July 31, 2009 12:01 AM UTC

Polis Seeks Footing After Health Care "Compromise"

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• by: Colorado Pols

In a press release today, Rep. Jared Polis interposes noncommitally about the health care reform compromise reached yesterday between House leadership and the “Blue Dogs,” and tries to separate himself from growing anger from progressives over the recent turn of events. Release follows–says Polis, “I know my actions to strengthen the bill were misunderstood by some, but rest assured, my strong support for health care reform and the President’s plan has not wavered.”

Our view: Polis’ defense of his recent actions surrounding the health care reform proposal, which have upset many on the progressive left and contributed to uncertainty over the prospects for health care reform this year, rests on the idea that without his clamoring for less spending and lower taxes on wealthy Americans the bill wouldn’t pass. We’ve made it clear we don’t agree–our opinion is that his ‘concerns’ should have been dealt with in a much more politically discreet way, and certain rather flippant remarks he’s made are being used against the health care proposal in ways he can’t have intended if his goal was really to help it pass.

As a result, he’s getting lumped with those trying to obstruct passage of any meaningful health care reform, despite his usually pro-reform rhetoric. And the fact is, Polis is tied to the fate of health care reform legislation now–if a bill passes and is signed into law that satisfies the Democratic base, there’s no reason to believe that Polis won’t be able to weather this in career terms.

If it fails though, whatever his intentions may have been, and even though it’s true that he was far from the only problem, he’ll be on a short list of people to blame. Indeed he’ll be subject to disproportionate blame if health care fails precisely because what he did was so ‘impactful.’

Polis is (nominally, anyway) a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which is trying to harden opposition to the “Blue Dog” compromise before the August break. Since many elements of this compromise aim to reduce costs–a key concession Polis demanded from leadership–we’ll be interested to see how he juggles these increasingly contradictory loyalties.

Polis Calls for Strong Public Option in Health Reform Plan

Washington, DC-In response to the “Blue Dog” compromise reached with House Leaders last night, Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) issued the following statement to reiterate his strong support for a public option in the proposed health care reform bill.

“Health care reform is the single most important step we can take to help families and rebuild our economy, and I feel this cannot be accomplished without a strong public option.  I strongly support this essential reform that will bring relief to struggling families by expanding choice and containing costs in our health care system.  

Given the progress I’ve seen so far, I am confident we can pass a health care reform bill that maintains a robust public option.  While I would rather have stayed in session to broker a deal, I will do my best to see a bill with a strong public option pass the House as soon as we return.  In the coming weeks, I am hosting events across my district to continue to raise support for health care reform with my constituents.  I know my actions to strengthen the bill were misunderstood by some, but rest assured, my strong support for health care reform and the President’s plan has not wavered.  I have spoken with the President, Democratic Leadership, health care reform advocates, and concerned constituents to move health care reform forward.  I believe we will build a stronger and better bill that will have the full support of the House.  We cannot waste this once in a lifetime opportunity to enact lifesaving reform.”

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