A lot of progressives are up in arms over conservative and moderate Democrats that not on board for health care. My own Congressman, Jason Altmire, voted against it and has taken a lot of heat for it and his vote on cap and trade.
I can respect his reasons (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09324/1014854-109.stm), however, I do think it was dishonorable to vote for the Stupak amendment and then against the health care. He should have either voted for both or against both.
There has been talk about running progressive candidates against Altmire and other conservative Democrats. The problem is the makeup of my district, and other districts like it. John McCain won this district by a large margin. Even if a progressive candidate beats Altmire in the primary, he or she will get crushed in the general election. Do we really want the second coming of Melissa Hart just to prove a point?
As an example, just take a look at New York's 23rd district. The Republican nominee was forced out and replaced by a right-wing nut job. The Democrat won handily which should be a lesson for both Democrats and Republicans.
I would be very worried about the same thing happening in my district. You replace a conservative with what the people here would consider to be a "left-wing nut job" and he or she will get crushed.
Like it or not, Jason Altmire won by being a conservative and he has not deviated from that during his two terms in office.
Progressives may not like it, but just be careful of what you wish for.
