I've been seeing all these town hall meetings about the health bill. I got to wondering when my representative, Christopher Van Hollen, was going to hold one.

Here was his version of a town hall meeting, I guess:
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/07/van-hollen-to-hold-tele-town-hall-on-health-care-with-grassroots-dem-supporters.php

Dear Friend,

After decades of struggle, we are now closer than at any other time in history to providing quality, affordable, and accessible health care for every American.

Grassroots Democrats like you are the reason we've gotten this far. Through your generous financial support and your tireless activism, you've created a force for progressive change on behalf of President Obama.

With all the fast-breaking developments this week, I wanted to gather our most dedicated supporters like you to provide an update on where we stand, answer your questions, and discuss our plan for action on health care reform.

Join me for the DCCC's Health Care Reform Tele-Town Hall Meeting this Friday, July 31 at 2:30 PM EDT. Sign-up today to participate from wherever you are.

Thank you for putting us on the verge of making history with health care reform. Let's keep up the fight against the Republican attacks and help President Obama finish the job.

Please join me on Friday.

Thanks,

Rep. Chris Van Hollen
DCCC Chairman

So. His town hall was a "tele town hall".

Addressed specifically to Democrats. Not all constituents. Just the Democrats.

I guess that's why I never heard about it.

Yyyeaah. Somehow I don't think he's getting my vote next election either.

I doubt he cares. Here in Maryland, conservatives are accustomed to just not having representation. The interesting thing is I think there's actually a lot of us, it's just that not enough of us think it's worth showing up for an election because the liberals always win (I hear people say that. Me: "You voting?" Them: "Nah. Democrats always carry Maryland. There's no point.")

Well, I voted last time. Voted against him. I'll do the same next election. We need more conservatives to do this. At least then we can say "we tried". Maybe we'll surprise these buzzards and make them realize they need to start representing their entire district and compromising between the sides rather than simply ignoring conservatives entirely. Better to lose with 42% of the vote and make him a little concerned than to let him win by a landslide and think he's got it in the bag for years to come.