What happened to John Barrow?

[mac56]

I lived in Athens for many years. Got to meet and chat with Barrow, and was very impressed with him. I moved away, but was pleased to see him win his House seat. But now I see he's going to vote against the health care reform bill. Can someone fill me in on what I've missed here?

[izquierdista]

1. Fill out his survey

And give him an earful in the comments section. Here's the link to his webpage: http://www.barrow.house.gov/

[CottonBear]

2. He turned into a Bluedog Democrat in order to get votes and win the election.

I know John. He used to be my congressman before redistricting by the GA GOP. I have to say that I am very disappointed with him.

[aikoaiko]

3. Looks like even the Savannah Morning News is beginning to take shots at Barrow.

http://savannahnow.com/news/2009-10-17/thick-fight-over-health-care-reform-barrow-rakes-big-bucks-industry

In thick of fight over health care reform, Barrow rakes in big bucks from the industry
Author: Larry Peterson

If, as they say, money talks, U.S. Rep. John Barrow has been getting an earful from the health care industry. The Savannah Democrat has reported he raked in almost $80,000 in campaign cash from the industry in the third quarter of this year. The money came from groups representing doctors, hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceutical firms and related interests.

The $80,000 doesn't count any of the $60,000-plus Barrow received from fellow lawyers, some of them also lobbyists for the industry. The bonanza unfolded as Barrow was a key player in the ongoing congressional battle over health care reform. The third-term lawmaker sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee, which dominated last summer's House debate on the issue.

"Considering the committee he sits on, the money is about what you would expect," said University of Georgia political science professor Charles Bullock. The panel helps write laws affecting major businesses that use political donations to protect their interests, Bullock said.

While money doesn't buy votes, "it's a way of making sure a congressman doesn't go out of his way to do them harm," the professor said.

[not a republicann]

4. John Barrow

As a business major and someone that can add and subtract I am
struggling with the process of accepting what we are told
regarding costs and accountablility of the Health Care
legislation as it exists in the congress today.  As someone
who is actually in John's district (and has voted for him) and
as a voter who is making the transition from a more
conservative theology gradually toward a more progressive, I
have real problems with the product and process.  I have
contacted individuals I know in Canada and asked for imput.  I
have talked extensively with medical professionals from
nursing to medical devices to medical practioners (almost to a
person the people I talked to voted for the president)and the
results have varied but trended negative on a percentage
greater than national poling.  This is a big decision and a
big step for our nation and the consequences of getting it
wrong are terminal.
I have admittedly urged John to not vote for this legislation
because the numbers do not add up and the process (as it is
unfolding) is just as bad as anything the perverted and
prostitued republicans have produced.
The goal of protecting our poor and underemployed is rightous,
the need for transparency in medical service and cost
accounting is needed, we have to do something but we need to
get it right the first time

Can anyone explain why it has to be done right now.  Why can't
we just rub the RNC's nose in their lack of any constructive
ideas until november, while continuing to pass supporting
legislation to help the economy, and let the chips fall where
they may.  I have my ear to the ground and the economy is not
as bad as detailed in the press.
For my business 2010 is going to end on a high note (I
believe)and when money starts to move people are going to
forget about all the scare tactics of the RNC
Do we have to justify everything we do with you did it first
or last.  Can't we be the better force in this national
discussion?  The world and many in John's district want to
know.

[JeffR]

5. I was pleased to see him win his seat too, and proud to be part of that effort.

It was, IIRC, the narrowest win for a House seat that election cycle. And the moment he put his ass in the seat, he began to disappoint. Last time around, I wrote in Regina Thomas. I'll do the same thing again this year, assuming she doesn't best him in the primary.

You should send your OP to his office, not that I expect he'll pay any attention.