A Representative Does What He Is Supposed To Do, Represent His Constituents, Rep. Anh "Joseph" Cao Options

[area man]

A Representative Does What He Is Supposed To Do, Represent His Constituents

"I felt last night's decision was the proper decision for my district even though it was not the popular decision for my party," Cao, a first-term representative from Louisiana's traditionally Democratic 2nd District, told CNN. "A lot of my constituents are uninsured, a lot of them are poor," Cao said. "It was the right decision for the people of my district."

I wish more politicians were more like Congressmen Cao and represented their constituents rather than their party and special interest.

[skeptic2]

I agree, it would be better if the politicians veered from the party line and looked out for constituents more often (except for f'in Lieberman, just kidding).

Not to pick on Joe Pitts (because I think he has explained his position on Cap and Trade reasonably) but there are firms in PA who could benefit from the stimulus Cap and Trade would give to the alternative energy industry.

[BeingReal]

It's almost enough to make you believe in politicians again.

[Goldilocks]

What I don’t understand is why the focus on Cao and why not on the 39 Democrats who broke rank and voted against the bill? Seems those 39 are far more important than one.

FWIW, Cao was promised some special rewards from the President, if he voted for the bill.

[BeingReal]

FWIW, Cao was promised some special rewards from the President, if he voted for the bill.

I can say that my impression is that he didn't just vote for the bill for that reason. The Catholic church's stance on healthcare is that it should be respectful of life and provide for the health needs of all (including illegal immigrants) because this is the Christian thing to do. Per the article, Cao didn't choose to vote for the bill until he felt the language related to abortion was revised to what he felt was appropriate for his faith (and presumably that of his constituents since I believe there are a lot of Catholics in Louisiana, most likely in his district).

I'm not sure what my own feelings are about the bill at this point.

[Alexander]

I appreciate the Congressman voting the way he did. Unfortunately, he's a freshman and hasn't quite gotten up to snuff on how he's supposed to vote. Sadly, there are few who stand up and don't toe the party line.

I originally came from South Dakota. That state's lone congressperson is Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin. She's a Democrat but voted against H.R. 3962 because Speaker Pelosi granted her permission to vote the way she did. SD is a heavily Republican state. Herseth-Sandlin's political future (she has aspirations of being governor or US senator) depends on being a blue dog. I would bet the 39 dems who voted against the bill live in are from moderate or conservative districts. There were enough votes to pass the bill so they were allowed to vote against it so they wouldn't have to explain themselves to voters in 2010.

This post has been edited by Alexander: Nov 9 2009, 05:08 PM

[Goldilocks]

Cao was promised by Obama, that if he voted "yes" on the Health Care bill; his district would get help (money). Previously, there was already money allocated to Cao's state, than again in January, 2009 as part of the Stimulus money. I am not begrudging the hurricane victims help, but what about other areas in the country that may have had disasters? If their congressman didn’t vote Obama’s way, I suppose they will just need to suck it up and do with less government help.

You could say Obama did some arm twisting, and Cao was swayed by promises of a payoff. But we all know how well Obama makes good on his promises, (sic).

[BeingReal]

Cao was promised by Obama, that if he voted "yes" on the Health Care bill; his district would get help (money). Previously, there was already money allocated to Cao's state, than again in January, 2009 as part of the Stimulus money. I am not begrudging the hurricane victims help, but what about other areas in the country that may have had disasters? If their congressman didn't vote Obama's way, I suppose they will just need to suck it up and do with less government help.

You could say Obama did some arm twisting, and Cao was swayed by promises of a payoff. But we all know how well Obama makes good on his promises, (sic).

I would assert that unless you can demonstrate to me that the promise of help/money came after the abortion language was changed, your point is moot. If, however, the money was promised before the change in abortion language, Rep. Cao held the line with his beliefs and was not swayed. So, Goldi, show the money (timeline)! (IMG:http://talkback.lancasteronline.com/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Chance]

Elected officials I've dealt with had their own agenda. It's called getting elected for another term or keeping special interest groups happy. Have met a few that did not meet this criteria. Can't think of any in this area. (IMG:http://talkback.lancasteronline.com/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[diamondj]

A Representative Does What He Is Supposed To Do, Represent His Constituents




I wish more politicians were more like Congressmen Cao and represented their constituents rather than their party and special interest.

I wish "You" and others like you would open your eyes and see what effect this bill will have not only on Cao's constituents, but the entire American population. Congressman Cao cast a vote for the democratic party, "Not For His Coinstituents".

[Goldilocks]

I would assert that unless you can demonstrate to me that the promise of help/money came after the abortion language was changed, your point is moot. If, however, the money was promised before the change in abortion language, Rep. Cao held the line with his beliefs and was not swayed. So, Goldi, show the money (timeline)! (IMG:http://talkback.lancasteronline.com/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

It really doesn't matter when he was offered the money.

He did make this written statement after voting.

“Today, I obtained a commitment from President Obama that he and I will work together to address the critical health care issues of Louisiana including the FMAP crisis and community disaster loan forgiveness, as well as issues related to Charity and Methodist Hospitals.”

We can't know for sure, but that statement doesn't sound like someone who wasn't swayed one iota by Obama's promises. Just saying.

[BeingReal]

Goldi, I still disagree with your implication that his vote was bought for the reasons I cited. To you, it doesn't matter when the aid was promised -- before or after he decided to vote for the bill. To me, it does. I would further assert that providing that aid to this area seems to me to be consistent with Obama's stance on helping out impoverished (and in this case distressed) areas. I'm not an Obama fan, but this would stink a lot more to me if, say, it was somewhere like Beverly Hills.

[salty]

He is not the author of the bill. His constituents did not task him with healthcare reform. He voted to get his peeps some of what was being passed around.

Applaud when they ignore party dictates, and listen to constituents, I just don't see this as an example.

[justplainjoe]

If their congressman didn't vote Obama's way, I suppose they will just need to suck it up and do with less government help.

kinda like lanc co when bub walker was in congress for 20 years. only we got nothing because of his "principles" which he then sold out to become a high priced lobbyist.
they say you get the congressman you deserve.
oh my how did we ever deserve bub walker, which of our sins was that bad?
maybe making cluster bombs for saddam?LOL

This post has been edited by justplainjoe: Nov 11 2009, 07:06 AM

[mnepats52]

kinda like lanc co when bub walker was in congress for 20 years.

here's the current office holder...

Jeff Sharlet author of The Family...its about that house on C-street in DC where all the christian evangelical men live together:

"Well, you have to consider that Congressman Pitts is what The Family calls a core member. This is a little like being on the board of directors. You can go on line and find video of him talking about the objectives of the group is to create a god led government. He has worked over the years to prevent not only abortion but AIDS education overseas and so this has been a life-long project for him going back years and years and years."