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Iowa Democratic Party: On health reform, Latham opposes change
11/10/2009

Support for insurance industry no surprise after five-star PAC junkets

Contact: Norm Sterzenbach
515-244-7292

DES MOINES, IA – On Saturday, Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA) voted against the Affordable Health Care for America Act, ignoring the call for change Iowans in his district made a year ago. Instead, Latham “has chosen to stand with his insurance industry friends and the Party of No in Washington, D.C.” Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan said Monday.

In the 2008 election, held almost exactly one year ago, President Obama received a strong 54 percent majority of the vote in Latham’s district. “The voters of the 4th District clearly said they wanted a change in direction in this country,” Kiernan said. “Obviously Tom Latham didn’t get the message.”

Reports have shown Latham has used his leadership PAC to wine and dine fellow legislators at five-star resorts over the past two years. Health industry contributors are among the heaviest contributors to the PAC. “On Saturday, the health industry lobbyists got their money’s worth out of Tom Latham,” Kiernan said.

Despite Latham’s opposition, the House of Representatives passed historic health insurance reform legislation which provides stability and security for Iowans and all Americans who have insurance; quality affordable options for those who don't; and brings down the cost of health care for American families, businesses and our government, while strengthening the financial health of Medicare.

“This is exactly the kind of change that voters called for last November,” he said. “If Rep. Latham continues to stand with the far right wing of the Republican Party instead of his constituents, voters in the 4th District will not stand with Rep. Latham next November."

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