Loebsack views first forums as successful

U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-Mount Vernon) was tired, but still smiling late Saturday night when he agreed to speak with The Iowa Independent about his experience during the first four of his 16 scheduled town hall meetings in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District.

Opponents of health care reform shook signs, shouted and heckled U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack during a town hall forum in Cedar Rapids on Saturday. Compared to reports from other parts of the nation, however, the four forums Loebsack held in the 2nd District over the weekend were mild.

“Part of the job that I had today, I think, was to do the best that I could to explain the bills that are before us now,” Loebsack said. “My main job, however, was just to hear people and learn what they had to say. In that sense, I think the meetings were very successful, and I hope those who participated feel the same way.”

Across the country, congressional town hall events previously attended by only a handful of the most wonkish citizens have become shouting matches between opponents and supporters of health care reform. More often than not the elected official hosting the forum has ended up playing a sideline role to the action of the participants.

While there is no denying that Loebsack’s events in eastern Iowa were spirited, they did not devolve into the anger and violence seen in other parts of the nation. Before beginning his tour, Loebsack, a Democrat, acknowledged that emotions are running high and expressed his hope that there would still be opportunities for measured discussion.

“At every stop today that held true much of the time,” Loebsack said. “Clearly people are extremely passionate about this issue. And that’s especially true for those who are opposed to the type of health care reform that we are talking about. So, yes, there were folks who were very upset about one thing or another, and I did the best I could to hear what they had to say and to engage them.”

Loebsack’s largest and most raucous stop was the first of the day in Cedar Rapids, where more than 500 people crammed into an auditorium with a capacity of 432 and others were turned away due to space constraints. Even before Loebsack entered the room, Emma Nemecek, a Mount Vernon Republican who launched two prior unsuccessful campaigns for Iowa House, drew applause and boos as she paraded through the center aisle with a sign that read, “Obama Lies, Grandma Dies.” Loebsack, like U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, entered the room to cheers and jeers from those attending. Throughout the forum, opponents attempted to interrupt by shouting comments from the audience, but Loebsack, who had a microphone, ignored the heckling and continued to answer audience questions pulled from a basket.

Mount Vernon Republican Emma Nemecek was applauded by many attending U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack's town hall when she raised a sign that read, "Obama Lies, Grandma Dies!!!"

Although most disruption was limited to verbal shouts — between audience members just as often as toward Loebsack — Cedar Rapids Police did remove two individuals when an argument involving a pro-reform sign escalated and the sign holder was knocked to the floor. After visiting with law enforcement about the incident, both were allowed to return to the audience.

Loebsack’s other stops in Mount Pleasant, Burlington and Fort Madison were much smaller and much less rowdy than the Cedar Rapids event.

“As I said, there are some folks who are really, really upset about a lot of things. And, I think many of them — perhaps most of them — are upset [by] misinformation that’s out there,” Loebsack said. “I did the best I could to explain what’s in the bill that I voted for and that we are now working on in the House of Representatives, and I hope that will convince some of the folks that some of their fears are a little bit unfounded. I think many of [their fears] are unfounded, but I still understand why there is so much concern. When we talk about health care, we are talking about life and death decisions. Given that, I have no desire whatsoever to de-legitimize their feelings on this.”

As expected, Loebsack fielded questions on end-of-life care and abortion. Perhaps not expected were audience request for Loebsack, a former college political science professor, to define socialism or discuss medical loss ratios. Despite all the input and activity, however, Loebsack said he didn’t really hear anything from constituents that he hasn’t already heard.

“Keep in mind that before these town hall meetings, I had already visited every hospital in the District and talked with health care providers. I come home nearly every weekend and, even when I’m just stopping at the Casey’s, I try to talk with people.  So, I had already heard many of the concerns that were voiced today, including those concerns on the side as to why we need health care reform,” he said.

“I think the real difference for me today was that it was an opportunity for 500 people in Cedar Rapids and 200 people in Henry County to all be in one room and express these concerns that I’ve been hearing for quite some time. I did hear all sides of the issue. I think that’s what is really important.”