Talk of the town

Good morning! While we wait for Rep. Bill Owens to tell us how he'll vote on health care, here's a special Saturday edition of Talk of the Town.

With less than 48 hours before a vote on health care reform, Mr. Owens is facing an intense lobbying effort, which includes everyone from the president to ladies bearing chocolates and daffodils.

Mr. Owens said the phone calls at his office from district residents are equally for and against the bill.

Callers from outside the district are jamming the phone lines at his Washington office.

Mr. Owens said he's getting "physical and verbal threats" at his district offices.

Mr. Owens is in a no-win situation regarding his vote, a local political science professor says.

Rep. Scott Murphy, who previously voted against the health care bill, is now a "yes."

The leader of the Upstate Tea Party is urging a "no" vote for Mr. Owens and Mr. Murphy.

The Working Families Party is already talking to several potential challengers to Rep. Mike Arcuri after the congressman said he would vote "no" on the health care bill.

Canton Supervisor Dave Button is running for St. Lawrence County treasurer.