For Immediate Release
March 23, 2010

At Rally Doug Pike Challenges Gerlach On Health Care Reform
Calls On Gerlach To Take Stance on Repeal

WYOMISSING, PA - Yesterday at a rally in the rain outside Congressman Jim Gerlach's Wyomissing office Doug Pike called out the incumbent for his opposition to the health care reform that the House passed on Sunday.

At the rally, Pike said:

"House Democrats passed a major health care reform package that will lower costs for families and businesses, reduce deficits by over $1 trillion in the next 2 decades, and extend health care coverage to tens of millions of Americans. This bill was supported by AARP because it was good for seniors, and was supported by doctors because it was good for their patients."

"On Friday, I urged Congressman Jim Gerlach to support this bill, but Sunday he sided with the insurance companies and voted 'No.' Congressman Gerlach, if you are so against this reform, will you pledge to repeal it like many in your party who joined you in voting 'No?'  Voters deserve to know whether you'll fight for them, or if you will instead continue to side with the special interests and their goal of repealing health care reform."

At the rally, Pike stood with members of the Service Employees International Union, the United Food & Commercial Workers, Health Care for America Now, Keystone Progress, and the Berks County Democratic Committee.

Doug Pike served on the Editorial Board of The Philadelphia Inquirer for 14 years, providing insight and analysis on a broad range of public policy for southeast Pennsylvania. He also served as President of a hospital for 10 years. Previously, Pike served as a Special Assistant and Speechwriter for U.S. Senator Paul Tsongas. In 1971, Pike graduated with honors from Princeton University. He resides in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County.

Contact: 610-896-2162, drew@pikeforcongress.com

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