March 23, 2010
 
Gearhart: Health Care Bill Increases Taxes, Spending
 
By Huntingtonnews.net Staff
 
Bluefield, WV (HNN) - Contending that the passage of the Health Care Bill is “the first step toward control of an industry that represents 15% of our economy,” Marty Gearheart (R) condemned the legislation. He said it contains unfunded mandates for the states, Medicare cuts, tax increases, and mandated requirements for employers and individuals that, in his words, “will probably increase the cost of health care.”
 
Gearheart, who is one of four Republicans vying for an opportunity to run against Democrat incumbent Rep. Nick Rahall, referred to his previously published Commitment to West Virginia voters. “I promised to oppose tax increases, spending increases, and to support health care legislation that provides market based private sector solutions. This legislations violates all three of those principles,” stated Gearheart. “As West Virginia’s Third District Congressman, I will support legal challenges and legislation that will reverse” the mandates of this bill supported by Rahall.
 
Gearheart was the 2008 Republican nominee for the Third District House of Representatives seat.