The raucous, theatrical rancor over health care reform will make its way to Northern Virginia this month, as the region’s two Democratic congressmen prepare to face conservatives’ anger and constituents’ fears in town hall-style forums.
Reps. Gerry Connolly and Jim Moran have scheduled town halls on Congress’ proposed health care overhaul for Aug. 25, while other local lawmakers mull holding their own events in late August or early September.
The forums are likely to put both congressmen face to face with hecklers and protesters, who have overwhelmed similar events in Maryland and around the country. At a Towson University town hall Monday evening, Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., endured jeers throughout his presentation. Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., made national news earlier this month by sparring with protesters in Utica, N.Y.
Connolly spokesman George Burke said he had “no idea” what to expect during the forum at Greenspring Retirement Community in Springfield.
The freshman congressman’s office has received numerous calls with out-of-state area codes “from people purporting to be constituents and asking when we’re going to have town meetings,” Burke said. “It’s a little disturbing.”
Moran will hold a town hall at South Lakes High School in Reston, alongside former Vermont governor and former Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean.
Sens. Mark Warner and Jim Webb, both D-Va., are planning possible town halls later this month but don’t have dates set. Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., is planning a telephone town hall around the first week of September.
Connolly’s choice of venue — a gated retirement community — could dampen protests. The event is intended primarily for Greenspring residents, spokesman Jason Connors said.
“It’s private property,” Connors said. “We certainly don’t want things getting out of hand. It’s certainly within our right to ask people to settle down or leave the facility.”
