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Poll Finds Dropping Government Plan Would Dampen Dem Turnout in 2010

By Philip Klein on 12.14.09 @ 11:18AM

One-third of Democrats would be less likely to vote in the 2010 elections if Democrats do not pass a health care bill that includes a government-run plan, or so-called "public option," according to a new poll.

The poll, posted by Greg Sargent who got an advanced look at the results, was conducted by Research 2000 on behalf of Progressive Change Campaign Committee and Democracy for America.

It found that 7 percent of Democrats would be more likely to vote if the government plan were dropped, while it would make no difference to 60 percent.

The poll underscores how difficult a spot Democrats are in when it comes to health care.

A CNN poll released last week found that Americans opposed health care legislation by a 61 percent to 36 percent margin. The White House has tried to argue that not passing a bill (and thus weakening the Obama presidency) would be even worse for Democratic prospects in 2010 than killing it. Yet to pass something, Democrats need to get 60 votes in the Senate. But to get those votes, Sen. Joe Lieberman says they need to drop the government plan. Which brings us back to today's poll showing that that dropping the government plan would make a third of Democrats more likely to stay home.

Incidentally, the poll also found that 81 percent of Democrats want Joe Lieberman punished if he filibuster's the health care bill.

View all comments (3) | Leave a comment

Oldefarte| 12.14.09 @ 11:49AM

Since D's healthcare is nothing but welfare/governmental manna; their not getting it would probably be a disincentive for their screaming for more at the 2010 polls. This is all about QUID-PRO-QUOISM, with Democrat politicians providing welfare to their constituents in return for their votes [gimme, gimme, gimme!]. Hopefully they won't be able to pass this welfare-garbage [for which the taxpayers will be forced to pay for]; and Democrats can then go JUMP OFF A CLIFF!!!!

Todd| 12.14.09 @ 5:31PM

Such ignorance to assume that those who have no insurance are unemployed welfare recipients. I have seen 3 Free heath care clinics within the past few months and out of thousands of people 80% were employed. Check your history and you may realize that both World Wars would NEVER have been won hadn't it have been for the Poor and the immigrants. It was not the selfish folk who were sitting pretty that gave you the freedoms to spout off ignorant opinions without fear of repercussions. Someday if a Big War goes down there will be no one willing to give there life for a country of people who feel that way.