Issue #98

The proponents for repeal of Obamacare hold the upper hand in the polls, but supporters of Obamacare continue to make gains in public opinion.

The latest Rasmussen Reports finds that 52% of the public want to repeal the new government-run health care law. 40% want to keep it and 8% are undecided.

In measuring intensity of views, 42% of the voters feel very strongly that Obamacare should be repealed, while 28% feel strongly that it should remain in force.

However, five weeks ago, 63% wanted to repeal it, 32% wanted to keep it, and 5% were undecided. Thus, the support for repeal of Obamacare has declined by 11%.

As reported in this newsletter last week, this uptick in support for Obamacare is likely attributable to the taxpayers-funded propaganda mailing, Medicare and the New Health Care Law--What it Means for You, that was sent to all seniors in the nation, along with the additional $1 million the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources has spent on radio ads, ostensibly to warn seniors against Medicare fraud, but which say, "The new Affordable Care Act contains some important benefits for Medicare beneficiaries."

In addition, the Democratic Party launched a $125 million campaign to try to influence public opinion on the new law, but it is unknown how far along the liberals are in those efforts.

The Washington Post reported gains for Obamacare in other polls and even found three of them--the Kaiser Family Foundation, AP, and Gallup--now registering pluralities in support of the new law. However, Real Clear Politics found the average of seven polls were 43% for Obamacare, 49.7% against it, and 7.2% undecided.

Several Republican leaders in the House are pushing ahead to repeal all or part of Obamacare.

LifeNews.com reports that Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) has filed a discharge petition on legislation to repeal the law in its entirety. If a majority of the House signs the petition, the bill must be brought to the floor of the House for a vote, even if the committee chairman with jurisdiction of the bill refuses to consider it.

At the same time, Congressman Steve King (R-IA) has filed a different discharge petition on legislation that would repeal the portions of Obamacare that originated in the Senate.

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) announced they will sign both discharge petitions. In a joint statement, Boehner and Cantor said they would be "encouraging our colleagues to do the same."