Gallup shows division on health care
The latest Gallup Poll on health care reform, taken Aug. 31 through Sept. 2, before President Obama’s special address on the subject, showed 39% of Americans want their member of Congress to oppose a health care reform bill while 37% want a vote in favor of the measure. Watch for results taken since the President’s speech to see if there is any substantial change.
Dixie Democrats oppose health care reform
President Obama was aiming his health care remarks chiefly at conservative-to-moderate Democrats, say many analysts, having given up on Republican support. Accordingly, on Thursday, the day after his speech, the President invited a number of wavering Democratic senators to the White House. On the House side, reports The Hill newspaper, prior to the President’s speech, 24 Democrats had announced they would oppose his health care reform legislation. Fourteen of the 23 are from the South: Artur Davis (AL), John Barrow (GA), Dan Boren (OK), Rick Boucher (VA), Allen Boyd (FL), Bobby Bright (AL), Travis Childers (MS), Henry Cuellar (TX), Parker Griffith (AL), Charlie Melancon (LA), Tom Perriello (VA), Heath Shuler (NC), John Tanner (TN) and Gene Taylor (MS). Will any of these maverick Democrats return to the fold? Stay tuned.
Southern Political Report
9/11/9
