Democratic congressional candidate Debbie Halvorson went on air with a new TV ad in the 11th District this week, which highlights Republican Marty Ozinga's comments about health care on a public access program in July. As Progress Illinois first noted, Ozinga said: "There are very few people nowadays that have no health service at all. Almost anybody -- I don't care who you are -- you go to the hospital and you get taken care of." In the ad, Halvorson responds, "There are 47 million people without insurance. I mean, how out of touch can you be?" Watch it:
Meanwhile, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has highlighted these comments in their own TV advertising.
Ozinga's controversial health care remarks are also at the heart of the dispute over the 11th District debate scheduled for today. The Southland Chamber of Commerce organized the event and chose Southtown Star columnist Kristen McQueary to moderate. In part because of a column she wrote criticizing him for the above comments, Ozinga's campaign objected to the choice, dubbing McQueary an "opinion columnist" and likening her to MSNBC's Keith Olbermann. He subsequently withdrew from the debate. Halvorson said yesterday that she still planned to attend.
Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 09/25/2008 - 10:55
I don't get it. Ozinga seems to have spent a good part of his "millions" personally helping hundreds of sick and underpriveledged people worldwide. I don't know about Debbie, but I would be tough for me to go to Haiti and hold the hands of AIDS paitents. How can we fairly photoshop him in a pinstripe suit and say he doesn't care, when we're unwilling to go to Harvey and personally provide tangible help to those in need.
Health care issues that need to be addressed:
Many of the 47 million without health insurance COULD afford to buy it but OPT NOT TO, knowing that they can just show up at the hospital and be treated.
I know of at least one employee (making $50,000/year) who opts out of his employer provided health insurance for his children, to get Debbie and Blago's State provided plan. The State provided plan is a Cadillac plan, better than most employer or self-purchased plans. Why would someone buy health insurance when they can have the taxpayers pay the way?
Many small businesses are having a tough time in todays economy. Raising taxes on them will make it more difficult for them to provide health insurance to their employees.
It's easy to say "Free insurance for everyone" but someone has to pay. It's time to come together and solve problems rather than run goofy obviously political ads making fun of people. It's possible to point out political differences without stooping to cheap shots.
James Kilroy (not verified) on Wed, 10/08/2008 - 13:22
I'm a contract worker and don't have health insurance. It's horrible living one the edge and just hoping not to get sick.
Post new comment