The President of the United States will meet directly with New Hampshire voters to discuss health care reform on Tuesday -- before three of New Hampshire's four members of Congress do.

Rep. Paul Hodes is the only member of New Hampshire's congressional delegation to have met face-to-face with New Hampshire voters on this issue since the House went home for its August recess last weekend. He discussed health care with members of the Kendal at Hanover retirement community on Tuesday.

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Rep. Carol Shea-Porter plans to hold a telephone conference call with constituents (called a telephone town hall meeting), several hour-long radio interviews and some open houses for seniors during the break.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen held a telephone town hall meeting last night. Her office has not finalized her public schedule.

Sen. Judd Gregg's office confirmed yesterday that the senator has no town hall meetings scheduled for the recess, but a spokesman added that the Senate is in session until today and typically Sen. Gregg plans events for recesses once the break starts.

The health care reform proposals under consideration in Congress would fundamentally change health insurance coverage for all Americans. People are worried, and they want to know more details. Having the President's ear on such a huge issue is a rare opportunity. Wouldn't it be strange if the President is more available to Granite Staters this month than their own members of Congress are?

That should not happen. Every member of the delegation should make a point of meeting directly with constituents to discuss this pressing issue.