In the current debate over healthcare reform, an awful lot of attention has been paid towards Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson. And it's certainly understandable that it should.
After all, Nelson has proven to be a critical swing vote in the Senate, and as we documented earlier this week with our “24/7 Project”, Nebraskans themselves have a whole lot at stake in this debate.
But in the fights that are still ahead on healthcare, it's important to remember who the real obstacles are.
Senator Nelson has consistently shown a willingness to listen to his constituents and vote for the real reform that they need, his colleague, Senator Mike Johanns, has not.
This week a DC group launched a direct mail campaign attacking Ben Nelson for his stance on a public option. But, as has now been documented in the Huffington Post, Nelson has kept his mind open to supporting just such a plan.
Nelson made these statements while meeting directly with community leaders from across the state, including our organization and many other progressive partners. By contrast, Mike Johanns has never extended invitations to hold similar meetings, and has been steadfast in his opposition to any public option.
So why aren't more groups holding Senator Johanns accountable for his record, too?
After all, the votes really speak for themselves.
Senator Nelson voted to continue and expand SCHIP, a program he actually created as Governor, so that our kids in Nebraska whose families cant afford health insurance can be covered.
Senator Johanns voted against SCHIP, which would have left thousands of Nebraskan kids uncovered and unprotected.
Senator Nelson voted to extend unemployment benefits and COBRA, the health insurance safety net for those who lose their job and lose their health insurance.
Senator Johanns voted against unemployment benefits and COBRA, leaving Nebraskans with not only lost hope but filled with fear of what happens if they get sick in between jobs.
Senator Nelson voted to fund health clinics which are the backbone of our communities.
Senator Johanns voted against our health clinics which would have left a huge hole in coverage for communities across our state.
Groups focusing on Senator Nelson and ignoring Senator Johanns are kinda like the parents who punish their kid who got a B instead of an A, and ignore their kid that got a D because that is what they expect out of him. We think the D student could use some coaching and focus.
-Jane Fleming Kleeb lives in Hastings, Nebraska with her husband Scott Kleeb and their two daughters. Jane heads up SEIU’s Change That Works project focusing on reforming healthcare and labor laws.