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Skelton Chided For Vote On House Health Bill

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-869976.mp3

Jefferson City, MO – Missouri Democratic Congressman Ike Skelton is taking some heat for voting against his own party's health care overhaul bill that passed late Saturday.

About a dozen protesters showed up outside Skelton's Jefferson City office today.

Some of them arrived in a Cadillac, to symbolize what they call the "Cadillac of insurance plans" that Skelton and other members of Congress have.

Robin Acree heads the group Grass Roots Organizing, or GRO.

"We would like to have health care be a right, not a privilege," she said. "This historical event moves us towards health care for all, but isn't the end-all."

In a statement released after Saturday's vote, Skelton said that he opposes the creation of a government-run public option, and he expressed concern over how the legislation would impact rural hospitals and doctors.

Marshall Griffin is the Statehouse reporter for St. Louis Public Radio.
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