Health Care Reform May Cause Political Shakeup Across The Country

Now, that health care reform has passed the house and awaits the Presidential Signature a political shakeup could be coming at the polls. The health care bill isn't even law yet and Washington's Attorney General is already going after it.

The health care reform bill has our Democratic Governor Christine Gregoire in a fight with our Republican State Attorney General Rob McKenna. McKenna says the new legislation is unconstitutional.

"This is the first time in national history that the federal government has attempted to impose the requirement on all of us that we have to go out and buy something," said McKenna.

Governor Gregoire says she couldn't disagree with the Attorney General anymore on his position.

"I just don't think it's good for Washington State to try and undermine a bill that's going to make sure our Medicaid recipients are better cared for, our uninsured are going to get access to health care," said Gregoire.

The politicking won't stop there. Republicans who fought the bill don't plan to start playing nice now. They're hoping for another Republican revolution like in 1994, and Washington State is one of their targets.

The spot to watch is the 3rd Congressional District. Democrat Brian Baird voted no on health care reform the first time, but switched sides last night. He won't have to worry about it costing him his job he's retiring, that leaves his seat up for grabs.

Political Analyst Ron Dotzauer says both parties will go after the seat big time.

"I think that Congressional seat is going to be one of the top 5 most hotly contested races in the United States," said Dotzauer.

The only other reelection race is in the 8th Congressional District covering much of Eastern King County. Republican Dave Reichert has been an outspoken opponent of the health care reform bill, and lot of people think he'll use it as a platform for a Senate run taking on Democrat Patty Murray.

Political Analyst Ron Dotzauer believes Reichert won't make go after Murray's seat.

"If he were to leave that seat there's a high probability that seat would go to a Democrat. So, I think there's going to be a lot of pressure for him to stay there," said Dotzauer.

At this point in time Dotzauer predicts both Reichert and Murray will win reelection in the fall.

Washington State Lawmakers Play Key Role In Passing Health Care Reform

Washington State Lawmakers played a big role in getting the health care bill passed in the house.

Washington Congressman Brian Baird Originally voted no on health care reform, but, today switched to a yes.

He posted this statement on his website.

"Providing health care is not a political issue for me, it was my chosen profession, it is something I feel deeply about, and it is a service to which I have dedicated much of my life.Weighing the concerns against the benefits of the legislation, and considering that the status quo is unsustainable, I will vote for the legislation."

He and Congressman Adam Smith were targets of last minute campaigns to vote no. But, Smith also didn't sway voting with his party. He said: "I support this legislation because it is the best available step forward for reform. With health care costs ever increasing, we need leadership on these tough issues."

But, not all Washington Representatives supported health care reform. Prior to the vote Republican Congressman Dave Reichert spoke out against it.

"We need to start over. And, today I stand with Americans who want the freedom to choose their own health care," said Reichert.

Q13 Fox News spoke with Congressman Reichert by phone after the House vote and he said people in his district should expect their taxes to go up.

"It's going to mean higher taxes, taxes on dividends, taxes on small businesses, taxes on families, taxes on medical devices," said Reichert.

Washington Congressman Jay Inslee gave a passionate speech on the House Floor to convince his colleagues that health care reform was the right solution for Americans.

"We know a nation is truly healthy only when all of its citizens have health care. Today, we will have choice. Today, we will have health care. Today, we are forming a more perfect union in the tradition of this great country," said Inslee.

The Washington contingent of lawmakers voted along party lines, all Republicans voted no, the Democrats yes.

Now, that health care reform is moving forward local voters that Q13 Fox News talked with had plenty to say about what it will mean for them.

"I don't feel like that the health care bill passing is great victory for the American People."

"It just needed to happen it's really expensive we don't have the best health care in the world."

"Passing doesn't mean anything. If it does something then we'll see. Depends on what it does to my taxes."

"With the health care reform, Americans getting healthcare this will bring us up to par with the rest of the world."

Several Washington Lawmakers are up for reelection this fall and how they voted on health care reform will become a big campaign talking point. Republicans believe Democrats passage of the health care bill will help them regain seats in the house.

Seattle Child Actor Hits Big Time In "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" Movie

It's one of the most popular books for kids these days that's now a big time movie. "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" opens this weekend all across the country. One of the stars of the movie is an 11 year old Bothell boy.

Not bad for a kid who picked up acting just a few years ago. Now, Karan Brar is hitting the big time as Chirag Gupta.

"He's a small kid that knows more about the school and all its hauntings and mysteries about it," said Brar.

20th Century Fox was looking for a young Indian kid for its movie Karan was perfect for the role.

The "Diary of the Wimpy Kid" book series is written and illustrated with cartoon characters from the perspective of middle schooler Greg Heffley.

Karan plays one of Greg's buddies who also deal with peer pressure and a stinky piece of cheese that's cursed.

This is Karan's first big break in show business, his father Harry is quite proud.

"I think it's just his hard work, God's wish, he's got the talent," said Brar.

And, while his part in "Wimpy Kid" has suddenly made him pretty popular at school he's not letting it go to his head.

"I know it's a big deal for me, but still I don't want it to change my relationships with my friends anything like that," said Brar.

Karan hopes to play Chirag again in future movies from "The Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series." But, he could be back on the big screen soon. He recently auditioned for two other movies.

Opponents Of Health Care Reform "Seeing Red" As House Vote Looms

People got hot and bothered at a "Code Red Health Care Rally" against health care reform today. Tea partiers are pulling out all the stops to kill the health care bill. But, Democrats may have found a way to avoid losing the floor vote on health care reform.

Tea partiers like Tim Phillips of "Americans for Prosperity" stormed Capitol Hill Tuesday to protest the health care reform bill.

"Do you really trust speaker Pelosi with your family's healthcare? No," said Phillips.

Others like Jim Martin who is President of "Sixty Plus" demanded face time with his congressional representatives.

"They best start listening because come the first Tuesday in November there is a Tsunami coming to Capitol Hill," said Martin.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are digging in for the final vote, that's now expected Friday or Saturday. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says health care reform is right for America.

"What it does is to invigorate our economy by creating jobs for sure, making America healthier, lowering costs and improving quality that's for sure," said Pelosi.

Republican House Minority Leader John Boehner believes this health care bill is bad for the country.

"Because, we want Americans to go to code red. Understand that we've got to put all the pressure we can on these wavering Democrats to make sure this bill never ever happens," said Boehner.

At last count, the Democrats have 211 "Yes" votes, they need 216. Republican Representative Mike Pence of Indiana doesn't think they'll get there.

"And, I really do believe the Democrats at this hour don't have the votes. The American people are pressing themselves, I think they're going to continue to mount up an opposition to this government takeover of healthcare," said Pence.

House Speaker Pelosi is considering using a tactic that would give some political protection to Democrats who are reluctant to publicly support the bill. It's called the "self-executing rule" and would allow the House to pass the Senate version without actually taking a vote on it.

Senate Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is outraged over the potential move by the Democrats.

"It will go down as one of the most extraordinary legislative slights of hand in history," said McConnell.

Both parties have used the "self-executing" rule over the years, but never for something as huge as the $875 billion health care reform bill.

Here's what's next for health care reform, the House Rule Committee will begin writing changes included in the reconciliation package, changes House Democrats want in the final legislation.

New Political Ads Target Undecided Democrats On Healthcare

New TV ads sponsored by a coalition of groups against President Obama's health care legislation are putting some swing Democrats on the hot seat. They're trying to convince those Congressional lawmakers who are still on the fence about the bill.

Washington State Congressman Brian Baird and Adam Smith are two of the U.S. Representatives who are still debating how to vote. In one ad launched this week, people are urged to call Congressman Smith's Office to get him to vote down the health care legislation. The spot says the bill will cost too much.

The $10 million ad campaign is sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and urges people to jam the phone lines of local Democratic lawmakers with their opinions on health care.

"Washington is not getting the message call Congressman Adam Smith."

At Baird's office, the phone is already ringing off the hook. Staff members have gotten more than 3,600 phone calls about health care reform in the last week. A spokesman says 90 percent of those calls came from outside Baird's district in Southern Washington. He says about half the people calling oppose health care legislation in its current form.

This past summer, Smith and Baird both held a series of town hall meetings about health care reform. Smith voted for the original health care reform bill. Baird voted against it.

Baird is one of a handful of Democratics in the U.S. House who could switch their vote, ultimately deciding whether the Senate version of Obama care goes through.

Congressman Baird put on this statement on his web site.

"I have not seen the proposed changes to the Senate health care bill nor has the congressional budget office released its estimated costs of the new proposal. Until I am able to read the new proposal and know the costs, I will not decide on how to vote on the passage."

The coalition group's ad campaign threatens retribution by voters at the polls this fall if Democratic lawmakers approve the health care bill.

Now, other political organizations like MoveOn.org are discussing airing their own counter ads to encourage Democrats to vote for health care reform.

The House is expected to vote later this week.

We want to hear your thoughts and opinions on the push to stop healthcare reform. Are you in favor of these TV ads, do they sway your opinion, or are they waste of time and money.

Investigators Find More Sea Lions Shot And Killed On Puget Sound

There are new details about the seal lions being shot and killed on Puget Sound. State Wildlife Officials now confirm nearly a dozen of the animals were gunned down and that number is expected to get even higher.

Q13 Fox News talked with local charter fisherman Gary Krein of All Star Charters in Everett, who says he's seen an increase in seals and sea lions on Puget Sound.

"Some of them start following a boat, or boats and they look for that everyday," said Krein.

Krein knows the waters of the Puget Sound inside and out. He's spent decades taking folks fishing on his charter boat. He can spot California seal lions from a mile away lunching on his catch.

"They are so big, it's over with they take your line and they take everything instantly," said Krein.

Gary says the sea lions have been robbing him blind but he doesn't believe in harming his foe.

"You know that's against the law and I certainly wouldn't advocate it," said Krein.

Someone else out of there is shooting and killing sea lions. The Northwest Marine Mammal Stranding Network has 19 reports of dead sea lions washing ashore from Kingston to Olympia. Ten of them were shot dead; including two federally protected stellar sea lions.

Gary says he gets it, but thinks his fellow fisherman need to check their anger.

"I know that it's frustrating, we do lose a lot of fish to them, we lose some gear," said Krein.

Seals and sea lions have been hassling fisherman in Puget Sound for years, but Gary says there are ways to stop them from stealing your fish and it doesn't require using a gun.

"It's an M-80 with sand in both ends to cause it to sink and explode," said Krein.

Only commercial fisherman and charter captains can use the explosives. And, thanks to a loophole in the law you can actually shoot a California sea lion if you feel threatened.

Gary says as long as there are fish in the Sound the sea lions will be there. The challenge is keeping them away from the salmon buffet line in a peaceful way.

Investigators are still analyzing the bullets found in the sea lions skulls to determine if they came from the same gun. If caught, the culprit could face fines up to $50,000. Anyone with information about the killings should call 1-800-853-1964.

Neighbors Worried That Power Substation Is Making Them Sick

You may not be able to fight City Hall but one neighborhood in Kirkland is determined to fight the power company. Families there are worried a new Puget Sound Energy substation is a huge health hazard making their loved ones very sick.

You don't see this everyday in this Juanita neighborhood Sebastian Freeman playing outside. His father Troy is terrified of electromagnetic fields that may be coming from the PSE substation next door.

"The danger is real perceived or even probable it's enough to scare me," said Freeman.

All of our electronics emit EMF but folks here say it's like living next to a 40 foot microwave oven that never shuts off. Troy beat death once now he feels like he's fighting it again.

"It could be causing the Leukemia to come back, could manifest in my 2 year old son," said Freeman.

Despite neighbors' objections the City of Kirkland gave PSE permission to build the power station near the original one just down the street. Only this one is bigger and closer, so close that vibrations from the construction of it caused cracks in people's walls and foundations. It happened in Patrick McClusky's home.

"Mine is somewhere 20 to $30,000 worth of damage," said McClusky.

PSE says it's working with homeowners on repairs but that doesn't make them feel any better about their health.

Even though PSE put up a big wall to shield the substation all of that EMF is still flowing into their yards and homes and that has Michelle McClusky very concerned.

"I don't want to destroy my health because of something someone else is doing to me," said McClusky.

Martha Monfried with Puget Sound Energy says its studies show neighbors have nothing to worry about.

"There is some exposure there's never been any conclusive evidence that it causes any harm," said Monfried.

Neighbor Kevin Corbett says the homeowners have consulted their own scientists.

"When we have independent people come to our homes they hold up a meter it says 24 at the fence here, 8 and a half on my side, they go that's not safe at all," said Corbett.

That's why Troy Freeman and his wife Carolina wish they could move.

"I'd like to pick up and leave if I could I just can't afford to," said Freeman.

The homeowners say they're not looking to get rich from this they just want some help from PSE, like having the power company buy their homes so they can move. Puget Sound Energy Officials say as for now that doesn't seem likely.

Taxpayers Get Ready To Shell Out Big Bucks In Washington State

A record tax increased passed Sunday by the State Senate threaten to take even more money right out of your pocket. Some Lawmakers say it's a necessary evil because of the state's budget crisis. Although, some taxpayers see it a bit differently.

After passionate and sometimes contentious debate over the last two days, State Senators approved a tax package that will raise $890 million dollars for our cash strapped state. Already taxpayers like Ashley Clark and Megan Spearing are taking sides.

"It's not going to affect me. I could see how some people it would be hurtful," said Clark.

"Yeah, it's ridiculous the economy can't really afford it, people, it's screwing everyone over, it's a bunch of BS," said Spearing.

The $804 million in Senate Bill 6143 comes from a three tenth of a cent temporary sales tax increase.

Besides passing the sales tax package, the Senate also passed a measure by a vote of 29 to 19 to add an extra buck tax to a package of cigarettes that will generate nearly $90 million for the state.

Senate Bill 6874 would mean smokers would now pay a little over $3 in tax per pack of cigarettes.

The sales tax increase package is worth $313 million. $170 million would come from taxing several kinds of service businesses. But, a plan to raise $30 million from charging extra on bottled water has Megan Spearing all fired up.

"That's ridiculous it's just water it shouldn't be taxed," said Spearing.

The tax package means you would be paying more sales tax at least until 2013.

Lawmakers say dealing with a $2.8 billion dollar budget deficit will take cuts and these higher taxes.

Now, it's up to the State House to pass their own version of the revenue plan and then both chambers will try to iron out a permanent budget.

There are only a few days left in this year's legislative session for the House and Senate to settle on a budget. If they can't Governor Chris Gregoire could call a special session.

New Details About Missing Utah Mother That Vanished From Her Home

Two simultaneous candlelight vigils for Susan Cox Powell were held Saturday night, one in her hometown of Puyallup, and the other where she lived with her husband and two young sons, in West Valley City, Utah.

With heavy hearts and candles in their hands loved ones and friends of Susan Cox Powell gathered for a candle light vigil at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ridgecrest building in Puyallup Saturday night.

Susan Powell Cox's father Chuck Cox says the family is still holding out hope of finding Susan alive.

"Yeah, I'd love to see her walk through that door and I believe in miracles, I believe she could come back," said Cox.

At tonight's vigil loved ones like Shelby Gifford talked about the pain of not knowing where Susan really is.

"Everyday is a difficult wait it's hard to balance the need for feeling hope with reality," said Gifford.

Susan Cox Powell disappeared on December 7th while her husband Josh Powell took their two sons on a camping trip in frigid temperatures in the Utah desert. Cops have searched that area and others for clues but have come up empty. Although, Shelby Gifford believes investigators are slowly getting closer to the truth.

"We're willing to wait right now if that means whatever happens in the future if it's an arrest, if there's a conviction that follows, we're willing to wait if that's what it takes," said Gifford.

Josh Powell moved back home with the couple's two young sons to the Puyallup area and is living in his father's home. On Saturday Q13 Fox News tried asking him about his wife's disappearance but he wouldn't open the door. Chuck Cox says Josh has shut out his family too.

"Yeah, we tried, we've gone over to see the children and try to catch him, talk with the boys, it's strained," said Cox.

Cops call Josh Powell a person of interest in Susan's disappearance. He did not attend the ceremony on Saturday night.

At the vigil the family handed out purple ribbons so people can keep Susan in their thoughts and prayers, and also missing person flyers to help bring her home.

Shelby Gifford says the family is leaning on their faith to help find Susan, but, know it will be hard to come to grips with her fate.

"We'll know what happened to Susan when we either find her body or she comes walking through the door," said Gifford.

Mother & Daughter Injured As Van Runs Them Over In 711 Store

Three People Hurt When Van Crashes Into Aberdeen Convenience Store
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A man driving a mini-van in Aberdeen crashed through the storefront of a 7-11 store, seriously injuring a 30-year-old woman and her two-year-old daughter who were inside.

Police say a 57-year-old man driving a 1996 Chevy Astro Van came to a stop in front of the store, then the engine revved up, tires screeched, and the van launched through the front door.

The car ended up in the back of the store -- about 40 to 50 feet from the front door.

"We heard tires screeching and loud collision sound and glass breaking," said Deanne Emery, who was working next door. "It felt kind of like an earthquake. I mean our windows shook. And (my husband) said, 'That was not good.'"

The collision also injured the driver of the van, 57-year-old Kelvin Kinny.

Eyewitnesses to the crash say it sounded like an explosion went off when the van crashed through the doors.

After seeing smoke and dust from the commotion, Emery and her husband ran over to the store and found the toddler, unconscious, near the front door.

Two-year-old Kaitlynn Zinn is in serious condition at Harborview Medical Center with a broken leg and internal injuries. Her mom, 30-year-old Tammy Bolster was treated and released from Grays Harbor Community Hospital. The driver of the van is in "guarded" condition at the Aberdeen-area hospital.

The woman who was arrived at the scene immediately after the crash, Deanne Emery, says the baby appeared to have a badly bruised chest.

"My husband knelt down towards the baby," she said. "And then the mother crawled out from underneath the van and said, 'That's my baby! That's my baby!' Then she fell down next to the baby and she said, 'I was under the van! I was under the van!' And that kind of woke up the baby.

Police say, unbelievably, this was the second time the driver had driven through a building. In April of last year, police cited him for driving into an unoccupied building at 4 a.m. No one was hurt in that collision.

Emergency crews first took the mother and daughter and the driver to Grays Harbor Community Hospital. Later, the little girl was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Kaitlynn Zinn suffered a broken leg and internal injuries and is in serious condition.