| Sheila Dow-Ford told me this afternoon she is, indeed, going to challenge Tim Holden in the Democratic primary for the 17th Congressional District. The attorney and education advocate was in the Capitol for Joe Hoeffel's Gubernatorial announcement and we had a few minutes to chat. Holden has a record which is far from acceptable for a Democrat and his close allegiance tot he Blue Dog coalition has encouraged him to vote to torture human beings and to vote NOT to provide human beings with health care. Holden cites as justification for his inhumane attitudes the fact illegal immigrants might actually gain access to medical care, even in dire life and death situations, and he is categorically opposed to such subhumans being treated humanely. People like Tim Holden don't deserve to sit as a Member of the House of Representatives, especially as Democrats.
I understand some Democrats will be upset and believe this will give the 17th seat to State Senator Dave Argall. So be it. Members of Congress don't get our votes and our support by fiat, by the fact they belong to any political party, or because they feel entitled. Congress isn't an entitlement program. These people are accountable for their actions and their votes. Tim Holden has established a record of voting against us on critical issues, a lack of any core set of moral beliefs, and a disdain for anyone who dares disagree with his votes. He doesn't deserve our support.
Sometimes it is necessary to look at the big picture. If we keep enabling bad behavior guess what we'll keep getting? Bad behavior. Defeating Congressman Holden will send a clear message to other Democrats, a message desperately needed to be sent, that they ARE accountable to us. That they throw us over the cliff at their peril, that if they refuse to listen we will defeat them.
Dow-Ford visited the Kutztown Area Democratic Club January 10th and I wrote this article about her and included video. |
