Mini Health Care Tuesday
Tuesday Mar 04, 2008Mini Health Care Tuesday in Politics and Legislation
It’s almost a month after Super
Health Care Tuesday. And now there is a clear nominee on the
Republican side, but a continued battle for the Democratic nomination.
Arizona Senator John McCain has wrapped up the Republican nomination — with key primary and caucus wins, a large delegate lead, and important endorsements from prominent Republicans.
On the Democratic side, New York Senator Hillary Clinton and Illinois Senator Barack Obama are locked in a heated battle for delegates and popular votes. So it’s another important day for the Democrats this Mini Health Care Tuesday.
There aren’t as many states voting as February 5, but political pundits are saying wins today are vital for both Democratic candidates.
Here’s what the Democrats’ schedule looks like on
Mini Health Care Tuesday:
- Ohio primary — 161 delegates
- Rhode Island primary — 32 delegates
- Texas primary and caucus — 228 delegates
- Vermont primary — 23 delegates
What does today’s vote mean for health care reform? Democrats have a choice to get behind one of two similar proposals with a very big difference — individual insurance mandates.
Senator Clinton’s health care plan would require that all Americans obtain health coverage, or be penalized for having no insurance. On the other hand, the health care plan of Senator Obama would not mandate coverage for all Americans — only children.
In Texas, health care is likely to be a major issue among voters. That’s because are a very high number of uninsured residents in Texas, and most people living in the Lonestar State want health care security, reported the Dallas Morning News.
If Senator Obama wins in delegate-rich Texas and Ohio today, then he proves his candidacy and all but secures the nomination. But if Senator Clinton wins in one, or both, then the fight will likely go on.
But keep in mind that no matter who gets the Democratic nomination, their plan will have very deep differences with the health care proposal of Senator McCain.
