The Saratogian
Saratoga Springs, NY
http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2009/11/13/news/doc4afcc97cd86b0136079581.txt
CLIFTON PARK — Rep. Scott Murphy, D-Glens Falls, surprised protestors angered by his recent “no” vote on the House health care bill by returning to his Clifton Park office and explaining his vote in person.
Thursday night’s rally was called by former supporters like MoveOn.orgto show Murphy the level of disappointment with his vote. Protests were scheduled to take place at the same time Thursday throughout Murphy’s 20th Congressional District.
The action was coordinated by members of MoveOn.org and Citizen Action New York, two groups that worked to get Murphy elected this spring.
Murphy came out to the parking lot of his office’s mall location to speak with the protestors after 40 minutes of chants and personal stories of their experiences with the present health care system.
Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee member Al Ormsby confronted Murphy directly on his no vote. “You talk costs as the main reason you voted “no” but why did you vote to take the best solution to lower those costs, the single payer option, off the table right at the start?” Ormsby asked, standing toe to toe with the legislator.
“Because people in our district do not want a single payer option,” Murphy answered. “I don’t think single payer is the best solution. When I see the Senate bill I hope there are things in there that I can support.”
Former Murphy supporter Phil Markham of West Sand Lake was disturbed with Murphy’s vote. “I worked hard to get him elected and I watched the votes on TV,” Markham said. “I’m appalled by his waffling and his lies to justify his vote.”
