Oregon Public Broadcasting

Health care is dominating many of the discussions between Northwest Congressional members and their constituents this week.

In some parts of the country, representatives are running into organized protests. But in north Idaho, Democrat Walt Minnick received a polite reception at a Rotary Club meeting. Correspondent Doug Nadvornick reports.

Minnick is a proud Blue Dog Democrat, which means his litmus test for health care reform is tied to its bottom line.

Walt Minnick: “We shouldn't be worsening the record deficit. It ought to reduce the cost of health care.”

That concept played well with this Rotary Club crowd. People here are skeptical about the government getting more involved in health care, but Minnick didn't get the aggressive lobbying and even heckling that other members of Congress have received.

One man blamed the rising costs of health care on the illnesses associated with obesity. He said people need to take more responsibility for their own health.

Another constituent, Karen Cotton, agreed.

Karen Cotton: “I believe health care is a right, but there's an obligation that goes along with that, which means that, it isn't for free.”

Northwest Congressional members will spend a few more weeks in their districts, talking with constituents, before returning to the health care debate in the nation's capital after Labor Day.