Monday, March 15, 2010

“Move Your Feet and Lose Your Seat…”

Wanted to pass along the results of two different poll series on health care released today.  The first was outlined in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, which interviewed constituents in 35 swing Democratic districts.  Overall, 61% of voters would be less supportive and 29% of voters would be more supportive if a member voted AGAINST the bill and then voted FOR it.  The poll also revealed that 60% of voters want Congress to start over again, and majorities think the health care bill would make their loved ones (53%), the economy (54%), and the overall health care system (55%) worse off.
Likewise, the Chamber of Commerce released a poll from 10 swing Democratic districts, showing a majority of voters in all districts opposing the current health proposals before Congress – with several districts opposing by a two-to-one margin.  At least 60% of voters in each district think Congress should start over on a bipartisan bill.
With strong majorities in key Congressional districts opposing the health care bill, which House Democrats will now move from voting NO in November to voting YES now?  And if they defy the expressed will of their constituents and vote to enact this government takeover of health care, how exactly do those Democrats expect to retain their seats?