Republicans turn to the telephone to avoid hostile crowds

Some lawmakers are turning to conference calls with their constituents to avoid the hostile crowds that have greeted Republicans at their town halls across the country.

Lawmakers returned to their home districts for a week-long recess this week, and some are holding town halls filled with throngs of protesters concerned primarily about the future of Obamacare.

Others are turning to the telephone, with lawmakers condemning in-person events as flooded with paid protesters. Activists, on the other hand, charge that the lawmakers should face constituents to explain their choices on issues such as Obamacare.

Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., last week held an hour-long virtual town hall that featured questions on Obamacare repeal.

Harris, the only Republican lawmaker from Maryland, told a local radio station recently that the protests are being funded by Democratic mega-donor George Soros.