GOPers Embrace Repeal
A day after House Dems passed health care legislation, GOPers are embracing a Club for Growth-backed campaign to repeal the measure if they win election this year.
Responding to last night's party-line vote, candidates from across the country said they will back legislation offered by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) to repeal the bill.
"On Capitol Hill, Sen. Jim DeMint is preparing legislation to immediately repeal the new federal health care program. That's an effort I strongly support, and if I were in the Senate, I'd be the first to back his bill," said ex-NH AG Kelly Ayotte (R), a top Senate contender. "We must stop the federal takeover of health care, and this legislation is a critical first step."
"While I am dismayed that we have reached that point, I reiterate my strong support for repealing [the bill] and offering alternative reforms that will lower health care costs without growing government and breaking the bank," added ex-FL House Speaker Marco Rubio (R). "Fortunately, this debate does not end today. And we cannot allow it to if our nation is to survive the failed politics and policies that have plagued Washington for far too long. We cannot allow it to if we are to preserve the freedoms that have made America an exceptional nation for centuries."
The drive to repeal the bill is being pushed by the Club for Growth, rather than by top GOP leaders. The RNC has yet to take a position on full repeal, and House and Senate leaders are nervous that advocating for repeal would put the GOP in a vulnerable spot during the midterms.
Still, the Club's move is earning a following in Congress. A total of 4 senators and 35 House members have signed a pledge to repeal health care legislation, as have more than 100 candidates.
"Shame on Congress for not listening to the people, shame on [Sen.] Blanche Lincoln for being the 60th vote to get health care out of the Senate, and shame on Cong. [Bart] Stupak for caving in to the pressure and not protecting the sanctity of life," added AR state Sen. Gilbert Baker (R), another top Senate contender. "As a U.S. Senator, I will work to repeal a government takeover of health care and offer solutions to replace it with common sense, quality, affordable health care."
In a statement released Monday, businessman Keith Fimian (R), running against Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), promised to introduce his own legislation to repeal the bill. Businessman Robert Dold (R), running for Rep. Mark Kirk's (R-IL) open seat, said he would aim to repeal certain provisions of the health care legislation.
Privately, Dems are giddy at the prospects of running against GOPers who advocate for full repeal. They believe they will be able to paint candidates who do so as seeking to take away health care coverage and other key provisions of the bill that will go into effect immediately after it's signed.
But with such a favorable political environment, it may be more likely that the Club and its allies cause more problems for centrist GOPers than Dems do; already, the Club is targeting Sen. Bob Bennett (R-UT), who cosponsored a health care proposal with Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR).
Retards, You don't have s snowballs chance in Hell of repealing this historic legislation. Get over it, you're done...
Rachel, Have you looked at the polls lately? Barry's approval rating is at an historic low, as is Congress's. The GOP now holds a 10% lead in generic ballots. This crap sandwich that you refer to as "historic legislation" is only supported by around 36% of the American people. Now who is done, beta-male Libtard? I thought so. You wacky coffeebagger you. How was your Cleveland Steamer, by the way? Your welcome.
If the GOP spent as much energy trying to look forward rather than back, they might actually achieve something. They've spent 30 years trying to overturn Wade v. Roe (which is not going to happen) and now they'll waste time with trying to overturn healthcare legislation. What's done is done...
RickS, look at the Republicans approval average. It is lower then the Democrats. Per Gallup, the approval of the HCR bill after it was passed was 49% to 40. http://www.gallup.com/poll/126929/Slim-Margin-Americans-Support-Healthcare-Bill-Passage.aspx. Obama's approval at 50% on Gallup today is higher then Reagan's was in 1982.
People have to understand the bill to defend it or veto it. I for one understand this is not FREE health care for everyone. It just helps the less fortunate to better care for themselves at the same time this bill demands that everyone have health care by 2012. Meaning if you do not qualify for free health care or reduced cost, funded health care, you WILL be fine thousands of dollars. Ultimately, this plan will bring more money into the health care system but at what cost? The cost of our freedoms being flushed down the toilet.