Please note that Rep. Kilmer is a liberal Democrat, and that Democrats (especially liberal Dems) are more likely to support the Obama administration on most policy issues than are Republicans.
But at least we are now on the radar screen of many members of Congress, which is very important as this process proceeds.
Congressional staffers keep a tally of Pro and Con letters/calls they receive on many different bills and issues.
If/when the issue comes up for a hearing, vote or other action, members of Congress (just like state and local officials) consider the amount of Pro and Con letters/calls before taking a position.
I honestly don't think it matters who the president is when the FDA is owned by BP, and BP is probably larger than the gov't anyway. There are numerous decisions that the FDA has made which contradicts "interest in the public" and favors BP profits. This is not new.
There are hundreds, if not thousands of interests that reps have to vote on. It's impossible for them to independently research every single one. They rely on summary's prepared for them and guess what ... those summary's are going to quote the FDA and CDC.
I've seen this with other industries in that getting independent information into "the bubble" has been the biggest challenge. It usually starts with one rep listening, one doubting the information, one realizing that everything they thought was wrong, tainted, biased. They pass the word on - a bill or whatever (step 2).
I can tell you that lines like "nicotine isn't harmful" won't create the necessary doubt needed to bust the infomation bubble, true or not. Instead, that line sounds like a
tobacco-funded front groups like they organized in the 80's and 90's.
Most people take 30 seconds to 2 minutes to get an impression. I think that's why, for the most party, telling a version of your personal story and what ecigs has meant for you is the most universially appealing direction. I have known people who were helped from elected reps, as strangers, from both sides of the aisle, so I'm not so quick to believe they don't feel some sort of responsibility. Getting them to read the letter helps and starting off with a personal appeal may be a way to do it.
I think this rep is asking for more information. He's not stating his personal opinion on the matter. He's giving the information he has on the issue that formed his opinion. That is all he said. For that reason, I think personal contact is better - even better is to do all 3 or 4 forms of contact.
