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.