As GOP Election-Day Confidence Grows, McConnell Reiterates Obamacare Opposition
Earlier in the week, Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who hopes the mid-terms will not only result in his re-election but also GOP control of the Senate and his own rise to majority leader, made comments that repeal of the health law might not be in the cards. Since then, however, he has sought to reassure conservatives about his opposition to the overhaul. Meanwhile, other news outlets analyze how a Republican majority in the Senate, and other electoral outcomes, might impact the health policy agenda.
Politico:
McConnell Reassures GOP On Obamacare Opposition
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is reassuring conservatives that his position on Obamacare has never wavered as Republicans grow increasingly confident that they will take the Senate and install McConnell as the majority leader.
McConnell’s comments Tuesday to Neil Cavuto that a standalone repeal vote would require 60 votes and a presidential signature were taken as a change in position from the Kentucky senator’s frequent references to the goal of repealing the health care law “root and branch.” NPR posted a headline that “McConnell Concedes GOP Senate Will Not Mean Obamacare Repeal” while the Senate Conservatives Fund likened it to a “surrender.” (Everett, 10/31)
Fiscal Times:
Would A GOP Congress Embrace Or Replace Obamacare?
Republicans have been eerily quiet about the president's health care law on the campaign trail lately. But that's likely to change if the GOP is victorious and wins control of the Senate next week. (Ehley, 10/30)
WBUR:
How The Upcoming Elections Might Shift The National Health Care Landscape
Here’s a solid prediction about next Tuesday’s elections: They’ll be crucial to the future of universal health care in America — or at least its near-term future. For those who believe universal coverage is a good thing, prospects aren’t good, judging from an analysis of 27 national polls scoured by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health. (Knox, 10/30)