NEW HAVEN - U.S. Rep. Joseph Courtney is planning to talk to constituents about the red-hot topic of health care next week, but his decision to do it by telephone instead of in person is drawing criticism. The Vernon Democrat's teleconference Monday evening comes as Congressional Democrats face increasingly angry crowds at town hall meetings to discuss proposed health care changes. Some Democrats have stepped up security or turned to teleconferences, which can reach more constituents than town halls, and be more easily controlled. Chris Healy, Connecticut Republican chairman, calls it "a classic you-can-run-but-you-can't-hide" meeting. But Courtney's office says the congressman has held more than a dozen such public forums since January. They say the format has nothing to do with angry outbursts across the country.
via courant.com
