House vote: Vulnerable Republicans

Posted: Monday, November 09, 2009 1:00 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Congress, Republicans

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro, Kelly Paice, and Bobby Cervantes
Earlier today, we released our analysis of the Democratic votes FOR the House healthcare bill, and which Democrats could be or are vulnerable. We noted that there were about 60 vulnerable or potentially vulnerable Democrats, including 18 who represent districts won by McCain; another 10 where Obama got less than 55% and so did the member; six from districts where Obama got more than 55%, but the member got less than 55%; 14 in districts which Obama won by less than 55%, but the member won by more than 55%.

But, of the Republicans who voted AGAINST the legislation, there are actually more GOPers in most of these categories. Part of that is because of candidate Obama’s sweeping ground game, the lack of McCain’s, and an environment that was MUCH more favorable to the Democrats in 2008 than it likely will be in 2010. So, as Republicans would point out, Republicans probably have a built-in advantage in these House races. The conventional wisdom is that Democrats will likely lose double-digit numbers of seats, 15 or more. But it’s interesting to see that there are so many Republicans in districts that have shown they could vote for a Democrat.

There are 92 Republicans in competitive or potentially competitive districts, including 29 Republican members from districts Obama won; 12 districts in which McCain and the member won less than 55%; 10 from which McCain won more than 55%, but the member won less than 55%; and 41 in which McCain won less than 55% and the member won more than 55%.

Obama-won districts (29)
Biggert (IL-13): Obama 54-44 (Biggert 54-44, 2006 won 58-42, Bush won 2004 55-45)
Bilbray (CA-50): Obama 51-47 (Bilbray 50-45, 2006 won 53-44, Bush won 2004 55-44)
Bono Mack (CA-45): Obama 52-47 (Bono Mack 58-42, Bush won 2004 56-43)
Calvert (CA-44): Obama 49.5-48.6 (Calvert 51-49, 2006 won 60-37, Bush won 2004 59-40)
Camp (MI-4): Obama 50-48 (Camp 62-36, Bush won 2004 55-44)
Campbell (CA-48): Obama 49.3-48.6 (Campbell 56-41, Bush won 2004 58-40)
Castle (DE-AL): Obama 62-37 (Castle 61-38, running for Senate, Kerry won 2004 53-46)
Dent (PA-15): Obama 56-43 (Dent 59-41, 2006 won 54-44, Kerry won 2004 50-49)
Dreier (CA-26): Obama 51-47 (Dreier 53-40, Bush won 2004 55-44)
Forbes (VA-4): Obama 50-49 (Forbes 60-40, Bush won 2004 57-43)
Kirk (IL-10): Obama 61-38 (Kirk 53-47)
Lance (NJ-7): Obama 50-49 (Lance 50-42)
Latham (IA-4): Obama 53-46 (Latham 61-39)
LoBiondo (NJ-2): Obama 54-45 (LoBiondo 59-39)
Lungren, Daniel E. (CA-3): Obama 49.3-48.8 (Lungren 50-44, Bush won 2004 58-41)
Manzullo (IL-16): Obama 53-46 (Manzullo 61-36, Bush won 2004 55-44)
McCotter (MI-11): Obama 54-45 (McCotter 51-45, 2006 won 54-43, Bush won 2004 52-47)
McKeon (CA-25): Obama 49-48 (McKeon 58-42)
Paulsen (MN-3): Obama 52-46 (Paulsen 48-41 freshman)
Petri (WI-6): Obama 50-49 (Petri 64-36)
Reichert (WA-8): Obama 56-42 (Reichert 53-47)
Rogers (MI-8): Obama 53-46 (Rogers 57-40)
Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18): Obama 51-49 (Ros-Lehtinen 58-42)
Roskam (IL-6): Obama 56-43 (Roskam 58-42)
Ryan (WI-1): Obama 51-47 (Ryan 64-35)
Terry (NE-2): Obama 50-49 (Terry 52-48, black 10%, Hisp 9%)
Tiberi (OH-12): Obama 54-44 (Tiberi 55-42)
Wolf (VA-10): Obama 53-46 (Wolf 59-39)
Young (FL-10): Obama 52-47 (Young 61-39)

McCain-won districts -55%/Rep -55 (12)
Bachmann (MN-6): McCain 53-45 (Bachmann 46-43, 2006 won 50-42)
Diaz-Balart, M. (FL-25): McCain 50-49 (Diaz-Balart, M. 53-47, Bush won 2004 56-44)
Lee (NY-26): McCain 52-46 (Lee 55-41)
Heller (NV-2): McCain 49-49 (Heller 52-41)
Luetkemeyer (MO-9): McCain 55-44 (Luetkemeyer 50-48, freshman)
McCaul (TX-10): McCain 55-44 (McCaul 54-43, 2006 won 55-40)
McClintock (CA-4): McCain 54-44 (McClintock 50.24-49.76, freshman, 2006 Republican Doolittle won 49-46)
Miller, Gary (CA-42): McCain 53-45 (Miller 60-40)
Posey (FL-15): McCain 51-48 (Posey 53-42)
Rohrabacher (CA-46): McCain 50-48 (Rohrbacher 53-43)
Thompson (PA-5): McCain 55-44 (Thompson 57-41)
Wilson (SC-2): McCain 54-45 (Wilson 54-46, 27% black)

McCain +55, Rep -55 (10):
Brown (SC-1): McCain 56-42 (Brown 52-48, 2006 won 60-38)
Cassidy (LA-6): McCain 57-41 (Cassidy 48-40, freshman, Democratic opponent Cazayoux won 2008 special election 49-46 against Republican Jenkins)
Fleming (LA-4): McCain 59-40 (Fleming 48.1-47.7, freshman, Republican won 2006 57-17)
Jenkins (KS-2): McCain 55-43 (Jenkins 51-46)
Lummis (WY-AL): McCain 65-33 (Lummis 53-43, freshman, 2006 Republican Cubin won 48.3-47.8)
Rogers (AL-3): McCain 56-43 (Rogers 53-46, 32% black)
Schmidt (OH-2): McCain 59-40 (Schmidt 45-38)
Shadegg (AZ-3): McCain 56-42 (Shaddegg 54-42)
Souder (IN-3): McCain 56-43 (Souder 55-40)
Young (AK-AL): McCain 59-38 (Young 50-45)

McCain -55, Rep +55 (41):
Akin (MO-2): McCain 55-44 (Akin 62-35)
Austria (OH-7): McCain 54-45 (Austria 58-42, freshman)
Bilirakis (FL-9): McCain 52-47 (Bilirakis 62-36, 2006 won 56-44)
Buchanan (FL-13): McCain 52-47 (Buchanan 56-37, 2006 won 50.1-49.9)
Cantor (VA-7): McCain 53-46 (Cantor 63-37)
Capito (WV-2): McCain 55-44 (Capito 57-43)
Coffman (CO-6): McCain 52-46 (Coffman 60-40, freshman)
Diaz-Balart, L. (FL-21): McCain 51-49 (Diaz-Balart, L. 58-42, Bush won 2004 57-43)
Ehlers (MI-3): McCain 49-49 (Ehlers 61-35)
Fortenberry (NE-1): McCain 54-44 (Fortenberry 70-30)
Johnson (IL-15): McCain 50-48 (Johnson 64-36)
Lewis (CA-41): McCain 54-44 (Lewis 62-38)
LaTourette (OH-14): McCain 49-49 (LaTourette 58-39)
Kline (MN-2): McCain 50-48 (Kline 57-43)
King (NY-3): McCain 52-47 (King 64-36)
Issa (CA-49): McCain 53-45 (Issa 58-37)
Hunter (CA-52): McCain 53-45 (Hunter 56-39)
Hoekstra (MI-2): McCain 51-47 (Hoekstra 62-35)
Graves (MO-6): McCain 54-45 (Graves 59-37)
Frelinghuysen (R-NJ-11): McCain 54-45 (Frelinghuysen 62-37)
Garrett (NJ-5): McCain 54-45 (Garrett 56-42)
Herger (CA-2): McCain 55-43 (Herger 58-42)
King (IA-5): McCain won 55-44 (King 60-37)
Latta (OH-5): McCain 53-45 (Latta 64-36)
Marchant (TX-24): McCain 55-44 (Marchant 56-41)
Murphy, Tim (PA-18): McCain 55-44 (Murphy 64-36)
Pence (IN-6): McCain 52-46 (Pence 64-33)
Pitts (PA-16): McCain 51-48 (Pitts 56-39)
Radanovich (CA-19): McCain 52-46 (Radanovich 98-1 94 wave redistricted after)
Rehberg (MT-AL): McCain 50-47 (Rehberg 64-32)
Rooney (FL-16): McCain 52-47 (Rooney 60-40)
Royce (CA-40): McCain 51-47 (Royce 63-37)
Shimkus (IL-19): McCain 54-44 (Shimkus 65-33)
Sessions (TX-32): McCain 53-46 (Sessions 57-41)
Smith (NJ-4): McCain 52-47 (Smith 66-33)
Turner (OH-3): McCain 51-47 (Turner 63-37)
Walden (OR-2): McCain 54-43 (Walden 70-26)
Wittman (VA-1): McCain 51-48 (Wittman 57-42)
McMorris Rodgers (WA-5): McCain 52-46 (McMorris Rodgers 65-35)
Mica (FL-7): McCain 53-46 (Mica 62-38)
Miller (MI-10): McCain 50-48 (Miller 66-31)

EMAIL THIS

Comments

Four little words:

Reagan: "Tear Down This Wall!"

Obama: "Give Me Your Money!"

Watson, Ohio (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:17 PM)

I hope the Health Care Reform bill does as well in the Senate as The Cap&Trade bill has done.

Miles Meeks, Tulsa OK (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:17 PM)

President Obama: 'Now it falls on the Senate to take the baton' on healthcare" - And beat the liberals senseless with it.

Bill2009 (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:18 PM)

Well, thanks to the Democrats, unemployment is now at a 26 year high. Good thing the country needs ditch-diggers too. What? It doesn't?
Olsen, Concord MA (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 9:29 AM)

------------
Two Years into Reagan's first term, Unemployment was at an all time high, gas prices at record levels, defecit spending exploded, he allowed all those poor marines to be blown up in Beruit...guess that makes Reagan Worst President Ever!!!
Pat Huntington NY...Reagan...worst president ever

There is a difference. Reagan fought FOR Americans. Obama is fighting AGAINST Americans.

Clear now?
Stacey K, Indiana (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 9:52 AM)
_________________________________________

Stacey/Olsen - is fighting FOR America include selling weapons to Iran?
Does it include funding Osama Bin Laden - if so, you are right - it was FOR America - uneducated buffoon

Need to see a picture of Rummy hugging Saddam? Need to watch the movie Joe Wilson's War? Need to read a book?

Does THIS make it clear to YOU

Saint Dick, Dallas, TX (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:19 PM)

Obama triumphed last year as a moderate, a pragmatist and a bridge-builder. Then he says this when he talked to the Democrats (and Democrats only) in the House on the HCR vote: “Does anybody think that the teabag, anti-government people are going to support them if they bring down health care? All it will do is confuse and dispirit” Democratic voters “and it will encourage the extremists.” Obama doesn't sound like much of a moderate, a pragmatist, or a bridge builder. In fact he sounds like an msnbc host.

Queston (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:19 PM)

If these GOPER's voted against this bill stricktly as a party line vote, they should be vulnerable. More importantly, they should be ashamed that they are contributing to the deaths of almost 50,000 Americans a year who cannot afford the costs of medical coverage working or not. What happened to compassionate conservatism?

Ira from Freehold (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:21 PM)

As i pray for my grandaughter, I also pray for other families with sick babies.

And that this legislation dies in the Senate.
no joe, no bo,nj (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 11:49 AM)
____________

We’ve all been praying for your granddaughter NoJO… but for you to politicize her illness is unconscionable!

What about the PEOPLE out there that DON’T have the kind of access your grandaughter did???

What about THOSE babies?

What you’re saying is AGAIN to those without is… I got mine… screw you! *shakes head in disbelief*

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:22 PM)

It would seem to me that the ones who voted AGAINST the reforms would be vulnerable...

jsilver2th, Central Oregon (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:26 PM)

Chalk up big victories for Obama and Pelosi, and a major defeat for the right wingers. Despite vocal opposition, Pelosi found a way to pass HCR in the House, and Reid will find a way in the Senate. Not yet certain the exact form the final HCR will take, but people in need of insurance, your day is coming. Speaking of "your day is coming", I hope you are enjoying your last years in the Senate John Kyl, R-Az, for you will surely lose your next election.

Ron Jeffers, Arizona Independent (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:26 PM)

Stimulus bill - $787 billion dollars worth of failure. Government hostile takeover of GM - $60 billion dollar failure. Cash4Clunkers - $4 billion dollar failure. Federal government housing allowance for new home purchases - which is just letting more people that can't afford a house to buy one - $20 billion dollars. HCR - a $1.3 trillion dollar failure.

Throw in the Obama administrations dithering on Afghanistans future, the failed negotiations with Iran, and todays failure with the Israelis and Palestinians, and you have quite the record of non-achievement by Obama and the Democrats.

Peter Winters, Kansas City (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:27 PM)

Obama can help out the Democrats in the districts Obama won in 2008 in 2010. Look how well it worked out for the Democratic governers/candidates in New Jersey and Virginia when Obama showed up to help them!

A Slam Dunk (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:29 PM)

So, as Republicans would point out, Republicans probably have a built-in advantage in these House races !

With the help of 1st Read & every MSM outlet as well !Absolutely Comical the lenght's that the MSM will go to, to try & bring the Party of NO back from the Carnage created solely by the Party of NO. You Ignorant Fool's here at 1st Read & the MSM crawled under a Rock while Bush/Cheney wrecked Havoc on America & the World & somehow Now, you have a Crystal ball, all knowing of things to come !

Educated guesses from (some)Educated Fool's !

From an earlier post :

Clara, that would be asking 1st Read Journalist to actually do Investigative Journalism & they're not Intilectually Equipped to do That kinda work. It's much easier to watch Drudge & the Taliban, & then try to narirate a Story line for the jacka$$es to gloat over .

You notice that 1st Read come out with vulnerable Dem's instead of Republican's, wonder why ? Since the Dem's were able to pass HCR saturday,1st Read could've started with vulnerable Republican's who are in district's that voted for President Obama.

Sadly, Domenico is what i call a $hit stirrer !

Adding to the poster from 1st thought's, Ronnie Raygun Stole $$ from My retirement system to prop up Social Security in 1981 & the government has failed to repay it to date. Also Raygun, funded the Iranian regime thru Ortega, & he's also the reason why Bin Laden was able to get away with the 911 attack, also American's were in Lebanon to help Lebanon under Raygun's excellent leadership. Sadly that debacle cost America over 200 Marines.

Ronnie Raygun like other recent Republican President's were Coward's, just like you see today with tinfoil, teabagging Rightwing Taliban Jacka$$es making a Fool of themselves.

Attorney General Eric Holder should bring some up for Treason, that would really put a Stop to the hate fest going on now.

Preach on Rush, Sean, Beck & Savage, Preach on !

Well, liberal MoveOn has announced it will launch a $500,000 ad blitz, which will start in the middle of the week, targeting Dems who voted against it,
-----------------

Most posting here think MoveOn's action is just fine. Yet, you had denigrated and criticized individual citizens for expressing their concerns at the Tea Parties. They don't $500,000 to do that; they just have a will and a pride in our country.
Tea anybody/ (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 9:40 AM)

And a Bus Ticket paid for by Freedom Works !

Touche, jackA$$ !

Now America will begin to Hear how HCR will bring about More Job Losses because of HCR passing the House on Saturday.

Again, Educated Guesses from Uneducated Fool's !

Rick,Ky (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:29 PM)

The only thing vulnerable here is the American citizen, all those Congressman listed can lose their seat and live a very comfortable life regardless, the legislation that will end up reaching Obama's desk will be all about maximizing insurance companies profits and nothing to do with the well being of the consumer, our Congress is not capable of passing anything that will help the working man, they are nothing more than puppets for the wealthy whether they are Democrates or Republicans, they all serve the same master, a persons vote is meaningless in this country.

MK,MO (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:32 PM)

I looked at the lists and don't see quite as many vulnerable seats as FR posted. Both the democratic and republican lists look to cover nearly every seat in the House which I don't see happening in 2010. I don't think voters will have forgotten the 8 years of Bush/Cheney and GOP rule just yet. I see Michelle Bachmann made it--you'd think Minnesotans would have even more ammunition to oust her in 2010; her interview on Hardball nearly cost her the election in 2008, and she's really gone off the reservation this year. In fact, one of Bachmann's staff members quit suddenly saying that when the captain is crazy, it's time to find another ship. Personally, even if another republican won IA Steve King's seat, that would be fine--King is an embarrassment to most Iowans with his prejudicial and often just stupid remarks.

Jody, Iowa (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:35 PM)

Watson, Ohio :Four little words:...'

How about TEN words:

Reagan: "The deficit is big enough to take care of itself!"

Or 8 Words:

Reagan: "The deficit doesn't matter if the economy's growing"

Or 6 words:

Reagan: "I never traded arms for hostages"

Cheney: "Reagan proved that deficits don't matter"

Take your pick

It SUCKS to be a Republican

MSierra, SF (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:36 PM)

Now America will begin to Hear how HCR will bring about More Job Losses because of HCR passing the House on Saturday.

Again, Educated Guesses from Uneducated Fool's !
Rick,Ky

Because obama's programs for job creation have worked out so well up until now, right Rick?

Save A Job, Club A Liberal (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:37 PM)

What happens to parents with sick babies after this legislation goes into effect? Will they have the freedom to save their children's lives? Or will bureacracy stand between them and the lifesaving procedures necessary, because the waiting list for tests and procedures is too long?

It may be pleasant to believe that nothing will change for the worse, but look at the swine flu vaccine distribution. It isn't exactly going well, is it?

As i pray for my grandaughter, I also pray for other families with sick babies.

And that this legislation dies in the Senate.
no joe, no bo,nj (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 11:49 AM)

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What happens to that same child, in the current system, when that child outages their parents insurance?

will that child be able to buy insurance? Will the child's condition AT BIRTH be considered a pre-existing condition? (I think so)

I know you are patently against HCR, Please answer the above questions based on your recent experiences.

I too am praying for you family's health. Sincerely.

Ted, Mid Michigan (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:38 PM)

Mark Kirk is in a district where Obama won by a massive margin. You have listed him here as being in a McCain-won district.

Mark S, NC (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:41 PM)

No Joe, no bo, nj - What if God forbid, your granddaughter's insurance company decided to drop her? Or said she had a pre-existing condition? What would you do then Joe? It happened to my Mom. They said she met her cap. Guess what? There was NOTHING out there for her and nothing we could do. My Mom passed away. You want to talk about death camps?

New Independent (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:41 PM)

No Joe, no bo. I read your comment and find it hard to believe you would make such political statement linking your granddaugther to health care reform but then I remember reading "Conservatives Without Conscience". Your statement explains the GOP mindset about issues that affect citizens better than any book--selfish. BTW, when your grand daughter grows up she will have a pre-existing condition which makes her uninsurable and by the time she is an adult, employers will no longer be providing health insurance to employees because they will no longer be able to afford it.

Jody, Iowa (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:46 PM)

Good to see Rep. Biggert (IL) on the vulnerable list. She's a human paperweight.

max power, chicago (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:56 PM)

It's amazing that 8 years of Cheney/Bush raping our country AND economy that Republicans blame Obama for it. The economic situation we are in was set in motion back in 2003/2003 , Cheney/Bush years. To expect Obama to fix it in 10 months is idiotic. HCR, GM bailout, Cash for Clunkers, all small potatoes compared to Cheney/Bush. How much have we spent in Iraq.Afghanistan?
How much to Blackwater, KBR and the rest of the Cheney cronies. Why are we spending billions a year in foreign aide to Israel, Egypt and others for weapons purchases? Why doesn't the GOP explain why tis has been goin on for YEARS !

America is DAM lucky Bush didn't get his way of having everybody invest their Social Security in the stock market. We would be in a helluva worse situation than we are now.

Wall Street has been stealing from the middle class for years. All GOP cronies.

Rob, Phoenix,AZ (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:56 PM)

this is a good try by FR. I think FR probably overdid the endangered species list for dems by about 10 to 15 but the thinking was correct. Dems are in trouble because they are in conservative districts. The repubs are mostly in conservative districts so their vulnerability will not be as deep as dems. Many of these repubs will be looked on with favor for voting against the bill. Obama's election was based on several factors but the largest was a rejection of the Bush years and that will not be there in 010 or 012. Also lets face it John McCain was the worst possible candidate in 08 so Obama sort of had a victory that many dems could have won. Independents and even some dems are beginning to see the real Obama and don't like what they see. Unless Obama can actually stem the rising unemployment #'s he will probably lose ground in 2010 and be very much in trouble in 2012. Obama's biggest problem is his total lack of leadership qualities as he makes a lot better demogogue than real leader. This will only become more apparent as time goes on. Dems that are perceived as too closely alligned with him will suffer the consequences.

paul (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:01 PM)

As i pray for my grandaughter, I also pray for other families with sick babies.
And that this legislation dies in the Senate.
no joe, no bo,nj (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 11:49 AM)

no joe...Feisty is right. What the hell are you thinking. I have never agreed with you but I have been praying for your granddaughter. I thought that you, more than any other rethugliklan would be empathetic to those with no HC insurance.
How can you pray for other families with sick babies, knowing that several million are out of work and HC, and then say you hope it fails in the Senate? Who in the hell do you pray to?
We all know HC reform is not perfect. It never will be when anything has to go through our dysfunctional congress. There are many things I don't like about the House bill. There are many things I don't like about the Senate bill. My hope is that both houses will pass a bill and then in conference they will toss out more of the garbage and finally pass a decent bill. One that we can improve on as we implement it. The status quo is killing us as a nation. It's killing jobs and small business; not to mention all the people. HC reform is a major piece of the economy and directly tied to our ability to add jobs.
Think about what you posted for a minute. Your position makes it difficult for me to have empathy for your situation. I will however continue to pray for your grandgaughter; and your enlightenment.

Chris, Dorr, MI (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:02 PM)

You Americans. Willing to spend money hand over foot to kill foreigners, but when it comes to taking care of your own citizens, you bitch and moan cause it cost too much.

It's so simple you can't understand it. You are the Roman Empire redux. And look what happened to them.

Peter Strand, Honolulu (an expat Canuck) (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:03 PM)

All the dems are sitting back thinking that senate and house members are gong to slide through on obama's coat tails, well, obama didn't have the track record that he has now!

Gary Gilpin, Salina, Kansas (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:05 PM)

Bachmann is very vulnerable to truth, to anyone with a mind, and most of all, to her own words. She is a pure nut-case. How does she get any legislator to sit down and have a conversation with her. Do they not burst out laughing? Isn't there someone in her party who can take her for help?

mexed, san antonio, texas (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:06 PM)

If anything similar to the House bill becomes the law of the land, we will have to change our country's name:
United Welfare States of America
or
United Socialist States of America
or
United Social Welfare States of America
Thomas Reid MD PhD FACP
Hematology-Oncology
blog - http://doctors-takecharge-healthcare-reform.blogspot.com/
website - http://sites.google.com/site/thomasreid3md/

Thomas Reid MD PhD FACP, Conway, AR (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:09 PM)

im glad republicans will lose again because they have no clear ideals, first it was for less spending, less government, or no nation building. iraq, afghanistan, patriot act, and 80 billion dollar deficit doesnt count. i wish we could all start over and learn from actual americans who believed that being american comes first, instead of politics.

native american (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:09 PM)

Since all these senators both Democrates and Republicans no so much about what i need maybe they should come and pay some of my medical cost,or better yet get rid of thier insurance for their families.

Carl E. Georgia (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:09 PM)

Carl E. Georgia (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:10 PM)

It is amazing how Social Security was passed by Roosevelt in 1935, and Johnson signed the medicare bill in 1965 and both called Socialism and BAD for our country at the time they were passed; however, those against it -- how many of those against it have benefitted by having social security and medicare?? Ironic, now those against this new healthcare bill will NOT DOUBT benefit as they did with social security and medicare. I am willing to give UP quite a lot to get this healthcare bill passed. Even if I HAVE TO PAY MORE per month for my health insurance if it makes for a better country and can help those millions WITHOUT any health insurance.

Maggie Gib, Bentleyville, PA (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:15 PM)

Experts predict that the cost of the Iraq/Afghan wars will top $3 trillion. What's wrong with spending a third of that amount on the health of the American people?

Frank Gerber, Seattle, Washington (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:19 PM)

Jody, Ted, et al:

I HAVE a pre-existing condition. I have written about it before-I have kidney disease, as a result of a BIRTH DEFECT. It does not get any more pre-existing than that.

I have never been denied insurance coverage.

I have changed companies due to better coverage, etc., several times.

I ALWAYS opt for a plan with not insurance cap-they cost more, but are worth it.

I do not buy bare bones insurance policies because they are cheaper. I do not lie about my medical history, which could get my coverage dropped. It is in the contract.

With luck, God's grace, and good medical care, my granddaughter will keep her kidney function. When I was a child,the technologies and medicines available to her did not exist, so I lost mine after bringing her father into this world against medical advice. Trust me,he was worth it.

Many people who are for this legislation have no experience with chronic illnesses,let alone life-threatening organ malfunctions. I have. I had an illness in the U.K, and could not get treatment from either the national or private system. I had to cut short my trip, come home,and go straight to the hospital.

And, Jody, I don't know where you got your crystal ball from, so I don't know how you can say categorically that employers will no longer pay health insurance in the future.

There are fixes to the current system that will not interfere with the 85% who like their coverage, and will not cost the government billions, if not trillions of dollars. One is to allow people to buy whatever insurance from whatever company they want to buy from. Another is to allow people to buy into the group their local governments are covered by.

However, neither of these proposals provide jobs for bureaucrats, so Pelosi et als, are not interested.

no joe,no bo,nj (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:20 PM)

those who are against health care are just afraid. (except the ones chasing the money, of course). the fearful ones do not feel as though all Americans are the same. other nations feel a sense of sameness because of their genetic sameness. they care what happens to their neighbor and the ones across town because they feel they are all related. one big shared gene pool. and that's why their schools are better too. because they feel no threat including all the people of their nation as one. here in America we are still a melting pot with those who fear being seen as the same as their gardener. or the waiter. or the mailman. or the teacher. our cars are flashier. our houses bigger. something which can divide us instantly. our hearts more exclusive because we do not feel as though the new people on the block are one of us. and there will always be those who dont want others to have what they have. so they can be special as if god would hear their prayers over the prayers of others.

allison holland, lubbock, texas (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:21 PM)

Maggie Gib,

There still needs to be a dramatic review of Social Security and Medicare. Any benefit in the world is good at the time if you don't pay for it. If you think the same government that can mess up funding for Social Security and Medicare (I'd thrown in Flood Insurance, but that's getting off topic) can do an actuarially sound health insurance program; I've got a unicorn to sell you.

Scott D, Lufkin TX (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:23 PM)

Republicans or Demorcrats, first of all you should be Americans. And Americans take care & reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves. We need to quit listening to lies, do the research for ourselves & pray that health care gets passed. I have Medicare & a supplement & it has paid my surgery bills. No problems. But working in health care, & in a hospice home & I know the importance of insurance for those that don't have it. So everyone, please think of others & stop with the hateful & nasty remarks. We all will benefit from health care reform, rather you think so or not. You can disagree in an appropriate way. There is to much hate in this country. Be Americans 1st.

Dee Dee Williams, AR (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:24 PM)

Both Reagan and Obama inherited economic disasters that began in the previous terms. Both Reagan and Obama implemented policies that they thought would make things better, knowing that the economy would continue to slide until those policies took effect. Reagan's policies paid off with a boom starting in '83 and ending in '90, leading him to a 49 state victory in '84. Where Obama's policies take us and what they mean to his future electoral chances remains to be seen.

David, Fairfax, VA (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:27 PM)

None of you has actually read any of the proposed legislation in it's entirety but all are absolutely certain that you have divined the true and deeper meaning and can see the consequences, completely based on your political leanings. Congratulations.

Singin' songs and carrying signs
mostly say "hooray for our side"

For What it's Worth (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:29 PM)

Because obama's programs for job creation have worked out so well up until now, right Rick?
Save A Job, Club A Liberal (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 1:37 PM)

Since you leave No name, i'll respond to JackA$$ Republican !President Obama's program's were desinged to Stop America from slideing further into the Abyss from 8 years of Bush/Cheney's Corparate War on American Society. Evidently, America's Police force is still underfunded as we see Fool's with TeaBags hanging off their Heads carrying around signs of Hitler & the Holocoust & trying to make HCR the same. It's a WTF moment, yall may as well move to Iran, since their leader also deny's the Holocoust! I & many like ME expect Nothing new from Dumba$$ Republican's such as yourself, as yall have funded Corparations against American citizens all in the Phony pretense of Religion.

May the Skies Open up today & take your Dumba$$ Home(as You call it), as I & my Family & many,many more American's are really sick of hearing about your Stupid nonsuggestions, are making America better for the Future.

Go build somemore Submarines with screendoor's, because thats what republican's do best, " Sink to the Bottom" !

Rick,Ky (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:31 PM)

Could someone please explain to me how all of you who keep saying Obama is taking your money to fix the economy would fix the economy WITHOUT spending money. I hear a lot of people ranting about the stimulus not producing enough jobs. Weren't the Republicans the ones who insisted on 40% of the stimulus being in the form of tax cuts as a condition of voting for the bill? How many jobs have your tax cuts created? How do you propose to create infrastructure jobs without spending money? Why didn't I hear you yelling and screaming when Bush poured money into wars, tax cuts for the rich, and giveaways to the pharmaceutical industry?

Heartlight3, Maui Hawaii (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:32 PM)

As one of the writer's stated, the media, msnbc, cnn and all the rest were afraid of Bush. These cowards would never say a word about that administration. They still don't say much to republicans. Delay shows up on Mathews show when that clown should be in jail along with his co-hort Ralph Reed for extorting money from the indian tribes.

John Pinter spotsylvania, va. (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:36 PM)

Maggie,

Both Medicare and SS are either already or soon to be flat assed broke. SS was originally a cynical attempt by FDR and his socialist buddies to pay the elderly back in 1936 with money from working americans. In 1936 not too many people lived beyond age 65. The big problem was FDR did not predict what would happen when the number of workers ratio vs. those retired would drop to the point that in the not too distant future workers will have to pay 33% of their gross pay to SS. Nice program huh Maggie. Likewise Medicare is broke and will require that american workers pay 33% of their gross pay to support Medicare. Another great program Maggie. Could it be that Health Care Public Option is just another boondoggle? When the pinheads in Washington figure out how to get SS and Medicare in line perhaps we will listen to more government programs. Until then Maggie look forward to working all week just to pay for these great programs.

paul (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:42 PM)

to Scott D.
At some point, even a NEW car with a NEW engine will have to be overhauled in time. But in the meantime, one can benefit with the use of this new car until it a "fixin". Social Security & medicare has worked for all these years .... now if it needs a "fixin" , then it is time to do it and quit complaining. Remember Scott....people pay into social security -- it is deducted from their paycheck...it is not free like a benefit as you say it is. Like I said, I am willing to pay a lot more for my health insurance per month if it is going to make for a better country and help millions of those without any coverage. What are YOU willing to give up???

Maggie Gib, Bentleyville, PA (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 2:53 PM)

I do not feel this is a very cogent argument as to why some republican national legislatures are vulnerable. The fact that Bush won more or less than 55% or that the candidate won less than 55% in 2008 will not be relavant in 2010. Bush is not on the ticket and the financial crises that benefited Obama to a large extent will be his financial crises whether good or bad. It is more interesting that in the category of 'Obama Won', the republican candidate won 21 times and frequently by a larger margin than Obama's win in that district. No one knows whether the country will vote more republicans into offcie or more democrates. The election of 2010 will settle that question. In the meantime, please provide us with a more thorough analysis rather than just a maybe, perhaps something or another will happen.

Sandy Meisner, Lake Oswego, Oregon (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 3:01 PM)

The Republicans are NOT vulnerable. They never will be. They are very, very good at making you feel the following: Inferior, Intimidated, and as one GOP Family Member who likes Sarah Palin calls me, Uninformed. At my office, Republicans like to talk very loud about their party in front of me to get me riled up. I NEVER take the bait, because there are more of THEM than there are of ME.

So....I respectfully disagree First Read. The GOP will come back because they raise money better in off years, can yell louder than Democrats, and they all fall in line on these types of HCR Votes. It is like watching ants all marching to their ant hill carrying food, but the food never gets to the needy ants.

Barbara - Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 3:01 PM)

Let's get into another war, get the Republicans to back it with trillions more and then we can back out quickly and use the money for healthcare.

mexed, san antonio, texas (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 3:02 PM)

Heartlight3-I don't know where you get your information from but the stimulous bill passed without a single republican vote in the House.

And it has failed. Proof, once again, that Keynsian economics do not work.

For proof, look beyond the unemployment number, (10.2%) and look at two other,more important numbers in the report: the number of jobs created, (negative 190,000), and the decline in the workforce, those between the ages of 16 and 65, ready, willing, and able to work.

When you have negative job growth, and a decline in the labor force, you are looking at a job picture that shows no signs of improving.

When the economy actually DOES begin to improve on its own, (sans one-shot government fixes like Cash for Clunkers), unemployment will skyrocket as those who had given up looking for jobs re-enter the labor force. Get ready for unemployment rates of 13 or 14 per cent.

Add into that formula increasing inflation, as interest rates will have to go up in order to continue financing the enormous debt being racked up by Obama and company. (That is called stagflation-we had it before, during the Carter era.)

Unemployment is going to cost the Democrats in 2010-and they did not help themselves with this health care fiasco. Stagflation is going to derail the Obama re-election effort-and no amount of feel-good catchphrases are going to be effective. Hope for Change will probably have a new resonance in 2012. It will charge up Obama's opponents.

no joe, no bo,nj (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 3:06 PM)

Just some thought..... Tax cuts leave more money to freely spend if they are tax cuts directed to the public and not in some corporate officers pants pocket like most of the money has gone. I'm not a Republican, they are too far right in beliefs for the modern society, I am not a Democrat either, they are too far left. I'm indendent and that's what we need in office these days, somebody that fills the middle ga. I'm tired of paying taxes out the ass for everything that I don't qualify for. I make too much money so my daughter doesn't qualify for any government subsidies for college, I amke too much money so I don't qualify for anything either. I'm wondering what my tax dollars are used for since I don't qualify for anything, yet I see many peole running around in much nicer vehicles and clothes on government assitance! WTF is that? I'm so tired of giving and giving and giving and when I am in need, "Sorry you don't qualify you make too much money". IF I did not have to ay so much in taxes every year I could afford healthcare costs, but as it is right now the more I make the more they take and give it to everyone else that doesn't feel like working for a living! ALl the social issues need to be timelined, in other words like unemployment it runs out after a certain amount of time! with no deadline, people can stay on the social services system forever, it has beome a way of life.

JC Texas (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 3:10 PM)

Pat Huntington NY...Reagan...worst president ever
============================================================================================================

Too young to remember Jimmy Carter I'm afraid.

PLEEEZZZZZ bring back double digit inflation, pleezzz bring back double digit mortgages, pleezzz give away the American built, American funded Panama canal. Pleezzzz bring back high energy prices. Malaise forever!

Pass Me The Billy Beer! (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 3:14 PM)

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