California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Supporting Health Reform Efforts
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday announced his support for President Obama's push for health care reforms.
The Associated Press reports that taking this position puts the Republican governor at odds with some of his colleagues in Congress: "In a statement, Schwarzenegger said he appreciated Obama's partnership with the states and his effort to hold down costs and improve quality. He urged lawmakers from both parties to 'move forward and accomplish these vital goals for the American people.' However, the moderate Republican did not endorse any of the Democratic-crafted bills in Congress" (Werner, 10/6).
The New York Times: "But he noted his own efforts at improving the health care system in California and urged bipartisan cooperation at the national level. 'Our principal goals, slowing the growth in costs, enhancing the quality of care delivered, improving the lives of individuals, and helping to ensure a strong economic recovery, are the same goals that the president is trying to achieve,'" Schwarzenegger said in a release (Herszenhorn, 10/6).
The New York Times reports in another story on the reaction from GOP leaders to "the White House effort to recruit Republican voices in support" of health care legislation: "The push-back by Mr. McConnell's office indicates that the White House effort is causing at least some discomfort, and substantial annoyance, among Republican lawmakers." McConnell and other Republicans have called repeatedly for Democrats to start over, The Times reports (Herszenhorn, 10/6).
Kaiser Health News Daily Report details the coverage of other Republicans who have recently expressed support for health reform efforts.
This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.