He Lied (Yeah, I Know, We’re All Shocked)

On Tuesday, I pointed out that "Captain Scratch Test" himself, Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D (D-Appleton) had said the following to WLUK in Green Bay:

Let me put it this way: you're asking whether or not I trust the United States Senate, where they came up with a deal for Nebraska that the other states didn't get; where Louisiana would get a special deal. No, I don't trust the U.S. Senate," said Rep. Steve Kagen (D-8th District). "So I think I'd like to have a vote on something very meaningful."

Kagen said the health care bill should be split up into smaller bills.

"I have made the case to the speaker and also to the White House that we should take small pieces, small bites," Kagen said. "In the practice of medicine, I can't give a child a big pill. What do we do? We cut it up into pieces. Let's find things we can agree on."

This caused quite a stir for some on the online left (OK, namely Jay Bullock) and put Kagen on a few Whip Count lists.

Admittedly, I thought the whole about Kagen being a "No" was bull.  He was lying to local media about his feelings (and in the end his vote) about the health care bill, and as numerous media outlets who covered a rally sponsored by Appleton-area Democrats working for Organizing for America (READ: The DNC) report; what was said Monday was an outright fallacy.

Members with the group Organizing for America marched in Appleton in support of health care reform, They brought letters to Congressman Steve Kagen's office from those needing health care help.

"It affects my family, some who have been laid off and have lost their health care insurance," said marcher Tom Leahy.

"The people who gathered today on this kind of cold and dreary morning represent hundreds of others, thousands of others, millions across the country who are suffering under our current system," said supporter John Lipinski.

Kagen said he supports the group's efforts, but was unable to join the march or meet with the group. He called them before their march.

"This next week is gonna be a historic week. We're gonna find and secure enough votes to pass health care, to guarantee coverage for everybody," said Kagen.

Suddenly, after saying he 'didn't trust the Senate,' he's now talking about finding and securing enough votes to pass it.  As always with Kagen, principle lasts only as long as the TV cameras are on and the audience leaves the room.

See the video yourself.

As you can see, one of the marchers gets Kagen on her BlackBerry.

I wonder if Jerry Bader could give him a ring during next Saturday's Tea Party in Green Bay...