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WASHINGTON — The phone lines were jammed and busy signals greeted callers to Sen. Ben Nelson's offices today in Washington and throughout Nebraska.
Constituents were letting the Nebraska Democrat know what they thought of his decision to back the health reform package on the verge of passing the U.S. Senate.
“Keep trying” — that's the advice to frustrated callers from Nelson's aides.
The Democrat was also at the center of attention at a rally in downtown Omaha on Sunday that drew about 1,800 people. And much of the attention was unfavorable, as opponents of the health care legislation in Congress expressed outrage with his decision to cast the crucial 60th vote in favor of the bill.
Nelson delivered the vote during a rare 1 a.m. session of the Senate Monday morning. That vote moves the legislation toward final passage, which is expected later in the week.
Nelson said on CNN Sunday that being the center of attention isn't all it's cracked up to be.
“If you think it's fun having both sides on an issue mad at you when you're trying to do something in good faith, just think, it's like going home and getting bit by the family dog,” Nelson said. “Who enjoys that?”
Nelson spokesman Jake Thompson said it's not clear how many calls were coming in because the volume exceeds the office's ability to take the calls. He declined to say what that capacity is or how many of the calls have been supportive of the bill and how many opposed.
Interns were answering the phones this morning at Nelson's office near 76th and Pacific Streets in Omaha.
Intern Karson Kampfe told one angry caller, “Would you please stop swearing?”
Most of the time, however, Nelson's staff just logged names and addresses, making notes on concerns.
Thompson said that every day the senator reviews summaries of the comments from all of the calls that came in the day before. He said that Nebraskans also can send an e-mail to the senator through his Web site.
Nelson received some positive feedback. At a press conference Monday at a public health clinic in Lincoln, several Nebraska politicians defended Nelson's decision to support the health care reform bill.
“Ben Nelson made this bill better for Nebraska and better for America,” said Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler.
State Sens. Amanda McGill and Danielle Conrad, also from Lincoln, said the measure is something that future children will study in their history books as a turning point for America. They said the legislation will make it possible for more working people to get health care, will help small businesses provide coverage for their employees and prevent people from being denied coverage because they are sick or have a pre-existing conditions.
“Ben Nelson is not a do-nothing politician,” said Conrad. “He should be applauded for that bravery.”
Contact the writer:
444-1309, robynn.tysver@owh.com
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