Sestak: Vast majority of town hallers have legitimate concerns

Participants in town hall meetings across the country are largely stocked with constituents with legitimate concerns, Rep. Joe Sestak (D-Pa.) insisted Thursday.

Sestak said that while some protesters who’ve loudly interrupted lawmakers’ district meetings may be organized by outside groups — “astroturf” protesters — many have rightful queries about the healthcare bill before Congress.

“There are some, obviously, that might be organized. But that’s politics,” Sestak said during an appearance on Fox News. “The vast, vast majority are people who have legitimate concerns.”

Sestak’s 2010 Democratic senatorial primary opponent, Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.), was embarrassed on national television by particularly vociferous constituents at a town hall meeting on Tuesday. Sestak seemed to lend credence to those confrontations.

The Democratic lawmaker also broke with some of his party’s leaders, who have insinuated that the protests are being largely organized and funded by corporate interests opposed to healthcare reform.

“Sometimes in Washington, D.C., we representatives are in an echo chamber, and not out in the hustings enough, explaining and listening,” Sestak said.

Watch the video of the interview below: