The questions about health care are flooding in through the contact page. First, thanks! Second, below are some additional political thoughts on health care since I’ve already made my policy position clear.

This past Wednesday, the Cincinnati Enquirer held their group endorsement interview. There was much of interest at the meeting, but immediately relevant was that I was the only candidate who when asked if we would vote for health care, on the spot,, said that I would vote. One candidate essentially said no. The other just talked about the process and when pressed said he would call the Enquirer tomorrow with his answer after the CBO released their assessment. You’ll be happy to know that I pointed out that we already had CBO assessments on the different bills and they would all aid the deficit.

We don’t need politicians– we need leaders who are willing to make the hard calls. That’s what the 2nd District is looking for. Just yesterday at the Clermont County Donkey Dinner, I met another couple who lives under the threat of our health care crisis. They’ve both worked all their lives, but due to the current economic conditions she is looking for work, and he, though employed, lacks health care. They’ve lived responsibly and have saved for years to build a nest egg which allows them to get by. However, they’re just one health emergency from being completely wiped out. The leading cause of bankruptcies in America isn’t just a statistic. It’s a very real, incredibly destructive reality for millions of American families.

I’m the only candidate to have been on the record for comprehensive health reform since November:

Statement 1: Why we need Health Care reform

Statement 2: I attempt to explain what’s good in the guts of the current bill

Statment 3: A graphical look at the current dysfunction of our system (financially and results)

Statement 4: Way back in November, when I first announced, I was asked by Congressional Quarterly about heath care. In something rare for someone running for office– you’ll find consistency:

He said the health care bill the House passed last weekend was “better than what we have now,” but didn’t include enough consumer choice or “tort reform” to curb lawsuit abuse. He prefers a health bill promoted by Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon and Republican Sen. Robert F. Bennett of Utah.

It’s been about five months since that interview and my statements haven’t altered much at all. The polling has changed, but to me, that’s irrelevant. The right thing to do is simply the right thing to do.

I firmly believe as details of the bill (I’ve actually read much of it) are better understood, it will be viewed in a very different, more positive light. Other candidates sense this and are already scrambling to change their positions and get behind the bill. That’s great. I welcome the company. It’s been lonely over here.

I’m incredibly humbled to share that Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory has endorsed me in the Democratic primary. Obviously, this is great news and something that means a lot to both the campaign and me personally.

Link to the release.

Text:
For Immediate Release
Contact:

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory Endorses Surya Yalamanchili For U.S. Congress, OH-02

Cincinnati – Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory today endorsed Surya Yalamanchili (D) for the 2nd District U.S. Congressional seat. He citied Yalamanchili’s focus on Southern Ohio’s middle-class and passion for the details of public policy that will be needed to get our nation’s economy back on track.

“I am supporting Surya because he will stand up for the hard-working families of the Ohio 2nd District. In these challenging economic times, his passion for and understanding of public policy is exactly what is required to create the economic opportunities and jobs that Southern Ohio requires. The 2nd district deserves a representative willing to roll-up their sleeves to craft solutions that will move Ohio forward. Surya represents the best of the Democratic party’s values and is exactly the energetic, dynamic leader who will work tirelessly to get the job done,” said Mayor Mallory.

Yalamanchili is advocating a platform focused on economic policies to spur growth in private sector jobs, and returning responsibility and accountability to government spending and services.

“I am honored to have Mayor Mallory’s support. He is a respected leader in both the Democratic party and Ohio government. I will fight for real jobs for the hard-working families in the second district and throughout our great nation.” Yalamanchili said.