Freshman Dems Under Pressure From All Sides

It's tough to be a freshman no matter where you might be, high school, college, or Congress:

Two freshly elected Democrats are wavering in their support of healthcare reform, as a rancorous summer series of “town hall” debates appears to be ­hardening opposition against the Obama administration.

Frank Kratovil and Tom Perriello, who as freshmen congressmen would be expected to back the party leadership, both say proposals for expanding coverage to the uninsured are un­acceptable in their current form and should focus more on cost savings.

Mr Kratovil, who was hanged in effigy by a healthcare protester at a town hall meeting in his state of Maryland, said he would have voted against legislation if it had come to a vote last month.

Tom Perriello, another new representative from neighbouring Virginia, also says he is not yet ready to support the current proposals in the House of Representatives, partly because he is “still getting feedback from . . . constituents”.

Neither man has ruled out voting for a revised package.

I guess being hung in effigy would tend to focus one's mind.

These guys are learning a tough lesson. They can play go along/get along with San Fran Nan, or they can have their jobs for another two years after the 2010 elections. The probably won't be able to have both.