A CQ Politics article, entitled “Freshman Run Away from Obama,” reports:
“The House Democratic freshmen who rose to power riding candidate Barack Obama ’s coattails in 2008 are now eager to strut their independence heading into the midterms.
Some rookies opposed Obama’s cap-and-trade climate change bill; others rejected his health care plan. But even those members who backed all of the president’s signature initiatives are ready to show that they can win their first re-election bids without leaning on Obama’s star power.”
As the article points out, PA Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper voted against the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. President Obama urged to all Democrats to support this bill, which was also one of “his signature campaign promises.”
Although she voted for the healthcare bill, Dahilkemper also claims her opposition to federal funding for abortion is further evidence of her independence.
(same with Steve Driehouse)
Bobby Bright: http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=12152230
http://www.critzforcongress.com/page/protecting-western-pennsylvania-values
Alabama Rep. Parker Griffin went so far as to switch his party affliation, announcing his decision to join the Republican Party in December 2009.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/21/besty-markey-singled-out_n_507473.html
