Thorpe dives into race for US Senate seat, brings listening tour to Jacksonville
Monday, March 30, 2009 at 10:34AM Dr. Marion Thorpe was a popular figure at the Republican Liberty Caucus national convention in Jacksonville this weekend.
(Jacksonville, Fla.)—Dr. Marion Thorpe had a hard time breaking away from guests at the Republican Liberty Caucus national convention at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Jacksonville. He’s an easy person to talk to and he knows how to listen. As both a doctor and healthcare administrator, Thorpe brings a unique set of skills to the table where the costliest, most vital issue is healthcare, especially in his home state of Florida. “We can’t fix the economy,” he said, “until we get a grip on healthcare.” As insurance premiums and medical costs skyrocket, that’s a perspective most of us can appreciate. Healthcare costs are an issue for small businesses and for large ones like the big three automakers. Perhaps more than any candidate, Thorpe has solid credentials on this issue. [Click link below photo to continue reading.]
Dr. Marion Thorpe talked to many guests at the Republican Liberty Caucus National Convention.
Thorpe has far more experience than sitting or wannabe senators. As Chief Medical Officer of Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration, Thorpe often fought with HMOs to provide patients with preventative treatments. He did so by convincing them that doing so was not only necessary for patients to remain healthy, but also that promoting healthy living and preventative treatments would save costs on far more expensive catastrophic and emergency treatments down the road. During an interview with The US Report, Thorpe said the Health and Human Services czar determines patient treatment based on usefulness to society. He recalled a morbidly obese 11 year old who wasn’t able to get treatment he needed. “And he had private insurance,” said the doctor. “Any treatment to be administered goes through HHS—this has been written into law.”
There’s also the issue of bio-preparedness, a topic frequently cropping up in news about terrorism. And Thorpe is also concerned about the costs of patients who resort to using emergency centers for non-emergency illness. He points to cost comparisons for treating a condition such as a bad cough. “If you go through your doctor, the cost might be $150. In ER, it’s a $2,000 visit.” And as many realize, ER usually requires a long wait for non-life-threatening conditions.
Healthcare isn’t the only spoke in Thorpe’s platform, but the doctor calls it “the center of the wheel.” Thorpe’s overall platform is featured on his official website, and his approaches are based on common sense. Tackling taxes, immigration, education and terrorism are issues he approaches with practical creativity, and one aspect will resound with conservatives and libertarians. “[W]e need to encourage and promote small business development, growth, and solvency. Also, the outcome and results of fostering and easing lending to credit worthy individuals with great ideas and solid plans will do far more good for our economy than will big government bailouts.”
Thorpe believes the GOP in Florida is becoming more cohesive. “Republicans are now more unified than we have been since Jeb Bush was governor,” he said. And he sees this as an exciting time to be an American. “We’re on the next wave of industry—information technology. America will lead the way.” He believes it’s critical for leaders to bring a new perspective to Washington; “in the Belt loop vs. out of the Belt loop.” Most of us would agree it’s time for more “out of the Belt loop” considering the state of the US Senate.
Thorpe didn’t hesitate to announce his candidacy as some politicos in the state decide what office they want to pursue, and his declaration is based on the values of America’s founding fathers and her greatest statesmen. “As a country, we need a political revolution—a mindset shift,” he said. “I want to be a public servant according to the true definition of the words.”
Floridians have the opportunity to meet Thorpe as he tours the state, and he invited medical care providers or citizens concerned about healthcare to contact his campaign. Details are on his website. Thorpe was one of a number of candidates from across the nation to speak at the RLC convention.
An enthusiastic crowd of attendees gathered in Jacksonville for the Republican Liberty Caucus national convention Mar. 27-30.
Reader Comments (1)
Finally, a true conservative Republican is running for office in Florida! Dr. Thorpe brings a fresh approach to Florida politics and will bring a fresh approach to Washington. It's about time we've elected a man with integrity and that's why Dr. Thorpe MUST be sent to Washington! No more RINO's and Democrat-lite-Republicans, we've had enough of that in Florida and Washington. God speed to Dr. Thorpe! Conservatism is our ONLY option to save America! GET TO THE RIGHT OR GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!!