Schwartz slams Democratic foes for being 'vague' about a law they all publicly support

U.S. REP. ALLYSON Schwartz yesterday accused her fellow Democrats in the May 20 primary election for governor of being "vague" in support of the Affordable Care Act, a/k/a Obamacare.

Schwartz was mostly talking about front-runner Tom Wolf, a former state revenue secretary, who, like the other Democratic candidates, has publicly supported the law in his campaign.

"Particularly, I think Tom Wolf has been evasive about expressing support for the law," said Schwartz, who this week started running a campaign ad on television, touting her role in helping to craft and pass the legislation.

All of the Democrats have also publicly criticized Gov. Corbett for not expanding Medicaid to use federal money to give an estimated 500,000 people health insurance in the state.

Schwartz acknowledged that she has attempted to undo what many see as key components of Obamacare - a medical-device tax and the Independent Payment Advisory Board.

"The basic concept, the big ideas in this legislation, I embrace completely," she said.

In an election season in which the Democrats have largely agreed on big issues, Schwartz was clearly trying to create some space between herself and the others while aiming directly at the front-runner.

Her primary foes were quick to slap back at the attack.

"Tom's record in support of the Affordable Care Act has been clear and unambiguous," said Wolf spokesman Mark Nicastre. "It's unfortunate and disappointing that Allyson Schwartz would play politics on this given her own record of zigzagging."

Mark Nevins, spokesman for state Treasurer Rob McCord, said, "There's not a dime's worth of difference between Rob McCord and Allyson Schwartz on the Affordable Care Act."

Mike Mikus, campaign manager for former Environmental Protection Secretary Katie McGinty, noted her support of the law.

"Congresswoman Schwartz's statement is mind-boggling since Congresswoman Schwartz is the only Democratic gubernatorial candidate who has supported legislation that would weaken the Affordable Care Act while also endangering Medicare," he said.