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The ‘chess move’ that sold out Colorado

This is how freshman Congressman Jeff Hurd’s campaign is trying to explain away his vote to continue Obamacare subsidies for three more years: “This is a chess move … playing the long game … There has been enough communication with Republican Senators to know the bill will not pass as written. It will be changed and sent back … The system is broken, but this push-and-pull is a necessary evil our representatives must engage in.”

That’s the justification for voting with Democrats to extend Obamacare subsidies. It’s garbage.

Calling this a “chess move” is a slap in the face to families crushed by skyrocketing premiums, small businesses drowning in costs and rural hospitals forced to beg Washington for scraps. This isn’t a strategy – it’s cowardice dressed up in consultant-speak.

“Don’t worry, the Senate won’t pass it” is not leadership. That’s how Washington excuses bad votes and protects big insurance. If a bill is wrong, you vote no. Period.

These massive subsidies prop up the big insurance giants, especially those in Colorado, while taxpayers foot the bill. Plain truth: This money funds abortion coverage and transgender surgeries on minors. Your dollars are being forced into elective abortions via Medicaid and state plans, plus irreversible procedures on kids, all mandated by Colorado’s extreme laws that demand insurers cover gender-affirming surgeries with zero limits.

This isn’t health care. It’s corporate welfare fused with ideological extremism.

If Jeff Hurd’s record were truly conservative, it wouldn’t require this much spin. Rural Colorado doesn’t need Washington games or “necessary evils.” We need fighters – not excuse-makers.

Eric Grossman

Creede