Scott Gessler's column was total partisan bunkum.
Gessler's a typical partisan: He had no problem with Tea Partiers disrupting Democratic town halls during the time Congress was considering the ACA for over a year, but thinks it's just awful when Democratic attendees disrupt Republican town halls.
I think town halls are mainly designed to show what a swell guy or gal the sponsoring politician is by having the politician humbly listening to the concerns of the common men or women in his district. Even polite dissent by attendees usually leaves the politician feeling they are being treated rudely.