Massachusetts Election

The various commentators and columnists will be analyzing this upset election for the so-called “Kennedy seat” for weeks, if not months. Let me just share a few comments of my own for your consideration:

The Massachusetts voters have a habit of occasionally voting Republican even though Democrats have a three to one advantage over Republicans in that state. The voters think about their vote and don’t just automatically pull the Democrat lever. Good for them.

I wouldn’t say this victory was pro-Republican as much as it was showing dissatisfaction with what is happening in Congress by all parties. The Republicans had majorities in Congress for 12 years, some of them with a Republican president. During that time, the Republicans didn’t distinguish themselves by addressing the tough issues or accomplishing much of anything. Now that the Democrats will no longer have the super-majority in the Senate, I hope Republicans will not just be obstructionists and continue to play political games, but will show leadership and work on the behalf of the country, not the party.

I believe this election showed dissatisfaction with the continuing politics as usual in Washington (by both parties), especially when it comes to health care reform. The powerful pharmaceutical, trial lawyer, and insurance lobbies have been able to water down the plan, and Republican input has been disregarded. This Congress must learn to look out for the people’s interests and not the special interests.

In addition, don’t think there is much confidence in Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, and the other leaders. I don’t think people trust them and because they are liberals, fear that they will put together a health care “reform” package that takes away current quality benefits, substituting inferior care, rationing, and higher taxes to pay for it. Another reason there is so little confidence is that the congressional leadership hasn’t included in the package the one thing that will actually save billions of dollars: tort reform. Why? The powerful trial lawyers lobby.

The voters are waking up and finally making our senators and representative accountable. We’ve had enough of this game-playing in Washington and the various state houses. We want our elected officials to work in OUR best interests. If they don’t, they’re out of a job. They have a moral obligation to faithfully represent us, and we have the moral responsibility to hold them accountable.

Good work, Massachusetts!