Every Republican In California’s Congressional Delegation Voted For Health Plan
Because half of them represent districts that backed Hillary Clinton, Democrats see an opportunity to hold the vote against them in the future.
Los Angeles Times:
California's Republicans All Voted Yes On The Healthcare Bill. Now Democrats Have A Campaign Issue
All 14 Republicans in California’s congressional delegation voted Thursday to dismantle Obamacare, a move that could have ripple effects for the midterm elections 18 months from now as Democrats sense an opportunity to win back House control. Half of the 14 represent districts that backed Hillary Clinton for president last fall, and Democrats already are plotting to oust vulnerable Republicans on the same topic that swept them out of the majority following the 2010 Affordable Care Act vote. (Wire, 5/4)
The Mercury News:
California GOP Congressional Delegation Helps Pass Obamacare Repeal
The House Republicans’ victory on Thursday in passing a bill to repeal and replace “Obamacare” couldn’t have happened without the unanimous support from the 14 members of California’s GOP congressional delegation. Those votes drew praise from some Californians convinced Obamacare has been a burden and must go. But healthcare advocates around the state called the votes a stunning reversal — some said “betrayal” — by several representatives who previously had cited serious concerns about the GOP legislation, which was opposed by all 39 House Democrats. (Seipel, 5/4)
The Bakersfield Californian:
David Valadao, Kevin McCarthy Vote For Health-Care Bill; Critics Include Governor
Both of Bakersfield's congressmen voted for the American Health Care Act Thursday as the legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act moved forward. The vote by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, was expected. The position of Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford, was an open question until the bitter end... Valadao was co-author of a critical $8 billion provision added to the bill late that would fund premiums for high-risk patients. While McCarthy's 23rd Congressional District is a bastion of Republican red, registration in Valadao's largely poor, diverse 21st District is very blue. The district voted 55.2 percent for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in November. (Burger, 5/4)
The San Diego Union-Tribune:
Darrell Issa's Yes Vote On Obamacare Repeal Makes Him Center Of Attention
After days of saying he was undecided and even that he didn’t want to talk about it, Rep. Darrell Issa, the Republican lawmaker from Vista who represents northern San Diego County and southern Orange County, joined those who voted to approve a health care bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, widely known as Obamacare. Even as his supporters praised his vote, Issa’s detractors blasted it, saying it may have been the 216th vote to put the measure over the top. Needing 216 for approval, the bill passed narrowly, 217-213, and the last few votes registered slowly as the tally was shown on television. Did Issa cast the 216th vote? (Hamblin, 5/4)