Local, Rather Than National Health Issues, Seem To Be Dominating Close House Races, Washington Post Reports

With Election Day two weeks away, local issues, including health care, are dominating close races -- a trend that could complicate Democrats' efforts to win control of the House, the Washington Post reports. According to political experts, Democrats will need to win 75% of the closest races to assume control of the House, a "daunting prospect" without a "galvanizing national issue," according to the Post. Meanwhile, Republicans have learned to "blunt" many of the issues, including a Medicare prescription drug benefit, that Democrats have campaigned on in recent years. The Republican-controlled House in June passed Medicare reform legislation that includes a prescription drug benefit, while the Democratic-controlled Senate failed several times to pass a drug benefit plan, effectively "blurr[ing]" the issue and making it difficult for Democrats to differentiate between the parties, the Post reports. And Republican candidates and some interest groups are focusing on the issue in ads and direct-mailing campaigns. For example, the United Seniors Association, which receives financing from the pharmaceutical industry, is running television ads in six close House races to neutralize the prescription drug issue for Republican candidates. One such ad airing on behalf of Rep. John Shimkus (R-Pa.) states: "America's seniors deserve the best of health, and Medicare is our promise to them. Congressman John Shimkus understands. That's why he voted to add meaningful prescription drug coverage to Medicare for all seniors." Rep. George Gekas (R-Pa.) also is using the House-passed Medicare prescription drug benefit to defuse the issue. Gekas voted for the GOP-sponsored prescription drug measure and is running ads criticizing his opponent, Rep. Tom Holden (D-Pa.) for voting "against the only plan," although Democrats offered their own proposal. Kevin Raye, a Republican running for Maine's 2nd District seat, said, "People certainly ask what I think about Iraq, but not as often as they ask about jobs and health care" (Eilperin/Drehle, Washington Post, 10/22).