Even Massachusetts Voters Want to Start Over on Health Care

THE WEEKLY STANDARD has learned that in very recent private polling, Bay Staters, when asked whether Congress should pass the current health care reform legislation or start over, split 36-53 in favor of starting over. That may be why Coakley’s first general election ad, in a race for Ted Kennedy’s seat, released today, doesn’t mention health care. That same private poll, TWS was told by a source, showed “a continued tightening” of the race.

Yesterday's Rasmussen poll on health care asked: "Generally speaking, do you strongly favor, somewhat favor, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose the health care reform plan proposed by President Obama and the congressional Democrats?"

Scott Brown talks to Massachusetts voters.

The response:

27% Strongly favor
26% Somewhat favor
9% Somewhat oppose
36% Strongly oppose
2% Not sure

So, as with all polling, it matters a lot how the question is phrased. A good chunk of those who "somewhat favor" the Democrats' health care bill appear to be willing to start over and try for something better. That's what Scott Brown's message on the issue is: He campaigns against the "one-size fits all" approach of Obamacare and its deep Medicare cuts and tax hikes. He points out the fact that Massachusetts already has universal coverage and says that every state should find its own way to get there.

To do that, of course, we'd need to scrap the current bill and start over.