Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon Democrat David Wu is meeting face-to-face with constituents this week to talk about overhauling health care.

But as April Baer reports, other Northwest members of Congress are handling the debate differently.

Wu has three more events scheduled this week, and will again hold lotteries to determine who gets to speak.

Rep. David Wu talks with constituents in McMinnville.

Senator Ron Wyden is also going forward with a scheduled town hall in Seaside on Friday.

Ron Wyden "I've had more than 500 town hall meetings over the years, and I've heard, I guess, just about everything. As far as I'm concerned, as long as you respect your neighbors' right to offer their opinion, that's just part of the democratic process."

But not everyone wants to run the risk of being shouted at in person.

3rd District Congressman Earl Blumenauer, like his Washington State colleague Brian Baird, has switched his town halls to teleconferences.

He'll interact with people selected from his congressional mailing list.

Congressman Kurt Schrader will attend two meetings next week with back-up, including leaders of the Oregon Senate and House.