Health care supporters urge Franken to put on the boxing gloves

The Senator’s staff was presented with a pair of boxing gloves to encourage him to keep fighting for real reform that includes a strong public health insurance plan.

“We’re here to thank Senator Franken and support him in fighting for real health care reform, including the choice of a strong public health insurance plan,” said Sandy Ahlstrom of moveon.org

. “And when the rubber meets the road next week, we need him to continue to be a strong advocate in these final weeks of the health care fight.”

Rally participants also heard from several speakers who shared personal stories about their struggles with the current health care system. Amy Parker and Jessica Parker-Garvin told the story of their cousin, Nora Longley, who died from adrenal cancer earlier this year. “Our cousin would still be alive today if she had had access to affordable health insurance,” said Parker-Garvin.

Franken has been an outspoken supporter of a public health insurance plan as part of health care reform. Last week, he joined other Senators in asking Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to ensure that the Senate’s final bill includes a public option to private insurers.

“Health insurance interests are spending nearly $5 million a week to defeat real health care reform, and that’s why it is so important that Senator Franken continues to stand up for the health care reform that we all need,” said Ahlstrom.

The rally was one of more than 100 held in 43 states, organizers said.