Despite getting flak from Utah Democrats over voting against healthcare reform, that decision may have been a seat-saver for Rep. Jim Matheson.
A new analysis from Smart Politics at the University of Minnesota shows that 39% of Congressional Democrats from districts that voted for John McCain in 2008 who then voted against healthcare won re-election last week. Only 11% of Democrats from McCain districts who voted in favor of healthcare won.
At first glance, it may seem like voting 'no' with the Republicans in March did not pay any dividends for Democratic incumbents on November 2nd.
In total, from the batch of 34 Democrats who voted 'no' on health care last March, only a baker's dozen will return to the 112th Congress - with 17 of 30 defeated at the ballot box on November 2nd, or just a 43 percent reelection rate.
34 Democrats voted “no” on healthcare reform. 26 of those came from districts won by John McCain in 2008.
18 Democrats from McCain districts voted “yes” on healthcare reform. Only two of those were returned to office.
Reelection Success of U.S. House Democrats in McCain Districts by Health Care Vote
Vote | Won | Lost | % Won |
Yes | 2 | 16 | 11.1 |
No | 9 | 14 | 39.1 |
Data compiled by Smart Politics. Data presumes the handful of U.S. House races not yet called will be won by the candidate currently in the lead
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Yes, Matheson voted NO on final passage. But he voted for the "no amendment" rule that made it impossible to improve the bill, thus ensuring its passage in the form most acceptable to Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama.
So let's see: He voted against the bill because it needed improvement, but he voted for a procedure that prohibited any improving amendments.
And for that he gets credit?
And of course he declines to vote to repeal it.
g
Gordon S. Jones