Olathe, KS – Former State Representative Patricia Lightner, candidate for Congress in the 3rd District, has issued a statement opposing the health care bill that was approved by the Senate Finance Committee on a 14-9 vote.

“I am disappointed by the Senate Finance Committee’s vote to pass a watered down version of government health care on Tuesday. The bill takes the nation down the road of government control of health care decisions, including mandates not only on health insurers, but on individuals as well,” Lightner said. “I urge Republicans in the full Senate and the House to vigorously oppose this legislation, and I encourage anyone who opposes this bill to contact any Representative or Senator who is wavering or is in support of this kind of so-called health care reform.”

Lightner added she was particularly disappointed with the vote of Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME), who was the only Republican vote in favor of the bill.

“I’m not sure what Republican means if it doesn’t mean opposition to higher taxes and big government involvement in private industry and individual economic decision making. We need representatives in Washington who will stand up for basic core principles which are limited government, free enterprise, and individual liberty. This bill is an infringement on all of those, and needs to be opposed by anyone with an R in front of their name,” she said.

Lightner said she is most frustrated with the focus on simply getting to 60 votes, rather than achieving real health care reform.

“The quotes I read from proponents of this legislation seem to be focused on passing any bill that can get to 60 votes, even if it is a terribly flawed bill that undermines liberty and expands government. There is no talk about empowering the individual, expanding competition, tearing down state lines, or truly opening up choices for consumers – but rather, passing a bunch of mandates and regulations that will require higher taxes, right when we are trying to stimulate the economy. It simply makes no sense,” she said.

Lightner, who is walking door-to-door throughout the 3rd District, says that those who support this legislation are going to be in for a rude awakening next November.

“I don’t know if Dennis Moore and his ilk think the voters aren’t paying attention or what, but when I talk to voters at their doorsteps, they are not happy with the direction he has taken. They want someone who will actually promote real free-market based health care reform, not government expansion, and they are happy to see a candidate at their door who believes what they believe.”