Your editorial last week saying that members of Idaho's congressional delegation have not ventured out of their offices to "the streets" to hear what Idahoans think about health care reform is incorrect.
I personally held listening sessions across Idaho—from Boise to Coeur d'Alene to Idaho Falls—and took comments from Idahoans ranging from doctors to union leaders, community organizers to small business owners. In addition, nearly every telephone town hall meeting I have held this year has focused on health care. I have met face-to-face with hundreds of individuals in small groups on this issue, both in Idaho and in Washington, D.C., and with others via telephone and video hookup.
A strong majority of Idahoans told me at these forums and through letters on my Web site at http://crapo.senate.gov. of their opposition to a government-run health system. Their thoughts seem to match with recent national polling on the issue.
For the record, I supported the Senate's only bipartisan effort to control health care costs, which is what most Idahoans tell me they want most concerning health care reform. Changes to the status quo, such as allowing small businesses to pool together and purchase insurance at a lower cost, selling policies across state lines, and other incentives can reduce health costs and premiums without the government taking over one-sixth of our national economy.
I value and respect the views of all Idahoans on this issue and I encourage you to read the Senate bill for yourself on my Web site. You can contact me through the Web site, via e-mail and also on YouTube and Facebook.
Mike Crapo
U.S. senator
Idaho
