Democrats Lying Low Over Recess As Polls Show Rising Anger Over Obamacare

Thursday, 01 Apr 2010 12:42 PM

LOS ANGELES – The week after passing landmark healthcare reform and handing President Barack Obama an important victory, members of the U.S. Congress returned to their home districts for a recess to face constituents and justify their votes after the bruising legislative battle.

While Obama made flying visits across the country to tout the new legislation, a number of key Democrats, who led the charge for healthcare reform, seemed to keep a low profile and are doing little to beat the drum.

Republican lawmakers, however, made quick plans to harness what they see as voter discontent over the issue -- either by lambasting those Democrats who may be politically vulnerable or by shoring up their own shaky campaigns with criticism of "Obamacare."

While healthcare reform was thought to be a defining issue in congressional elections, many experts believe it may lose steam by November and prove less important for voters than unemployment and the economy.

Before public anger over healthcare fades, Republicans from veteran senators to freshman congressmen were racing to get their message out at the outset of the two-week spring recess.

Meanwhile, a new Gallup poll shows voters prefer Republican candidates for the first time in March, an unwelcome sign for Democrats that could make them reluctant to cast votes for the White House on major issues.

Gallup reports of the 47 percent to 44 percent GOP advantage: “The shift toward Republicans raises the possibility that the healthcare bill had a slightly negative impact on the Democrats' political fortunes in the short run.â€