WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren OhioPresident Obama has high praise for former Congressman John Boccieri

President Obama has high praise for former Congressman John Boccieri

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POLAND, Ohio - Former Congressman John Boccerri received high praise from President Barack Obama during his campaign stop in Poland.

President Obama, who received thunderous applause when he defended health care reforms by his administration, said Boccieri lost his Congressional seat because he voted for health care, and stood up for what he believed was right.

"I'm going to embarrass him a little bit," President Obama said. "John Bocceri, he may have lost his Congressional seat because he voted for heatlh care, but that's the kind of person he is, and that's the kind of responsibility you want from your representatives, and I could be prouder of him for it. That's a class act right there."

The crowd stood up and clapped for Boccieri who says, "I feel that we did the right thing, and if I was back in Congress I would take that vote again. Sometimes you have to take a stand to help people."

Boccieri was elected in 2009 as a U.S. Representative for the 16th District. He served as a member of Congress for two years.