By JOE LOTEMPLIO
PLATTSBURGH — North Country Congressman William Owens says he is still undecided on how he will vote Sunday on health-care legislation.
Owens, a Democrat from Plattsburgh, said this afternoon that he had just completed reading about 2,400 pages of the proposed legislation and needed time to digest the material.
“This is very complicated and complex, and I am not sure I am leaning one particular way,” Owens said.
“I need to give this a lot of thought. It’s a big decision, and I want to do it right.”
PUBLIC OPINION
Owens’s office, as most congressional offices, has been bombarded with calls from constituents.
He said initially the calls were in support of health-care reform by about 55 percent to 45 percent.
Now, it is about even, he said today.
In addition to reading the bill, Owens said he has met with hospital administrators in the 23rd District, leaders of the American Association of Retired People and many other groups.
He’s also talked a lot with fellow Congressman Paul Ryan, a Wisconsin Republican, who is a leading opponent of the bill.
Owens said a lot of misinformation about the bill is flowing to the public, which has hampered the process.
“I don’t think we’ve done a good job of putting information out to the people, but if this passes I think that will change,” he said.
‘NOT PRESSURED’
Owens said he has had conversations with Democratic leaders about the bill but insists he is under no pressure.
“No one is telling me I must do this or that.”
Opponents of the health-care package have been very vocal in recent weeks leading up to the vote.
The Upstate New York Tea Party is planning a protest outside of Owens’s Plattsburgh office on Durkee Street at 3 p.m. Saturday.
Douglas Hoffman and Paul Maroun, both potential opponents for Owens in this year’s election, issued statements this week against the legislation.
Owens said he is not bothered by the hype.
“If someone has a legitimate position on this, I would look at it seriously, but a lot of it is just yelling. It doesn’t make any sense.”
Owens, who is among a handful of swing votes in Congress, said he plans to unveil his decision Sunday.
E-mail Joe LoTemplio at:
jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com
