GOP, Dems Battle Over Blue Dog Districts
Moderate Democrats are at the epicenter of the controversy and anger over health care reform, and both Democrats and Republicans are attempting to control the situation.
For instance, the memo claims that under the House Democrats' health care plan, hospitals in the fourth district (PDF) of Arkansas would see cuts in Medicare payments of at least $324.8 million. That district is represented by Mike Ross, chairman of the Blue Dogs' health care task force.
In his e-mail, Cantor encouraged his whip team to explain the "impact of a government takeover on (Blue Dog) districts and constituents," according to Roll Call.
Meanwhile, House Democrats have set up a "war room" to assist politicians put on the spot about health care at town halls, the Hill reported. The "war room," according to the Hill, is set up in House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer's office and staffed around the clock to give Democrats immediate answers to policy questions.
The "war room" is just one of a series of steps taken recently by Democrats to more forcefully convey their message for health care reform. The White House, for instance, recently launched a "reality check" Web site to debunk health care myths. Addtionally, President Obama's political arm at the Democratic National Committee, Organizing for America, is asking supporters to visit their congressmen's offices in support of health care reform.