Health care flier sparks anger in 44th House race
Mississippi isn't the only place gearing up for a big debate this week, and unlike the other debate on Friday, there's little doubt this one will take place.
The candidates for state representative in the 44th and 56th districts will answer questions today, Sept. 25, at the Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg.
But as the candidates prepare, a flier sent out by Democratic 44th District State Rep. Fred Crespo's campaign aimed at attacking his opponent's health care positions has angered challenger Margaret "Peggy" Brothman's camp.
"It just isn't based on fact," Brothman said. "I don't know where they're coming up with these accusations."
The flier charges Brothman's Republican Party would rather appease the health insurance lobby instead of ensuring proper health care for its constituents.
Brothman denied connections to insurance companies. Though Republican Party groups have donated almost $3,000 to her campaign, no insurance-related donors have contributed, according to the state board of elections' Web site.
Crespo said he's battled insurance companies over the course of his first term in Springfield. He points to two bills that he claims insurance companies opposed - one to offer defensive driving classes to senior citizens and another to help treat eating disorders.
"They say we have a health care crisis, I see it more as an insurance crisis," Crespo said.
"It's never been my agenda to go out and cut everyone's health insurance," Brothman said. "I've never said anything like that."
The Crespo campaign flier features a photograph of the back of a beverage can listing the nutrients in "Peggy Brothman's Health Care Elixir." The can then lists "0 percent" as the amount of daily coverage of more than 10 health services, including autism screenings, prostate exams, immunizations and neonatal care.
Brothman was particularly stung by the attack saying she didn't support autism screenings. She has an 18-year-old son, Billy, who suffers from the disorder. She even went as far as contacting the National Autism Association's Chicago chapter, whose president issued a statement calling Brothman a "champion for autism funding."
"A number of people were pretty upset when they got the flier and said, 'This is not the Peggy Brothman that I know,'" Brothman said.
The flier's focus was not on autism, Crespo said, though it was listed first. Crespo added he didn't know Brothman had an autistic son.
Crespo said Republican House Leader Tom Cross is one of many GOP members who have voted against bills that would improve the health care system, including securing funding for autism programs. He said Brothman would will follow Cross' lead if elected.
Brothman said she knows health care is a hot topic and that reforming the Medicare system is a priority, pointing to how far behind payments have fallen.
Balancing the state's budget would help, because in 20 years the majority of the budget will go toward paying pensions and Medicare, she said.
The 44th District includes parts of Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Streamwood, Hanover Park, Bartlett and Elgin.
If you go
What: Debate for state representative candidates moderated by Paul Green, director of Institute for Politics and Arthur Rubloff Professor of Policy Studies at Roosevelt University-Chicago and Schaumburg.
Who: 44th district Democratic incumbent Fred Crespo and Republican challenger Margaret "Peggy" Brothman, as well as 56th district Democratic incumbent Paul Froehlich and Republican challenger Anita Forte-Scott
When: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25
Where: Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 E. Schaumburg Court in Schaumburg
Sponsored by: Schaumburg Business Association
Info: (847) 413-1010 or schaumburgbusiness.com