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Brad Shannon maintains this blog. He is political editor at The Olympian and can be reached at 360-753-1688 or bshannon@theolympian.com.

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GOP says Rep. Baird 'delusional' over 'brown shirt' comments

• Published August 06, 2009

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U.S. Rep. Brian Baird might not want to meet the public in person at town hall meetings to discuss health-care reform, fearing a "lynch-mob" mentality and what he considers Nazi-style attacks against the majority Democrats' ideas.

But at least one of his Republican opponents, Jon Russell of Washougal, says he will meet the public � including a forum in Tumwater on Aug. 25.

And the state Republican Party put out statements today accusing Baird, a psychologist by training of being delusional.

Baird set off the food fight with comments he made to The Columbian for a story published today. He said he fears an ambush he compared to Nazi tactics, so he is not doing in-person town hall meetings during the August congressional recess. Instead he'll talk to constituents about health-care reform in telephone town hall settings, which he's used in the past to draw audiences of several hundred people.

"What we're seeing right now is close to Brown Shirt tactics," the newspaper quoted Baird as saying in a phone interview that referred to protests at other House members' meetings (including one where the member was hanged in effigy). "I mean that very seriously."

Baird told McClatchy Newspapers in a story published by The Olympian today he fears a "lynch-mob mentality."

"It's hard to tell which is more ridiculous: 1) Brian Baird comparing opponents of government-run health care to Adolf Hitler's Nazi stormtroopers, or 2) taking any of Brian Baird's disingenuous double-talk on health care seriously, let alone very seriously," state Republican chairman Luke Esser replied today in a news release.

One member of the Washington Federation of State Employees has another take on recent "town hall" meetings, including one U.S. Rep. Adam Smith attended in DuPont. The worker, Dennis, writes here that some critics in the audience acted like "healthcare terrorists."

Clearly there is rising anger and distrust over the health-care issue, and some believe Republicans are behind the verbal attacks at town hall meetings. But Esser went on to say:

"Brian Baird may be terrified of speaking with his constituents during the August congressional recess, but he's apparently not afraid of speaking at a conference of psychologists in Toronto, Canada. Baird is proving that he definitely has the courage to leave the country and speak to a group that won't ask him why he's racking up unprecedented levels of federal spending and deficits and voting for so many bills he hasn't read. Tough questions and forthright comments are such a hassle, so thank goodness Brian Baird will be welcomed by such a friendly audience in a country with the type of government-run health care he and Nancy Pelosi are trying to recreate in America. Maybe while he�s there one of the psychologists in attendance can diagnose Baird and explain why he sees so many Nazi stormtroopers dancing in brown shirts in his dreams. We wish him a full and speedy recovery from his delusions."

Baird's two Republican challengers in the 3rd Congressional District race both put out statements also criticizing his actions.

David Castillo, a Republican from the Olympia area, put out a press release that accused Baird of "running scared�" and expressed surprise at Baird's actions:

David Castillo, candidate for Congress, agrees with these sentiments, but is perplexed as to why Baird refuses to face the public regarding his position on health care reform. Moreover, Castillo is astonished that a sitting congressman would have the gall to compare hard-working American citizens to Nazis, or a �lynch-mob�.

"As an American with ancestors who faced real lynch-mobs, I am more than offended by his flippant use of that term. I am disgusted," states Castillo.

As someone with extensive experience as a public servant, Castillo is amazed that an elected official with more than a decade in office would not have the foresight to see this coming, or furthermore, have such thin skin when it comes to strong public opposition. "From bailouts for billionaires, to trillions of dollars in deficit spending placed on the backs of our children and grandchildren, to a disastrous Cap and Trade policy that will skyrocket our energy costs � Brian Baird has been a part of fundamentally changing our nation," continues Castillo. "And now he doesn't understand why most voters are upset that he also wants the federal government to takeover their healthcare? Leadership involves making tough decisions and real leaders are never afraid to meet with those that may disagree with them."

Castillo is a U.S. Navy veteran and former Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs � where he had a birds-eye view of government run health care.

"The government runs Medicare, Medicaid and the VA. If members of Congress who support a 'public option' were forced to utilize any of these systems, rather than their private insurance, they may quickly change their mind on what constitutes sound reform," asserts Castillo.

Russell said he will hold four forums in the district, including one in Tumwater. Here is an excerpt from Russell�s news release:

"There appears to be a leadership void on national issues which will impact residents of Southwest Washington. I want to hear from the constituents of Washington�s 3rd Congressional District about issues and concerns they have with Congress and the direction of our country. Even if we do not agree on everything, it is important that I hear from them,� Russell said. Town halls have been scheduled for the following dates: Clark County: August 22nd, 2009 2pm- Three Creeks Community Library 800 C-NE Tenney Rd. Vancouver, WA. Cowlitz County: August 24th, 2009 7pm Cowlitz County Historical Museum (Community Room-Rear Entrance) 405 Allen Street, Kelso, WA. Thurston County: August 25th 6pm-Tumwater Timberland Library 7023 New Market St SW, Tumwater, WA. Lewis County: August 26thth, 2009 7pm- Kit Carson Restaurant (Meeting Room) 107 Interstate Ave. Chehalis, WA. The public is encouraged to attend and participate. Federal issues not pertaining to the federal deficit and health care reform are also welcome. Future town hall meetings in Pacific, Wahkiakum & Skamania Counties are being scheduled for September.

Baird did speak to The Olympian recently about health care reform. See his comments here.

Rep. Smith also held a telephone town hall meeting on healthcare reform. See our report here.