Dole Fails on Health Issues

This is not a diary about Health Care.  Dole is proud that she doenst get that issue.

One of the biggest feathers in Elizabeth Dole's cap is the time she spent as head of the Red Cross.

From 91 to 99, Elizabeth Dole served as the President of the Red Cross.  She resigned from her job as George Bush's Labor Secretary in 1991 to take the job, and left in January of 1999 to try and become President of the US.

There is a mixed view of Dole's time as head of the Red Cross.  A story from The Nation that, once we have a candidate, I might try and get them to just mail to every voter in the state, is is available here.

But, many people were thrilled with Dole's time as head of the Red Cross.
From a short BBC profile is this gem:

Of her competence there is no doubt.

No matter what the facts are about her time at the Red Cross, the vaunted language used to describe her tenure by those who supported her is proof that she should understand health issues.  For someone to lead the Red Cross, to represent America to relief agencies around the world, that person must be a trusted voice on health issues.

But, what does her record look like once she was elected Senator?  You would think that being a former head of the Red Cross would prepare someone to make the proper decisions on health policy in this Country.  Or does it?  Lets take a look at two of the heavyweights in the health industry and see what they think of Elizabeth Dole:

Founded in 1872, the American Public Health Association (APHA) is the oldest, largest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world. The association works to protect all Americans and their communities from preventable, serious health threats. APHA represents a broad array of health officials, educators, environmentalists, policy-makers and health providers at all levels working both within and outside governmental organizations and educational institutions.

What did this organization have to say about Senator Dole's voting choices?

2005  Senator Dole supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 30 percent in 2005.
2004  Senator Dole supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 43 percent in 2004.
2003  Senator Dole supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 0 percent in 2003.

That looks pretty bad, but what about the second of the two groups I mentioned?

The Children's Defense Fund’s Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

What did this organization have to say about Senator Dole's votes?

2005  Senator Dole supported the interests of the Children's Defense Fund 0 percent in 2005.
2003-2004  Senator Dole supported the interests of the Children's Defense Fund 9 percent in 2003-2004.

Normally in a situation like this I would say that her record speaks for itself.  Sadly, in this case Dole's record doesnt have anything to say.  If her votes were a person they would be the little kid who has been yelled at for drawing on the wall 5 times in the past two weeks, but drew on them again anyway, and is now hiding in the deepest, darkest corner of the hallway closet hoping to avoid attention.

Are you going to let her hide or will you help bring her record into the light?

•  We are close to having a challenger

  Use the link in my sig to send 2, 5 or 50 bucks to Brad Miller to help him make up his mind.

  by Blue South on Fri May 11, 2007 at 06:01:02 AM PDT

  •  Roy Cooper?

    Blue South, I read (maybe on Political Insider?) that the DSCC has talked to Roy Cooper about running against Dole.  Have you heard anything more about this than that?  Last I heard, Cooper was pretty intent on staying on as AG.

    I haven't gotten my fix on the governor's race lately...what do you think of Perdue vs. Moore?

    by radical centrist on Fri May 11, 2007 at 06:50:58 AM PDT

    •  Roy

      as far as I know he is happy as AG.  But, i havent heard anything for the last few months, so its hard to say.

      Im kinda ignoring Perdue v Moore.  I like Perdue more, but I dont want to choose.  I think either one would be fine, and both would be able to beat the crazies the right is throwing up.

      The Lt Gov is where the real fun is.

      by Blue South on Fri May 11, 2007 at 05:40:31 PM PDT

•  Lcloud

  Reminded me to include this tidbit:

  2005  Representative Miller supported the interests of the Children's Defense Fund 89 percent in 2005.
  2003-2004  Representative Miller supported the interests of the Children's Defense Fund 100 percent in 2003-2004.

  2005  Representative Miller supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 100 percent in 2005.
  2004  Representative Miller supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 89 percent in 2004.
  2003  Representative Miller supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 100 percent in 2003.

  Is it obvious yet why I want Congressman Miller to replace Dole?

  by Blue South on Fri May 11, 2007 at 06:20:44 AM PDT

•  It's real obvious to me!

  I'll be sending my weekly $5.08 to Brad this weekend.

  by funluvn1 on Fri May 11, 2007 at 06:28:50 AM PDT

•  You beat over hear, Blue.

  If he's good for kids, he's good for everyone.

  I had a friend who worked for the Red Cross in the 90's when Dole took over. She was a nurse who mainly worked blood drives. Doles massive cuts to the budget eliminated support staff and had the medical staff doing administrative work while they should have been doing their own work. It created chaos when they went to set up blood drives and other events. It was an absolute nightmare. No one who worked at the frontline level was happy. (At least that I spoke to.)

  by lcloud9 on Fri May 11, 2007 at 06:31:34 AM PDT

  •  I would love

    to have her in an ad....haha

    by Blue South on Fri May 11, 2007 at 05:37:39 PM PDT

•  Dole is bad on

  healthcare, bad for kids, bad for women.  As far as I can tell, the only thing she's been good for in the Senate is voting with the GOP.

  by MsWings on Fri May 11, 2007 at 12:34:48 PM PDT

•  One US Senator for Sale

  Works Cheap.

  (will pay you to take her)

  by Unique Material on Fri May 11, 2007 at 04:26:53 PM PDT