Possibly because Rep. Cuellar keeps trying to execute some intricate dance steps to placate both ends of the political spectrum. South Texas Chisme reported his seemingly positive reaction to President Obama's joint address:
U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, and Solomon Ortiz, D-Corpus Christi, both said Obama laid the groundwork for decisive health-care reform
A commenter soon after reports that Rep. Cuellar's staff said "he still doesn't support the current bill".
Those lead to some weak ass re-election numbers:
QUESTION: If the 2010 election for Congress were held today, would you definitely vote to reelect Henry Cuellar, would you consider voting for another candidate, or would you definitely vote to replace Cuellar?
REELECT 39
CONSIDER 38
REPLACE 23
All this against the interests of as many as 244,000 of your neighbors. (download available for all congressional districts.)
America's Affordable Health Choices Act would provide significant benefits in the 28th Congressional District of Texas:
up to 12,600 small businesses could receive tax credits to provide coverage to their employees; 5,800 seniors would avoid the donut hole in Medicare Part D; 620 families could escape bankruptcy each year due to unaffordable health care costs; health care providers would receive payment for $47 million in uncompensated care each year; and 244,000 uninsured individuals would gain access to high-quality, affordable health insurance.
Since it seems to bear repeating over and over again even after Nick Lampson seems to have made the irrefutable case.
Henry, you can't make the conservatives in your district love you by breaking with Democratic core principles.
They will hate you anyway, and the Republicans will keep breathing down your neck because you run weak. Republicans will work with you and respect you when they feel your foot on their necks. Not one minute before and no more than 30 seconds after.
So, you might as well grow a spine and do what will ultimately benefit your constituents. |
