Where's Mike Coffman?
Congressional candidates Mike Coffman and Joe Miklosi sat down for a debate last week, and though it won’t be broadcast publically until this Wednesday, we’ve gotten a few hints as to what was discussed in the 20-minute face-off. They talked about Medicare and healthcare, among other issues.
Unsurprisingly, instead of sticking to the facts, Coffman repeated the wildly inaccurate figure touted by Romney and other Republicans that Obama’s plan would cut $716 billion to Medicare.
That’s false. The Obama plan adds new benefits, including coverage for preventive care. The $716 billion in “cuts” quoted by Romney and Coffman are not benefit cuts –they’re cuts in future growth spending and to providers that will prolong the life of Medicare. Miklosi knew that, while Coffman stood by to misleading claims in an effort to cover his own support for the Ryan budget, which would indeed slash Medicare benefits by turning it into a voucher program, increasing out-of pocket costs to seniors by more than $6,000.
We know where Coffman stands on Medicare. But a lot of questions remain unanswered, and Coffman has made it very clear that he won’t give his constituents in Aurora the time of day. In a poor attempt to make himself appear available, Coffman claimed in the Denver Post that he will “personally” answer any questions sent in via email or called into his office.
Well we put that claim to the test, and it turns out Mike’s not really taking any calls.
So where does that leave us? With a Congressman who won’t talk to or meet with his constituents. With a Congressman who votes to extend tax cuts to the rich, while voting in favor of punitive cuts to programs that benefit the 99%, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Pell Grants. With a Congressman who works for the 1%, while turning a cold shoulder to the 99%.
We could do better. Luckily, the election is just 20 days away and we have a choice – Coffman or Joe Miklosi, who will vote to end tax cuts for those making $250,00 or more, while also standing up to special interests.
Here’s an idea — since Mike won’t take our calls, we can send a message through our votes.
