GOP/OBAMACARE/TRUMP PEOPLE: “A group of Republicans and advocacy groups will soon release a proposal intended to spark another push to repeal the Affordable Care Act, resurrecting a potentially volatile issue in the months before the November midterm elections. The proposal to topple the Obama-era health law and replace it with a plan that would give states more control over health policy is the result of eight months of behind-the-scenes work by a coalition of conservative groups. It reflects the frustration that many GOP lawmakers feel over last year’s failed effort to overturn the ACA, and the challenge Republicans now face in framing a campaign message around health care. GOP candidates promised to repeal the ACA starting with its passage in 2010, but even with Republican control of Washington repeal fell short in the Senate. Some Republicans fear another contentious and possibly unsuccessful effort would muddy their message on health—that despite Democratic obstructionism in blocking repeal, the GOP has done its best to chip away at the ACA in smaller ways. Others say it is important to face voters having accomplished repeal, or at least having tried again, given that polls show many voters hold Republicans responsible for health care.”
-Stephanie Armour and Siobhan Hughes, “New Push to Topple Affordable Care Act Looms,” The Wall Street Journal, May 25, 2018 5:30 am