Margie Wakefield knows it would be an upset of epic proportions to unseat incumbent Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins.
Which is why the Lawrence Democrat has been surprised by the support she has been attracting for the 2nd Congressional seat, which includes Allen County.
“I’ve been gobsmacked,” said Wakefield in a visit to the communities of Iola, Humboldt and Chanute on Wednesday morning.
Wakefield, 56, credits the response to constituents tiring of Jenkins’ toeing the Republican Party line, with nothing in return for Kansas.
Earlier this year, for example, Rep. Jenkins introduced legislation to overturn the Affordable Care Act — the 51st time by Republicans.
“That’s the very definition of insanity,” Wakefield said, “where you try the same thing over and over but expect to get a different result.
“The majority of Americans like the new health insurance plan,” Wakefield said. “They like that they can get health insurance despite having a pre-existing condition. They like that insurance companies can no longer set a limit on their coverage. They like that they can keep their children on their policies until they are 26. They like that preventive measures are covered.
“Do things need to be fixed? Absolutely. But I can’t imagine rolling back the program. For many people, this is the first time they have received health insurance. They have been lifted out of desperate situations.”
Wakefield said working to reduce the price of health care should be the next goal of Congress, including prescription drugs.
She also was critical of Kansas joining a compact to opt out of the Affordable Care Act.
If elected to Congress, Wakefield said she would not support allowing these states to self-manage federal funds dedicated to Medicare and Medicaid.
CREATING JOBS is paramount for Wakefield.
The best approach is from within, she said, by getting business and education leaders to work together to create emerging jobs.
“We have the talent,” she said, noting a recent tour of Pittsburg State University’s School of Technology that left her greatly impressed.
As a state, Wakefield said adequately funding education should be a priority.
She took issue with Jenkins’ support of sharply reducing education programs such as Head Start; cuts to Pell grants for the low-income to attend college; and reduced funds research institutitions as outlined in the recently passed House budget.
