Whip Count: Jerry Nadler punts

WTF, Jerry?

Just got off the phone with Ilan Kayatsky, Congressman Jerold Nadler’s press secretary.

I can report that Ilan’s a very pleasant fellow and did his utmost to answer the question, "will Mr. Nadler commit to voting against any healthcare reform bill that does not contain a strong public option available to all Americans on Day One?"

Ilan placed me on hold and called Mr. Nadler  to make absolutely certain exactly where he stood on this quite simple proposition.

At first Ilan said, "we don’t think there’s going to be a bill without a strong public option."  I said to this nice press secretary, "well based on what I’m reading, I don’t feel quite as sanguine as you."

After conferring with Jerry, Ilan came back on the line, "it would be irresponsible at this time to commit to taking a position on a bill when we don’t know what will happen, but this has no bearing on his very strong support for a public option."

So now we know exactly what we knew twenty minutes ago about Jerry Nadler. He’s a strong supporter of a public option, but won’t commit at this time to voting against a bill without one. And I’ll add,  congresspeople don’t appreciate be asked to answer hypothetical questions. sigh!

My impression: Ilan mentioned the worn political dodge about not responding to a hypothetical. Okay.  But I reminded him, based on what I’m reading and hearing, a strong public option is in some degree of peril (to put it mildly), so I would not call this question a hypothetical. 

I live in this district. This isn’t just a blue district, we’re so damn blue they haven’t invented the right shade for us. So what gives, Mr. N?

If you want to register you concern with Mr. Nadler’s office and urge him to commit to voting against a bill without a stong public option, here is his contact information.

Rep. Jerrold Nadler
2334 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Tel. 202-225-5635

Regarding casework, such as a personal issue dealing with a federal agency, or other issues or concerns in my district, you can call or write to my Manhattan or Brooklyn offices.

Rep. Jerrold Nadler
201 Varick Street, Suite 669
New York, NY 10014
Tel. 212-367-7350

Rep. Jerrold Nadler
445 Neptune Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Tel. 718-373-3198