U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance fielded questions for 70 minutes Wednesday at Mount Olive High School Watch video
MOUNT OLIVE -- U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance faced a fiery town hall audience of more than 300 Wednesday, fending off pointed questions about the fate of healthcare, Planned Parenthood and his potential for reelection.
It was Lance's 43rd town hall since taking office in 2009, and his first since his vote helped to defeat a Republican bill, backed by President Trump, that would have repealed the Affordable Care Act.
Lance, (R-7th Dist.) stood for 70 minutes on the auditorium stage at Mount Olive High School and fielded questions that were mostly critical of Republican policies and proposals.
A small group of protesters gathered outside, in a fenced-off location labeled the "First Amendment Area," but those inside the room were also free to speak their minds -- and many did.
Elizabeth Lewandowski, who was among about a dozen questioners selected in a drawing, pressed Lance on a reworked plan backed by some Republicans that would effectively repeal the Affordable Care Act provision enabling those with pre-existing conditions to obtain health insurance.
"That's a huge problem," she said. "What is the point of getting insurance if it didn't cover these conditions?"
Lance reiterated his support for maintaining the provision allowing those who have had serious illnesses or conditions to get insurance.
"I want to make sure that no one is denied coverage in this society based upon a pre-existing condition," Lance told reporters afterward.
Lance, 64, drew cheers upon stating that Trump should release his tax returns, but was jeered upon following up that he did not support legislation that would force Trump to do so.
He drew boos upon saying that Planned Parenthood, the target of a Republican-led effort to cut funding, should divide itself into two organizations in order to continue receiving federal aid.
"What I have suggested to Planned Parenthood is that it have two completely separate organizations," Lance said. "One organization that deals with the services regarding women's health and another organization that performs the abortion procedure."
Someone in the audience shouted, "Let us choose our own doctors."
"Men use Planned Parenthood, too," another said.
Lance offered a restrained response when someone said he would lose reelection next year.
"I think 2017 should be a year of governance, and not politics," Lance said.
Lance's town hall meeting offered a marked contrast to how a Republican lawmaker from a neighboring district has been handling requests for a public meeting.
Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-11th Dist.) has opted instead for "telephone town halls" with constituents.
Lance, in explaining his approach, said, "I try to lead by example, and my example has always been to hold town halls."
Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobJenningsNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook