December 24, 2009… You may have noticed that The Plain Dealer gave cover to its favorite Senator, George Voinovich, on the health care bill. Of course, Voinovich – who has spent more than 40 years on a government health plan – voted NO on a bill that could help more than 1.3 million Ohioans.

No pressure from the PD, however, to care about the 1.3 million. Voinovich remained with his Republican NO Party on this bill. He played obstructionist with his 38 other buddies.

More than 1.3 million Ohioans have no health insurance. George Voinovich always has health insurance. We pay for his family’s care. We have for 40 plus years as he went from public office to public office. Never had to worry about getting sick.

The PD story allowed Voinovich to play the “responsible” politician as usual, reporting about his concern for jobs. Not about his lack of concern for the 1.3 million. The story is here:

http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2009/12/tax_in_health_care_bill_could.html

But what could you expect from someone who called President Barack Obama a “Socialist.” Talk about absurd.

The story on Page One the other day noted Voinovich’s complaint that the health bill would hurt one of his favorite corporations, Invacare. And, of course, his favorite corporate leaders – Mal Mixon, Invacare’s boss. Mixon is a leading corporate official here.

The costs, they both said, would force Mixon and Invacare to ship Ohio jobs to China and Mexico. This from a guy and a company that makes much of its money from Medicare, Medicaid and the Veteran’s Administration for its medical devices and products. In other words from American taxpayers.

Of course, Mixon and Invacare are helpful to Voinovich. He’s their favorite. In 2008 Mixon gave Voinovich $4,700 and Invacare’s political action committee added $3,500. His wife, Barbara, gave Voinovich $6,000. It wasn’t an election year for Voinovich and he isn’t running again in 2011. But money is always nice to have.

Mixon also co-hosted a fund-raising party for Voinovich in 2007 with attendees paying $1,000 to $2,300 for the opportunity to be with Voinovich. Guess most readers couldn’t afford it. Wonder who could?

Mixon is also generous to well-placed Democrats. In total, he made $78,500 in donations in 2008. When so much business comes from the government and its regulations can you blame him? The investment comes back in piles and piles.

Mixon, of course, laid it on about the job losses he’d have to make for the PD article. Neither Mixon nor Voinovich mentioned the 1.3 million people (and growing) without health care. Figures on the Ohioans without health care here:

http://www.online-health-insurance.com/coverage-by-region/ohio-health-guide-page-18.php

You can always bet that Voinovich will get the benefit of any doubt in the Plain Dealer. Always has. Always will.

Luckiest politician I’ve ever observed.