Rep. Stephen Lynch is expressing serious doubts about the health care legislation, but strangely saved his most stinging criticism of the bill for this afternoon, the same day he was going to meet with President Obama.
Obama has met with more than three dozen members this week, but is saving his in-person pitch for critical Democrats who are leaning toward “No” votes. Put Lynch (D-MA) in that category.
Earlier today, he told reporters the final version of the Democrats’ health care legislation is a “complete surrender of all the things that people thought were important to health care reform.”
“This is not meaningful reform,” he said. He voted for the House version of the health care bill, which included a public option, last year. While some of his colleagues questioned Lynch’s critique, Capitol Hill aides warned against interpreting frustration as a “No” vote.
Democratic leadership aides told me they still believe they can keep Lynch as a supporter of the health care bill. One aide dismissed his critique of the bill as blowing off steam, something many members have been doing in recent days as they near the final finish line after nearly a year-long slog.
Union officials told TPMDC they believe they can help persuade wavering Democrats in strong labor districts. Lynch is one of the members they think they can win over and would support in thanks for a “Yes” vote.
