Dems Want Health Reform Rollout By 2010, 2012

Republicans will cut off cash to key Dem initiatives

(NEWSER) - If Republicans win the House in November, they’ll highlight their differences with Democrats by starving signature policies—like health care—of cash, the Wall Street Journal reports. Although the GOP hopes to repeal the health care bill in the House, such a measure would likely fail in the Senate, so leaders are devising other ways to undermine it. Other Democratic initiatives like financial and environmental reform would get similar treatment. More»

No need for Pelosi, Reid to panic—at least not yet

(NEWSER) - Democrats didn’t get the bump in the polls they were hoping for after health care reform passed. Are they doomed in November? Maybe. But they have reasons for optimism, writes Jay Newton-Small for Time , including:

• Michael Steele: He’s “the gift that keeps on giving,” and his gaffes are killing the GOP’s momentum.
• Tea Party candidates: In many states, fringe candidates are sucking up money and threatening to derail theoretically more electable establishment candidates.

Republican leads Martha Coakley 50% to 46%

(NEWSER) - For the first time in the tumultuous race for Ted Kennedy's Senate seat, Republican Scott Brown has pulled ahead in a major poll, beating Martha Coakley 50% to 46%. While Brown's lead in the Suffolk’s Political Research Center poll is still within the margin of error, it's a stunning upset for the Democrat, who was considered a shoo-in for the special election Tuesday, and a nightmare for the White House. More»

Please finish 'the work of his life,' writes Victoria Kennedy

(NEWSER) - In an impassioned plea to Democratic senators threatening to vote against the health care reform bill, Victoria Reggie Kennedy begs them not to squander this opportunity because the bill isn't all they would like it to be. "Ted often said that we can't let the perfect be the enemy of the good," she writes, arguing that the bill, "while imperfect, would achieve many of the goals Ted fought for during the 40 years he championed access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans." More»

President praises deal, says it will still provide more choice

(NEWSER) - President Obama applauded Senate Democrats for yielding on the public option in favor of a "creative framework" for health care reform that could attract wider support. "I support this effort, especially since it's aimed at increasing choice and competition and lowering cost," Obama said at a health care rally in DC. "I want to thank all of you for sticking with it, for all those late nights, all the long weekends that you guys have put in." More»