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Hastings to appear with GOP candidates at health care forum

by George Bennett | August 27th, 2009

U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Miramar, will appear with a pair of Republican congressional candidates from other districts at a health care forum next week organized by the Palm Beach County GOP.

Hastings contacted county GOP Chairman Sid Dinerstein after seeing a Dinerstein quote accusing Democrats of ducking public meetings with constituents on health care. Hastings is scheduled to appear with Republican Allen West, who challenged Democratic U.S. Rep. Ron Klein of Boca Raton last year and is gearing for a 2010 rematch, and Ed Lynch, who challenged Democratic U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler of Boca Raton last year and is planning on another challenge next year.

Dinerstein said he’s trying to line up another supporter of Democratic health care reform proposals to join Hastings on the panel.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 3, at 1 p.m. at the county commission chambers in the Governmental Center in West Palm Beach. Seating is limited and those wishing to attend should call the county GOP headquarters at 561-686-1616 to reserve a spot.

The event carries almost zero political risk for Hastings. He represents a district that’s more than 4-to-1 Democratic and he was reelected with 82.2 percent of the vote last year.

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5 Responses to “Hastings to appear with GOP candidates at health care forum”

  1. wiseenough Says:

    I think that is great that Hastings is going to debate these two guys but doesn’t that tell you something. Why are the two congressman Klein and Wexler not debating them? I know Klein can handle himself but Wexler should not even be in Congress.

    The man never passed a bill and doesn’t live in the district. I dont want people complain you get what you vote for.

  2. Ed Fulop Says:

    Hats off to Representative Hastings — what does it say about Klein and Wexler, when a convicted perjurer and impeached judge has more “intestinal fortitude” to get in front of critics and constituents than they do?!

  3. Taxpayer Says:

    Sounds like a debate between the blind leading the blind. What a joke!

  4. Steve R Says:

    I agree with the first two commenters. l applaud Alcee Hastings for agreeing to defend a bill he has strongly supported in the House. Klein hasn’t been as outspoken on HR 3200. But Wexler has told his constituents that have written to him in opposition of the bill that he’s going to vote for it regardless. Wexler doesn’t represent his district, only the progressives in it. And of course he doesn’t have the courage to leave his home in Maryland to visit Florida and defend his position. I’d call him a coward, but I don’t want to insult actual cowards.

  5. Ellen Says:

    This will be an event NOT to be missed! Hopefully there will be some Democrats in attendance that support this BILL OF CONTROL HR3200 and we can shed some light why we MUST KILL THIS BILL!!!

    Is anyone really surprised that Wexler & Klein will NOT be there! I have lived in Wexler’s District for 13 years and he has NEVER represented me in ANY way…GO LYNCH!!!!

    Ron “DE” Klein needs to go as well…he gets paid for doing NOTHING…GO WEST!!!!

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