Wilson brings rally against health care law to Beaufort

More than 75 people crowded the second floor of Blackstone's Cafe in Beaufort on Friday -- retirees, young entrepreneurs and families -- for U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson's rally to repeal the recently passedhealth care law.

Wilson, a Republican whose 2nd District includes Beaufort County, characterized the law passed in March as a "travesty of backroom deals and kickbacks" that will result in denial of services, waiting lists for care and increased taxes.

Attendees were invited to join the lawmaker in signing a pledge to work to replace what he called a "bad bill" with his Siding With America's Patients Act.

The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives two weeks ago.

It includes:

• Tax breaks for individuals purchasing insurance.

• Incentives for creating high-risk pools for those with pre-existing conditions.

• Reforms to malpractice laws.

• A provision allowing those living in states with insurance premiums more than 10 percent higher than the national average to buy plans from out-of-state providers.

Bill Hager, an engineer from Hampton, signed the pledge because "we cannot afford the legislation that was passed. This country doesn't have the budget to support people that don't help us take care of them."

The cost of the health care bill wasn't the only concern.

Supporters were worried by what they see as a growing government bureaucracy.

"We're seeing the depletion of the capitalist economy that founded this country," said Beaufort native Stephen Cruikshank, 26, who owns a delivery business with his brother. "We've seen success with it, and it's being taken away from us."

In a telephone interview Friday afternoon, Rob Miller of Lady's Island, the Democrat challenging Wilson for the 2nd District seat, argued it is time to move on from the health care debate.

"What we really need to be talking about right now is small business," Miller said. "We need to be looking at tax incentives, loans and grants that make it possible for small businesses to prosper and grow."

Wilson countered that revising health care reform and improving the country's economy are related.

Friday's rally was the third Wilson has held in the district since March 29. A spokesman for his campaign said about 400 people have signed the pledge.

Wilson faces a Republican primary June 8 against Phil Black of Lexington County. The winner faces Miller in November.