It may surprise you to learn that some Democratic members of the House are managing to run into large crowds, full of people who are skeptical of the health-care bill, without fleeing in terror. At least one, Rep. Eric Massa (D., N.Y.), managed to get through pretty much unscathed by making clear he had read the bill, had some signficant concerns, and wanted to make sure his constituents’ worries were addressed.

Initially Massa’s staff decided to move a health care town hall meeting from Mendon Town Hall to the Mendon Community Center to accommodate more constituents. And that venue, with a capacity of around 100, proved nowhere near big enough either: About 500 people gathered to hear the congressman’s thoughts on health care reform, forcing a move to a shelter . . .
The meeting focused on health care reform and the bill, with constituents listening to Massa’s views and asking questions.
“I actually have read this bill,” Massa said, earning cheers from the crowd — many seemed delighted when he announced, “If I had to vote today on this document, I would not vote for it.”
Some wondered why Democrats are in a hurry to get the bill through.
“I’m the guy who fought to slow this process down,” Massa said.
Massa said he doesn’t like that the bill would be funded by cuts in Medicaid and Medicare or the cost-sharing aspect in which New York would pick up 10 percent of the cost.
“As a New Yorker, I cannot support that,” Massa said.

The article notes Massa continued fielding questions until just after 9 p.m. when it got too dark, and promised to return. Also: “Near the end of the session, Massa asked for a show of hands regarding who would vote for the bill as it stands now. A few people raised their hands. When he asked who would not vote for it, a majority of hands went up, accompanied by loud cheers.”