HELENA – Montana Republicans, aiming to impede implementation of national health care plans through legislative action next year, say that they expect it could be a winning campaign issue in the meantime.
The GOP is hoping to tap into public backlash against the reform plans moving through Congress, especially with control of a closely divided Legislature at stake in the November elections.
First thing Monday morning, the Montana Republican Party sent a note to members asking for money and help in fighting health care reform.
“I have not seen energy like this on any issue,” said executive director Bowen Greenwood. “We have people pouring in here. It has got to be a winning issue.”
Montana lawmakers aren’t back in session until January 2011, although a bill draft request already filed does seek a constitutional “freedom to choose health care coverage.”
Republican State Sen. Jeff Essman, who chairs the GOP’s legislative campaign team, said he thinks the issue will help the party even in the local races come November.
“I think Montanans are an independent group of people. They like to run their own lives. They like to make their own decisions,” Essman said. “I think this bill is contrary to those very basic instincts.”
Montana Democrats have a different take. They say the benefits of the bill, such as tax credits for small businesses, will be well received.
“If Republicans want to run on a platform of opposing tax cuts for small businesses, opposing coverage for all Montanans and increasing the cost of health care, then we like our odds in November,” said Kate Downen, spokeswoman for the Montana Democratic Party.