Nov. 7--With the House of Representatives expected to vote on health care reform legislation this weekend, U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton released a statement this week announcing his intention to vote against the bill.

Skelton, a senior House Democrat and chairman of the Armed Services Committee, announced Wednesday he plans to oppose his party's health care reform bill due to concerns about a government-run public option and potential unintended consequences for those who like their current private insurance plans.

"I have spent a great deal of time reviewing health insurance reform legislation and visiting with people in Missouri about health issues," Skelton said in the statement. "While the bill unveiled last week is an improvement over the bills considered by House committees during the summer months, it does not represent the right balance for the people I represent and I do not intend to support it."

Skelton outlined his disapproval of "the creation of a new government-run public option" and expressed concern that the bill "does not clearly prevent federal funds from being used for abortion services" in explaining his opposition to the Democratic health care reform proposal. He also said he was worried about the effect the legislation could have on rural hospitals and clinics.

"I remain concerned about the bill's impact on rural hospitals and doctors. The proposed reductions to Medicare reimbursement could further pinch the budgets of rural health care providers," Skelton said.

Two of the Republican challengers for Skelton's congressional seat welcomed his opposition to the Democratic health care reform plan, but said that doesn't change Skelton's shift to the left in recent years.

"It is nice that Ike has finally noticed where his constituents are on this health care proposal," said state Sen. Bill Stouffer, R-21. "I hope he would be vocal in trying to convince his other colleagues that this is the wrong way to go."

Arthur Madden, a GOP candidate for the Fourth District congressional seat from Malta Bend, said he was also pleased to see Skelton "come to his senses and (give) his constituents what they want."

Madden said he hoped Skelton realized the lawmakers who constructed the bill did not receive enough input from those it would affect. Madden contended the proposed reforms would take away people's freedom of choice.

"I was noticing the infringements on freedoms, and I was shocked to see Ike was going along with it," he said.

Despite the opposition to House health care bill, Stouffer said Skelton still has much to explain for his support of other Democratic proposals, including the stimulus act and cap-and-trade legislation.

"This is not a one-issue election," Stouffer said. "He has been a virtual rubber stamp for the liberal agenda in recent years."

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