Donor Strike for Public Option

After months of debate, an overwhelming majority of Americans support a “robust public option” similar to Medicare.

And thanks to the heroic efforts of progressive activists, we have almost enough votes in the Senate and House to pass it.

The Democratic majorities in the Senate (60/40) and the House (258/177) are large enough to pass a “public option” even with no Republican support. But a handful of conservative “Democrats” are blocking the will of the Democratic majority.

These conservative “Democrats” refuse to listen to the Democratic voters who elected them. That means it’s up to our Democratic leaders – Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, and President Obama – to persuade them.

We will not accept a weak public option or worse, a “trigger.” We want a robust public option (based on Medicare rates, not negotiated rates) that is nation-wide (with no state opt-outs), administered by Medicare (not a for-profit insurance company) and available immediately.

That is why we are joining together in a Democratic donor strike against the DNC, DSCC, and DCCC until the Democratic Congress passes – and President Obama signs – healthcare reform with a robust public option. Until then, we will only donate to individual Democrats who will truly fight for us.

Petition

To: Gov. Tim Kaine, Chair, Democratic National Committee (DNC)

Sen. Bob Menendez, Chair, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC)

Rep. Chris Van Hollen, Chair, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC)

I write to inform you that I am joining the Democratic Donor Strike against the DNC, DSCC and DCCC, which will last until the Democratic Congress passes – and President Obama signs – healthcare reform with a robust public option:

* based on Medicare rates, not negotiated rates

* nation-wide, with no state opt-outs

* administered by Medicare, not a for-profit insurance company

* available immediately

Until then, I will only support individual Democrats who support single-payer Medicare for All (the 88 sponsors of HR 676), or (at a minimum) pledge to vote against a bill without a strong public option. I will also support challengers who support Healthcare Not Warfare.

We elected solid Democratic majorities in Congress and a Democratic President to fulfill Democratic promises of progressive change. We did not elect Republican Senator Olympia Snowe to break those promises.

And if a small number of corporate-funded Democrats in the Senate and House stand in the way, it is the job of our leaders – Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, and President Obama – to persuade those Democrats to stand with the party that elected them. Even “fiscally conservative” Democrats have absolutely no excuse for voting against a robust public option, because CBO says it will save $110 billion.

So if I receive a fundraising email from the DNC, DSCC or DCCC, I will reply with a link to this petition. If I receive a fundraising call, I will tell the caller about this petition. If I receive a fundraising letter, I will return the envelope with a link to this petition:

http://www.democrats.com/donor-strike-for-public-option

We desperately need real health reform, starting with a robust public option. Until you deliver on your promises of change, I will reserve my contributions for individual Democrats who will truly fight for what we all believe.

Sincerely,

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