8/2/07

    Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D – Colorado) entertained callers’ questions yesterday morning on C-Span’s Washington Journal concerning the Children's Health and Medicare Protection (CHAMP) Act of 2007. The bill, supported by Democrats, and passed late last night, will reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program [SCHIP]).

    Conservative callers to the program rightfully objected to certain elements of this legislation – namely the enormous increase in cost to the American taxpayer, the extension to middle class families earning over $80,000, availability of coverage to children of illegal aliens, etc.

    Of course, Ms. DeGette had an answer for every objection – the bottom line being “these are children we’re talking about”. As one caller pointed out, however, medical benefits under SCHIP would cover “kids” up to 25 years old. No, Ms. DeGette informed the caller, the bill only covers “kids” up to 21 years old.

    Despite Ms. DeGette’s defense of CHAMP-SCHIP legislation, I found what she omitted to be of greater interest. The following is what Ms. DeGette did not discuss:

1. Her efforts to lift the White House ban on stem cell research

2. Her support for abortion (yes she is sponsored by EMILY’s List) results in the death of thousands of children every year.

3. Democrats’ consistent anti-God, anti-family legislation weakens the American family.

4. Democrats’ elimination of the Tobacco industry would be healthier for Americans than their taxing Big Tobacco as a means of increasing government revenue; if they truly believe tobacco kills, they should ban it.

5. Democrats’ anti-business legislation reduces jobs in this country – thus expanding poverty.

6. Her 2006 political campaign (source: www.opensecrets.org and Center for Responsive Politics) was funded, by and large, by businesses

-- 54.1% contributors were PACS

-- 67.9% of PAC contributors were businesses

7. Ms. DeGette is married to Lino Lipinsky De Orlov, an attorney with McKenna, Long, and Aldridge (a relationship which benefits Ms. Lipinsky financially – see www.opensecrets.org).  Mr. Lipinsky is licensed to practice law in Colorado and DC.

From McKenna, Long, and Aldridge’s website (source: www.mckennalong.com):

“PUBLIC HEALTH AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPLIANCE: DESCRIPTION

McKenna Long & Aldridge has one of the broadest, most experienced practices in the area of public health procurement, federal health care programs, biodefense and the marketing and sales practices of pharmaceuticals, biotechs and medical suppliers. Our practice focuses on laws and regulations affecting the types of relationships with the federal government…”

    I appreciate CNBC’s basically asking guest financial analysts if they benefit personally from the investments they are recommending. It would behoove CSPAN/Washington Journal hosts and callers to take a similar approach when it comes to elected officials and the legislation they support.