to take place:

      Wisconsin

      Impeachments of civil officers are governed under Article VII, Section 1 of the Wisconsin Constitution.

      An impeachment trial is carried out by the Wisconsin State Assembly, if a majority of its members agree to the impeachment. A governor may also choose to resign from office.

      The court of impeachment for a civil officer is the Wisconsin State Senate, a super majority of whose members must agree to impeach. Before the impeachment begins, each Senator must take an oath of impartiality.

      Though the Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin is Constitutionally the President of the Senate, she or he may not act as an officer of the court when the officer being impeached is the Governor.

      If the Senate does impeach, the punishment may not extend beyond removal from office and disqualification to hold any other office, honor, or profit in the state. However, an impeached officer may still be liable to indictment, trial, and punishment according to law.

    • 2 years ago
  • sammykatz
    • +1
      sammykatz  
    • Leen61:

      Oh, my: recall certainly is faster, and I suspect, infinitely more cost effective than impeachment. Isn't our system of government grand--we do attempt to ensure a process...
      Thank you for the info--have a great evening and a better tomorrow...

    • 2 years ago
  • Leen61
  • ptr23
  • nanac
  • bambuu
  • nanac
    • +4
      nanac  
    • bambuu:

      I was very upset when Alan Grayson lost his seat, and I hope that he decides to run again. I believe that he will win. We need more people in Washington like him..

    • 2 years ago
  • SamFL
    • +3
      SamFL  
    • nanac:

      There is So much voter fraud in FL, it will be very hard to defeat the GOP machine.
      Time and again, the deficiencies of Diebold memory cards has been demonstrated- but guess what~ they just keep buying Diebold, and installing them.. Until FL can get the machines under control, people like govdick and west will just keep coming.

    • 2 years ago
  • nanac
    • +2
      nanac  
    • SamFL:

      Not only in Florida, but in other states as well..It is a huge problem across America, and no one appears to be doing anything about it!

    • 2 years ago
  • cherry5000
  • cherry5000
  • SamFL
    • +1
      SamFL  
    • cherry5000:

      West was charged with violating articles 128 (assault) and 134 (general article) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. During a hearing held as part of an Article 32 investigation in November 2003, West stated, "I know the method I used was not right, but I wanted to take care of my soldiers."[citation needed] The charges were ultimately referred to an Article 15 proceeding rather than court-martial, at which West was fined $5,000.[11] LTC West accepted the judgment and retired with full benefits in the summer of 2004. Asked if he would have act differently if under similar circumstances again, West testified, "If it's about the lives of my soldiers at stake, I'd go through hell with a gasoline can."
      ~~~~
      *Non-judicial punishment in the United States military, is a form of military justice authorized by Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Non-judicial punishment or "NJP" permits commanders to administratively discipline troops without a court-martial. Punishment can range from reprimand to reduction in rank, correctional custody (aboard ships only), loss of pay, extra duty, and/or restrictions. The receipt of non-judicial punishment does not constitute a criminal conviction, but is often placed in the service record of the individual. The process for non-judicial punishment is governed by Part V of the Manual for Courts-Martial and by each service branch's regulations.

      *someone covered his sorry ass

    • 2 years ago
  • cherry5000
  • SamFL
  • nanac
    • 0
      nanac  
    • cherry5000:

      That is an excellent move on the state's part, but I hope that paper ballots is enough to stop the election fraud. I have read articles on situations where paper ballots were found floating down the river...

    • 2 years ago
  • nanac
    • 0
      nanac  
    • SamFL:

      You are absolutely right! Texas is another state where election fraud is common, and they also use Diebold voting machines that has no paper trail..
      States where the Bush brothers have governed are programmed to cheat, and their daddy was known to use fraudulent means to get elected, as well .. The owner of Diebold is a family friend...

    • 2 years ago
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