In a unanimous vote the Colorado Democratic Caucus of Precinct 417 approved a resolution at tonight's meeting demanding that Representative Betsy Markey vote "Yes" on the HCR legislation pending before the House of Representatives.
The Colorado Democratic Caucus for District 417 tonight approved the following resolution directed to Representative Betsy Markey by a unanimous vote:
RESOLUTION OF THE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS
COLORADO PRECINCT # 4154935417
TO U.S. REPRESENTATIVE BETSY MARKEY
COLORADO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 4
MARCH 16, 2010
BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS OF COLORADO PRECINCT #4154935417, MEETING ON MARCH 16, 2010, DEMANDS THAT REPRESENTATIVE BETSY MARKEY OF COLORADO CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 4 VOTE YES ON THE HEALTH CARE REFORM LEGISLATION NOW UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
There was a brief discussion regarding use of the term "demands", as opposed to something slightly softer, however after this was discussed the decision was unanimous to approve the resolution and FAX it to Markey's office immediately with the language unchanged.
This resolution reflects a deep and broad discontent among Representative Markey's Democratic base with her "Blue Dog" membership and voting record. The fact that the "demand" term was included by a unanimous vote should be ample evidence to Markey and her staff that her upcoming vote on HCR may well determine whether she is to be re-elected in 2010.
A few days ago this writer was accused of "sullying the name of a good Democrat" by posting that Markey's record was tainting the Bennet senatorial campaign. It would seem instead that many Democratic voters in her district feel "sullied" by Markey's voting record. For the record, this caucus resulted in a dead heat between Andrew Romanoff and Michael Bennet. There was significant discussion in the caucus that Markey's failure to make good on her campaign rhetoric, and the wishes of her base, by her voting record is causing a substantial lack of trust that Senator Bennet's recent progressive stances are genuine and will continue should he be elected to a six year term in November.
Colorado District 417 is located in rural Larimer County and is populated primarily by middle class working people who don't normally make demands of their representatives. This strongly worded resolution demonstrates a deep and powerful belief among rank-and-file Democratic voters in her district that action to approve this health care reform legislation is an urgent priority in their lives. A "No" vote is clearly unacceptable to them.
Representative Markey must immediately heed the resolution approved unanimously by her base supporters if she wishes to remain in office.