Doggett Undeterred by Unruly Right-Wing Mob, Says He Remains 'More Committed Than Ever' to Health Reform

In a recent interview with blogger-activist Mike Stark, Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) pledged to vote against any health care bill that does not have a meaningful public plan. As ThinkProgress noted, Doggett is now being confronted by “angry, sign-carrying mobs” back home in his district which are being orchestrated by well-heeled lobbyists. Doggett released a statement yesterday explaining that he won’t be deterred by the mob:

This mob, sent by the local Republican and Libertarian parties, did not come just to be heard, but to deny others the right to be heard. And this appears to be part of a coordinated, nationwide effort. What could be more appropriate for the “party of no” than having its stalwarts drowning out the voices of their neighbors by screaming “just say no!” Their fanatical insistence on repealing Social Security and Medicare is not just about halting health care reform but rolling back 75 years of progress. I am more committed than ever to win approval of legislation to offer more individual choice to access affordable health care. An effective public plan is essential to achieve that goal.