Kay Granger targeted for S-CHIP override vote

The following is excerpted from an Americans United for Change press release, which is part of a big national effort to put pressure on various Congressional Republicans to vote for an veto override on S-CHIP. They're targeting Rep. Kay Granger here in Texas, which struck me as a bit odd at first as many of the other names on their list are swing-seat holders. I'd have aimed at Mike McCaul, John Carter, or Pete Sessions in the first round if that were the criteria. I'm reminded that Granger is third in the GOP's leadership structure, and she has been mentioned in some circles as a Vice Presidential possibility (I have a hard time seeing that, but stranger things have happened), so as far as that goes, it makes sense. From the release:

On the heels of President Bush's shameful veto this week of the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act - meaningful legislation to provide health coverage for nearly 10 million kids - several leading groups including AFL-CIO, AFSCME, SEIU, MoveOn.org, Americans United for Change, USAction, TrueMajority announced a major, multi-million dollar "Campaign to Save Children's Healthcare" to convince enough member of Congress to vote to override the President's veto. The effort includes a national television ad campaign, targeted TV ads in key Republican U.S. House districts, and a massive online and grassroots mobilization blitz.

The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act would reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) for 6.6 million kids and provide coverage to nearly 4 million more low-income children. The bill passed the U.S. House on September 25, by a 265 to 159 vote -- approximately 290 votes are needed to over-ride a veto - and passed in the U.S. Senate on September 27th with a 67-29 veto-proof majority. The President vetoed the legislation on October 3rd, and the U.S. House is expected to hold a vote to override the veto on October 18th. A new Washington Post-ABC News poll reveals 72 percent of Americans support the Democrats' proposed $35 billion for children's health care, including 61% of Republicans.

With support from AFSCME, SEIU and MoveOn.org -- Americans United for Change will launch a significant-six figure national TV ad starting on Monday called "Abby" that will run through the expected October 18th vote. You may view "Abby" here:

http://www.americansunitedforchange.org/blog/entries/abby/

There's a great roundup of editorials around the nation panning the veto and calling for an override at The Gavel. Far as I'm concerned, the more pressure being put on the recalcitrants, the better. Let's keep it that way.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on October 06, 2007 to Budget ballyhoo