BlogHer - Former Wis. Governor Tommy Thompson Enters Presidential Race - Comments

Yes, he did make a reference

Dana J. Tuszke — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 11:41:03 -0500

Yes, he did make a reference to Medicare Part D in his interview. I'm on a track to hunt for more information. And the comment Mary made is great!

Thanks Morra!

Dana from The Dana Files.

Hi Mary! I'm from Wisconsin

Dana J. Tuszke — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 11:39:33 -0500

Hi Mary!

I'm from Wisconsin also, and I am very familiar with Tommy Thompson, but on a more personal level. His brother Ed Thompson and my father were members of the Tavern League of Wisconsin and did a lot of lobbying for the fairness of gambling (legalizing gaming machines not just in casinos).

I haven't had a chance to dig into Thompson's business dealings, but I'm so happy that you found this information! It sheds a new light on some of the issues I am concerned about.

While I feel he is being truthful, I am researching his political background, too, in hopes of reporting more about him later.

The health care issue looks good on paper, but whether or not he can succeed is another thing. I am not able to completely support him just based on that proposal alone.

Thanks so much for your comment and wonderful information!

Dana from The Dana Files.

"bidding" is a little scary

Morra Aarons Mele — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 11:17:22 -0500

I think Thompson is channeling the energy behind Medicare Part D, in which private insurers compete to cover seniors on Medicare. While many seniors like Part D, states are losing money over it, and for seniors in the infamous "donut hole," it's not so great. I applaud Thompson's statement about coverage for all, but by instantly suggesting a market-based solution, he may just be adding another element to the complicated problem of how we pay for social services. The problem doesnt go away just because we bring in private companies to bid...

Great post, Dana!

Thompson's agenda as President

marymbauer — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 10:45:45 -0500

Hi Dana - I am from Wisconsin. Tommy Thompson was a very popular governor here - elected four terms, then took the job as Bush's Health and Human Services Secretary in 2001.

Thompson is responsible for the Wisconsin Works welfare reform which is a "Work not Welfare" type of program. It's basically an ambitious attempt to curtail generational reliance on welfare. Some saw it as the opportunity it was intended -- to obtain an education and enter the work force -- others moved to Minnesota.

Thompson also initiated the nation's first school choice program and the BadgerCare program - a government health care program for the uninsured who do not qualify for Medicaid. The program is funded by taxes and a mandantory percentage of gross income paid by those in the medical field (dentists, chiropractors, doctors, etc).

As with any program there are problems with all of these and those who take advantage. To Thompson's credit, he is not afraid to tackle the tough issues.

If elected as President, I do believe Thompson will plow full steam ahead on health care issues. He will most likely push for a nationwide plan similar to BadgerCare. Will the insurance companies have to bid to insure? Maybe, but doubtful. And perhaps there will be some type of small co-pay for the individual in some instances, but the bulk of the cost of the program will be paid through taxes and the medical community.

Did you know Thompson is also on the board of directors of Applied Digital Solutions -- makers of the VeriChip? This is very disturbing to me as I also believe he will PUSH their agenda of making sure all Americans are implanted with a microchip.

Shortly after leaving his Bush Cabinet post, Thompson joined the board of directors of Applied Digital Solutions, makers of the controversial VeriChips: glass-encapsulated RFID devices to be injected into human flesh for identification purposes and for use as a payment device. He acquired a considerable share in the company. In public appearances, he suggested injecting the microchips into Americans to link to their electronic medical records. Thompson also suggested implanting the devices in military personnel as a replacement for dog tags.[4]

"We are all well aware of the need to enhance Information Technology in healthcare," he said. "It is my belief that VeriChip is an important and secure means of accessing medical records and other information. I look forward to working with the company as it continues its growth."[5]

Various news outlets in July 2005 reported that Thompson would soon get an implant himself. But by December of that year, Thompson still had not had that procedure, saying that it did not make sense to do so until it is used widely by health care providers. Though VeriChip spokespeople attributed it to his busy schedule, opponents attributed it to private concerns he had and concerns about the safety of the device, despite advocating their use by the general public.[6]

Reference: Wikipedia

http://www.marymbauer.com

Wow, this is a pretty

Melinda Casino — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 20:49:52 -0500

Wow, this is a pretty thorough briefing on Thompson's ideas. Well done -- I hadn't heard of him but now I have some sense of who he is and what he stands for.

If Thompson appears on 'The Daily Show' I'll be even more familiar with him. :D ;)

Former Wis. Governor Tommy Thompson Enters Presidential Race

Dana J. Tuszke — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 15:13:04 -0500

Just days after I expressed my concern with the Republican Candidates for President in 2008, I watched former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson announce his bid for president on ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos.

While Thompson hasn't raised the millions of necessary campaign funds like candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, he feels confident that his political future is on the right track.

During his interview, George Stephanopoulos raised valid questions concerning the War in Iraq and health care in America.

Thompson said he would have a completely different strategy regarding Iraq than President Bush has proposed. Thompson believes that the Iraqis should vote on whether they want U.S presence in their country and if they do not, as president, Thompson would withdraw the troops.

Thompson feels the vote would provide a degree of legitimacy to the U.S. forces for being in Iraq. He believes that the 18 territories in Iraq should have their own elected officials as a democracy -- just as we do in the United States.

Regarding oil revenues, he feels that for Iraq, "one-third of the revenue should go to the federal governemnt, one-third to the territorial government and one-third to every man, woman and child just like we do in Alaska."

Thompson said he would not sign the House or Senate War-funding bill that is currently in congress because it signals to our enemies that we are not there for the long haul and that we do not support our troops. Thompson agrees President Bush is right to veto it.

He said that the Democrats only wish to withdrawl troops and hold money and it sends the wrong message to our troops, to Americans and to our enemies.

Thompson spoke regarding Attorney General Gonzales, stating if he were president he wouldn't have appointed Gonzales. He said Attorney General's resignation is up to the President, and that Americans know Gonzales made mistakes regarding the attorney firings.

Thompson spoke about health care stating that it's ridiculous 47 million uninsured Americans are seeking medical treatment in emergency rooms across the country which is the most expensive type of medical care.

He believes that every man, woman and child in America should have health coverage. His strategy is to put these uninsured Americans in groups by age and income and allow insurance companies to bid on covering these individuals and families.

He stated that Congress and legislature should not be allowed to put any restrictions on them and to let the insurance companies bid on each group.

He feels that companies from all over the country will bid and be able to provide acceptable and affordable insurance coverage and those who cannot afford it will then be supplemented by medicare and medicaid.

Thompson touched on his belief that he's the only reliable conservative candidate in the race, based on his record of setting a federal and state budget without tax increase. He believes he's the only individual Americans can count on.

He feels that 60% of Americans are not happy with the Republicans because they are unable to come up with fresh and new ideas.

As a Republican, I can say he's right. I feel confident about former Governor Thompson. Watching him during the interview, I believe he's being honest. Only time will tell if he will be successful during this race.

Contributing Editor Dana J. Tuszke also blogs at The Dana Files.