California Voters Face Stark Ideological Choice Come The General Election
The race for California governor was narrowed down to Democrat Gavin Newsom and Republican John Cox. The outcome of the race could both shape the fate of the Affordable Care Act in the state and influence whether Republicans in Washington take another shot at dismantling the landmark law. “For the Affordable Care Act, California is a bellwether state,” said David Blumenthal, president of the Commonwealth Fund.
The New York Times:
In Fight For California Governor, Candidates Head To Ideological Corners
In most elections, the primary is the season for partisanship and appealing to the party’s most ideological voters. Candidates slide to the center — appealing, in theory, to a broader electorate with a more moderate message — as they shift into a general election. But even before most of the votes were counted, two of the candidates running to be the next governor of California — Gavin Newsom, the Democratic lieutenant governor, and John Cox, a Republican businessman — made clear that they were inclined to stay in their ideological corners. (Nagourney and Fuller, 6/6)
California Healthline:
Californians Face ‘Real Choice’ On Health Care In November
In the California governor’s race, Democratic front-runner Gavin Newsom quickly sought to cast the November contest as a referendum on Trump and his effort to undo much of President Barack Obama’s legacy, particularly on health care. A series of Trump tweets endorsing Republican candidate John Cox, a multimillionaire real estate investor, helped propel the political outsider to the general election. “It looks like voters will have a real choice — between a governor who will stand up to Donald Trump and a foot soldier in his war on California,” Newsom said Tuesday night to supporters in San Francisco. (Terhune, Bartolone, Ibarra and Matthews, 6/7)
The New York Times:
5 Takeaways From California’s Primary, For Californians
Health care had been front-and-center in the governor’s race — at least between the top two Democrats, Mr. Newsom and Mr. Villaraigosa. Mr. Newsom has supported single-payer health care for all residents, while Mr. Villaraigosa has raised questions about how to pay for it. The divide has mirrored the split within the Democratic Party, with the most progressive leaders — which in addition to Mr. Newsom includes Mr. De Leon — making the issue an important part of their platform, and moderates raising questions about where the money will come from. Given the high cost of universal health care, and no reasonable way to pay for it without increasing taxes, “it’s more of an aspiration,” Mr. Baldassare said. “The belief is, yes, it’s a good idea. And then the question is, how do we pay for it?” (Arango and Medina, 6/6)
Sacramento Bee:
California Governor's Race: Newsom Stakes Out Liberal Agenda
Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom's victory speech promised plenty as he moved into position Tuesday to become California's next Democratic governor. As it became clear that he and Republican John Cox would face off in November, he called for a universal health care system. (Hart, 6/6)
Meanwhile, in Michigan —
The Hill:
Michigan Gubernatorial Candidate Releases Single-Payer Health-Care Plan
A former physician and Detroit health director who is running for governor of Michigan, released his plan for a statewide universal health-care system on Wednesday.“ Michicare is our plan to take back healthcare from the insurance companies and put it back in the hands of the people and the providers who serve them,” Abdul El-Sayed (D) said in a press release. (Sanchez, 6/6)
