By John Wilkes from Eyesonobama.com:
Rob Miller, a Democrat and Marine Corps veteran challenging Republican Joe Wilson in 2010, has raised more than $200k following national coverage of Wilson's outburst at President Obama's address to a joint session of Congress last night, during which he called out "you lie."
Rob Miller, a Democrat and Marine Corps veteran challenging Republican Joe Wilson in 2010, has raised more than $200k following national coverage of Wilson's outburst at President Obama's address to a joint session of Congress last night, during which he called out "you lie."
Democratic fundraising site ActBlue.com- where potential donors can start their own fundraising groups aimed at backing particular candidates- has seen a flurry of activity. One group consisting mostly of "Kossacks"- the moniker given to DailyKos frequenters- is titled, "Defeating the man who yelled "liar" at Obama: Goodbye Rep Joe Wilson." Since last night, that single group has raised more tham $135,000. Others, like the "Rob Miller 2010 Club" and another consisting of "People Against Inappropriate Outbusrts" have pulled in more than $10,000. (Click here to contribute yourself.)
Miller took on Wilson last year in the heavily Republican district (which features a Cook Partisan Voting Index Rating of Republican +9) and performed above expectation, garnering 46% of the vote.
During President Obama's speech on health care reform before Congress, Wilson shouted "you lie" as Obama explained that no portion of any version the bill provides for taxpayer-funded coverage for illegal aliens. In fact, Obama was correct: none of the five bills circulating in the House or the Senate would provide illegal immigrants with access to government-funded health coverage.
But it was the form, and not the substance of Wilson's disagreement with the president that irked others who watched the speech. He's received a bevy of criticism, not just from Democrats, but from fellow Republicans as well. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John McCain (R-AZ), and Bob Corker (R-TN) were just a few of those who spoke out against Wilson. The South Carolina Congressman issued a swift apology, which was accepted by Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel at the White House and later commented upon by President Obama.
For more EyesOnObama.com articles:
Democrats, Republicans React to Obama Heckler Joe Wilson
BOTH of Obama Heckler Joe Wilson's (R-SC) Websites Crash
Ted Kennedy's Letter to the President
Full Text of Obama Health Care Address
Mass. AG Coakley Leads in Race to Succeed Kennedy
3 Keys to Healthcare Reform - An interview with Medical Device Innovator Mir Imran