I just finished a press release for our Dem candidate in NE-1. The present incumbent won handily two years ago when the seat was open. Of course Bush is revered here in this red state. However, the incumbent is most vulnerable in his first re-election effort. The press release is about the budget bill the House had to vote on Wednesday.
The budget bill contained a provision to cap Medicare payments for oxygen use or equipment at 36 months. After that you either hit the lottery, learn to hold your breath or die.
The press release castigated the Republican for voting for the bill with that onerous provision. It also challenged the incumbent to introduce legislation to repeal that provision in Medicare. The bill passed 216-214.
What the press release does is put the burden on the Republican to explain why he voted for it. It also puts him in a corner to explain why he won't introduce legislation to repeal the provision. The release also pointed out if ONE member of the majority party -- such as our opponent-- had the fortitude to stand up to their party bosses and break with the DeLay style of doing business then our seniors and chronically ill would not be in a position of counting the days until their life support system is shut off. This issue and points could hound each Republican incumbent the entire campaign.