Avoids taking a position on key SCHIP legislation

Denver, CO - Today Pat Waak, Democratic Party Chair, called on U.S. Senate candidate Bob Schaffer to take a position on the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) legislation. SCHIP was initially vetoed by President Bush but is slated for a veto override vote in the House of Representatives this Thursday.

"Bob has been out silently raising money in his bid for the U.S. Senate, but we have yet to hear him take a position on SCHIP or, for that matter, any other important issue facing the nation," said Waak.

The SCHIP legislation currently provides health care coverage to over 6 million children nationwide. The proposed legislation would improve it by expanding coverage for more children in Colorado. If not overridden this week, the veto will prevent 60,000 uninsured children in Colorado from gaining access to health care.

Waak said, "SCHIP has the overwhelming support of the American people, bipartisan majorities in both houses of Congress and nearly every governor in America, but we have heard nothing from our U.S. Senate candidate. Is he avoiding taking a position by hiding behind Dick Wadhams, Republican Party Chair, and Walt Klein, Political Operative, or is he embarrassed to be associated with the failed policies of the Bush Administration?"