WASHINGTON — Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., said Thursday that he has received two threatening phone calls since he voted to support health care legislation over the weekend.
The threat assessment team of the U.S. Capitol Police investigated but found no reason for alarm, Larsen said, adding that the two calls to his office and answered by his staff mentioned his health care vote and guns.
The state's other Democrats didn't report any problems, though an aide to Rep. Brian Baird declined comment.
"Don't infer anything," said Adam Hudson, a Baird spokesman.
Baird, who is not seeking re-election, voted for the measure, though he opposed an earlier version. Baird angered members of the Tea Party last summer when he likened them to thugs for disrupting town hall meetings around the country.
Law enforcement officials are investigating a series of threats against House Democrats who supported the health care bill. The incidents ranged from threatening phone calls to vandalism of lawmakers offices. Some of the lawmakers have requested additional protection. About 10 members have reportedly received the threats. Both Democrats and Republicans have denounced the threats and violence.
"You have to take these things seriously," Larsen said.
Larsen said one of the phone calls to his office mentioned "taking the country back," and the caller noted he and his friends had guns. The other caller said he disagreed with Larsen's health care vote and indicated he had a gun.
Last year, Larsen said he and his family received three direct threats.
"There may be folks who can excuse this," Larsen said. "I can never excuse this. In a country built on individual rights and freedoms, people also have a responsibility to act civilly."
Larsen said he had been advised not to discuss whether he had asked for added security for himself and his family.
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