Congressman Don Beyer (D-Virginia) says he prefers a single payer health care system to Obamneycare.

Then why hasn’t he signed on to co-sponsor the single payer bill in the House — HR 676?

A spokesman for Congressman Beyer wrote us back to say — “We are reviewing the bill, but frankly, have not been asked to join.”

Two questions.

Why wasn’t Don Beyer asked to join?

And if he wants single payer, why would he have to be asked to join?

Just sign up.

Last week, we wondered out loud why House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who says she supports single payer, isn’t co-sponsoring HR 676.

One constituent called Pelosi’s office to ask why.

“Congresswoman Pelosi’s office has told me that she won’t co-sponsor a bill, due to her being in leadership position,” one constituent wrote. “She only occasionally makes exceptions on that. I suggested that she step up to the plate and make an exception in this case and represent us — her constituents.”

 “The bill’s on her desk,” another caller was told. “She’s reviewing it. But she’s not encouraged to co-sponsor any bill because of bi-partisanship.”

Translated — those in the House leadership only co-sponsor bills they truly care about.

Word on the street is that the Democrats aren’t interested in pushing HR 676 because they believe it will hurt their chances to take back the Congress in 2018.

Aides to Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) have said as much — that Sanders will not introduce his single payer bill back in the Senate because it will hurt the chances of Senate Democrats in 2018.

And the Democrats behind the so-called “resistance” groups are explicitly for defending Obamneycare.  Single payer is not on their agenda.

Next week, CNN will host a debate between Sanders and Ted Cruz on the repeal of Obamneycare.

Instead of defending a failing for profit health care system, Sanders ought to quit backpedaling and introduce a Senate version of HR 676.

Beyer and Pelosi and the House Democrats ought to sign on to HR 676 and quit making excuses.