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John Bel Edwards
DWon the General, 2019 Louisiana Governor
Won the General, 2015 Louisiana Governor
Louisiana Governor (2016 - Present)
To be claimed
Former Member, Capital Region Legislative Delegation
Former Member, Louisiana Rural Caucus
Spouse's Occupation:
Teacher, K-8
What is your stance on abortion?
- Pro-life
Should there be more restrictions on the current process of purchasing a gun?
- Yes
Do you support the legalization of same sex marriage?
- Yes
Should gay couples have the same adoption rights as straight couples?
- Yes
Should employers be required to pay men and women the same salary for the same job?
- Yes, and businesses should be required to publish their salary ranges for each position
Should the government enforce a "stay-at-home" order to combat the coronavirus?
- Yes
Should the government increase environmental regulations to prevent climate change?
- Yes
Should the government continue to fund Planned Parenthood?
- Yes
Do you support the impeachment of President Donald Trump?
- Yes
Should the government require children to be vaccinated for preventable diseases?
- Yes, they are essential to protecting other children who are too young to be vaccinated
Should marital rape be classified and punished as severely as non-marital rape?
- Yes
Should health insurers be allowed to deny coverage to individuals who have a pre-existing condition?
- No, it is immoral to deny health insurance to people with pre-existing conditions
Should police officers be required to wear body cameras?
- Yes, this will protect the safety and rights of police officers and citizens
Should the federal government institute a mandatory buyback of assault weapons?
- Yes
Should a business be able to deny service to a customer if the request conflicts with the owner’s religious beliefs?
- No, all customers deserve to be treated equally
Should the government regulate the prices of life-saving drugs?
- Yes
Should "gender identity" be added to anti-discrimination laws?
- Yes
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
- No
Should health insurance providers be required to offer free birth control?
- Yes
Should adults that are illegally attempting to cross the U.S. border be separated from their children?
- No
Should the U.S. raise taxes on the rich?
- Yes
Should the government increase funding for mental health research and treatment?
- Yes
When should your state end the "Stay at Home" order and reopen its economy?
- Until a vaccine is approved by the FDA
Should the U.S. build a wall along the southern border?
- No, this would be too costly and ineffective
Should there be a temporary ban on all immigration into the United States?
- No
Do you support increasing taxes for the rich in order to reduce interest rates for student loans?
- Yes
Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?
- Yes
Should Muslim immigrants be banned from entering the country until the government improves its ability to screen out potential terrorists?
- No, banning immigrants based on their religion is unconstitutional
Should local police increase surveillance and patrol of Muslim neighborhoods?
- No, targeting Muslims is unconstitutional, racist, and incendiary
Should the federal government pay for tuition at four-year colleges and universities?
- Yes
Should the redrawing of Congressional districts be controlled by an independent, non-partisan commission?
- Yes, gerrymandering gives an unfair advantage to the party in power during redistricting
Should the military allow women to serve in combat roles?
- Yes, preventing women from serving in combat roles is discriminatory
Should businesses be required to provide paid leave for full-time employees during the birth of a child or sick family member?
- Yes
Should the U.S. go to war with Iran?
- No, the U.S. should encourage Iran to disarm through diplomatic channels
Should illegal immigrants have access to government-subsidized healthcare?
- Yes, if they pay taxes
Should people on the "no-fly list" be banned from purchasing guns and ammunition?
- Yes, if the government considers you too dangerous to board a plane you should not be able to buy a gun
Should children of illegal immigrants be granted legal citizenship?
- Yes
Should every 18 year old citizen be required to provide at least one year of military service?
- No, service should be a choice instead of an obligation
Should immigrants be deported if they commit a serious crime?
- Yes, as long as it is safe for them to return to their country
Should the U.S. remain in the United Nations?
- Yes
Are you in favor of decriminalizing drug use?
- Yes
Should foreign lobbyists be allowed to raise money for American elections?
- No, foreign interests should not be able to buy the influence of our politicians
Should the federal government increase funding of health care for low income individuals (Medicaid)?
- Yes, but I prefer switching to a single payer healthcare system
Do you support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)?
- Yes, but a mandatory single payer system would be even better
Should there be term limits set for members of Congress?
- Yes, term limits will increase performance and prevent corruption
Do you support the legalization of Marijuana?
- Yes, and immediately release anyone serving time solely for drug offenses
Should the electoral college be abolished?
- Yes
Should the U.S. raise or lower the tax rate for corporations?
- Keep current rates but eliminate deductions and loop holes
Should local law enforcement be allowed to detain illegal immigrants for minor crimes and transfer them to federal immigration authorities?
- No, too many non-violent immigrants are being deported
Do you support the death penalty?
- No
1. Should there be a limit to the amount of money a candidate can receive from a donor?
- Yes, politicians should not be bought by wealthy donors
Do you support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources?
- No
Should the government attempt to influence foreign elections?
- No, and we should not try to influence any other country’s elections or policy
Should the NSA (National Security Agency) be allowed to collect basic metadata of citizen’s phone calls such as numbers, timestamps, and call durations?
- No, only with a warrant showing probable cause of criminal activity
Do you support a single-payer healthcare system?
- Yes
Should immigrants be required to learn English?
- No, we should embrace the diversity that immigrants add to our country
Should it be illegal to join a boycott of Israel?
- No, this is a violation of free speech
Should working illegal immigrants be given temporary amnesty?
- Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for immigrants with no criminal record
Should sanctuary cities receive federal funding?
- Yes
Should transgender athletes be allowed to compete in athletic events?
- Yes, but only if their hormone levels are equivalent to those in the gender category in which they compete
1. Should the U.S. remain in NATO?
- Yes
Should victims of gun violence be allowed to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers?
- No, manufacturers and dealers should only be held liable for negligence
Should the government give tax credits and subsidies to the wind power industry?
- Yes, the government should support more sustainable energy technologies
Should the President be able to authorize military force against Al-Qaeda without Congressional approval?
- No
Should states be allowed to display the Confederate flag on government property?
- No, it is a symbol of racism, separatism and treason
Should foreigners, currently residing in the United States, have the right to vote?
- No, only legal citizens should be allowed to vote
Do you support the killing of Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani?
- No
Should the military be allowed to use enhanced interrogation techniques, such as waterboarding, to gain information from suspected terrorists?
- No, torture is inhumane, unethical, and violates the 8th amendment
Should illegal immigrants be offered in-state tuition rates at public colleges within their residing state?
- Yes, as long as they pay taxes
Should the government regulate social media sites, as a means to prevent fake news and misinformation?
- No, the government should not determine what is fake or real news
Should the U.S. increase restrictions on its current border security policy?
- No, make it easier for immigrants to access temporary work visas
Should a photo ID be required to vote?
- Yes, this will prevent voter fraud
Should businesses be required to have women on their board of directors?
- No, board members should be the most qualified regardless of gender
Should the government hire private companies to run prisons?
- No
Should the government prevent "mega mergers" of corporations that could potentially control a large percentage of market share within its industry?
- Yes, and the government should break up existing mega corporations
Should internet service providers be allowed to speed up access to popular websites (that pay higher rates) at the expense of slowing down access to less popular websites (that pay lower rates)?
- No, treat all traffic equally and continue the openness of the internet
Should disposable products (such as plastic cups, plates, and cutlery) that contain less than 50% of biodegradable material be banned?
- Yes
Should welfare recipients be tested for drugs?
- No
Should the U.S. expand offshore oil drilling?
- No
Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?
- We should give equal support to Israel and Palestine.
Should immigrants be required to pass a citizenship test to demonstrate a basic understanding of our country’s language, history, and government?
- Yes, but it should only cover very basic and simple topics
Should terminally ill patients be allowed to end their lives via assisted suicide?
- Yes, but only after a psychological examination to show they fully understand this choice
Should political candidates be required to release their recent tax returns to the public?
- Yes, and require a public audit each year they are in office
Should the U.S. withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement?
- No
Should the government make cuts to public spending in order to reduce the national debt?
- No, reduce military spending instead
1. Should corporations, unions, and non-profit organizations be allowed to donate to political parties?
- No, and political campaigns should be publicly funded
Should the US increase or decrease the amount of temporary work visas given to high-skilled immigrant workers?
- Increase, our economy relies on businesses hiring the highest skilled workers at the lowest cost
Do you support the Patriot Act?
- No, and pass strict laws prohibiting government surveillance without probable cause and a warrant
Should people be required to work in order to receive Medicaid?
- No, the vast majority of people who receive Medicaid are disabled
Do you support a universal basic income program?
- Yes, everyone should receive an income to cover basic necessities including food and housing
Should the federal government be allowed to negotiate drug prices for Medicare?
- Yes
Should universities provide "trigger warnings" and "safe spaces" for students?
- Yes
Should it be illegal to burn the American flag?
- No, this is a violation of free speech
Should there be a 5-year ban on White House and Congressional officials from becoming lobbyists after they leave the government?
- Yes, and make it a lifetime ban
Should the U.S. conduct military strikes against North Korea in order to destroy their long-range missile and nuclear weapons capabilities?
- No, we must use every diplomatic option first
Should the minimum voting age be lowered?
- No, and voters should be required to pass a basic test demonstrating their understanding of politics in order to vote
Should there be fewer or more restrictions on current welfare benefits?
- Fewer
Do you believe labor unions help or hurt the economy?
- Help
Should the government pass laws which protect whistleblowers?
- Yes, but only if releasing the information does not threaten our national security
Should the U.S. provide military aid to Saudi Arabia during its conflict with Yemen?
- No, and cut ties with Saudi Arabia until they end their human rights violations
Should women be allowed to wear a Niqab, or face veil, to civic ceremonies?
- Yes, we should respect all cultural traditions
Should the government increase or decrease military spending?
- Decrease
Should the Supreme Court be reformed to include more seats and term limits on judges?
- Yes
Should prisons ban the use of solitary confinement for juveniles?
- Yes, and we should create more social programs to help prevent and rehabilitate criminals
Should the IRS create a free electronic tax filing system?
- Yes
Should the U.S. accept refugees from Syria?
- Yes
Do you support affirmative action programs?
- Yes
Do you support Common Core national standards?
- Yes, I support the concept but not the current implementation
Should the US assassinate suspected terrorists in foreign countries?
- No
Should the government support a separation of church and state by removing references to God on money, federal buildings, and national monuments?
- Yes, but do not waste money removing existing references
Should the government increase the tax rate on profits earned from the sale of stocks, bonds, and real estate?
- Yes, on stocks and bonds but not real estate
Should researchers be allowed to use animals in testing the safety of drugs, vaccines, medical devices, and cosmetics?
- Yes, but not for cosmetics
Should cities open drug "safe havens" where people who are addicted to illegal drugs can use them under the supervision of medical professionals?
- Yes, drug abuse should be treated as a health issue, not a criminal issue
Should the government stop construction of the Dakota Access pipeline?
- Yes
Should the US increase or decrease foreign aid spending?
- Increase, but only for countries that have no human rights violations
Should the U.S. send ground troops into Syria to fight ISIS?
- No
Should the government require businesses to pay salaried employees, making up to $46k/year, time-and-a-half for overtime hours?
- Yes, and all employees should be paid time-and-a-half for overtime hours regardless of their pay scale
Should the government be allowed to seize private property, with reasonable compensation, for public or civic use?
- Yes, but only for public projects and never for private projects
Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights?
- No, they should be tried in military tribunals but not subject to torture
Should the military fly drones over foreign countries to gain intelligence and kill suspected terrorists?
- Yes
Should the government use economic stimulus to aid the country during times of recession?
- Yes
Should there be more or less privatization of veterans’ healthcare?
- Less, we should increase funding to improve the current system instead
Should the government raise the retirement age for Social Security?
- No, this will disadvantage low income seniors whose life expectancy is lower than wealthier seniors
Should producers be required to label genetically engineered foods (GMOs)?
- Yes, consumers have a right to know what is in their food
Should the federal government fund Universal preschool?
- Yes
Should convicted criminals have the right to vote?
- Yes
Should the United States pull all military troops out of Afghanistan?
- Yes
Should immigrants to the United States be allowed to hold dual citizenship status?
- Yes
Should a politician, who has been formerly convicted of a crime, be allowed to run for office?
- Yes, as long as they have finished serving their sentence
Do you support mandatory minimum prison sentences for people charged with drug possession?
- No
Should the U.S. continue to participate in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?
- Yes, NAFTA helps lower the prices of consumer products
Should the current estate tax rate be decreased?
- No, and increase it at a progressive rate
Do you support the use of nuclear energy?
- Yes, and nationalize the industry
Should drug traffickers receive the death penalty?
- No, I do not believe in the death penalty
Should the government fund space travel?
- Yes, and drastically increase NASA’s current budget
Should the U.S. formally declare war on ISIS?
- No, we should not legitimize ISIS as a sovereign entity
Do you support President Obama’s move to lift the trade and travel embargo on Cuba?
- Yes
Should the government add or increase tariffs on products imported into the country?
- No, this will hurt our manufacturing businesses that rely on importing cheap resources to make their products
Should the U.S. increase tariffs on imported products from China?
- No
Should the U.S. provide military assistance to defend Ukraine from Russia?
- Yes
Should the President offer tax breaks to individual companies to keep jobs in the U.S.?
- No, but drastically increase taxes and import tariffs on outsourcing businesses
Should the government break up Amazon, Facebook and Google?
- No
1. Should the U.S. defend other NATO countries that maintain low military defense budgets relative to their GDP?
- Yes, and refusing to defend other NATO countries sets a dangerous precedent for the balance of global power
Should the Federal Reserve Bank be audited by Congress?
- Yes, we deserve to know who the bank gives money to
Should the government subsidize farmers?
- Yes, but only small local farms instead of large corporations
Should social media companies ban political advertising?
- Yes
Would you favor an increased sales tax in order to reduce property taxes?
- No
Should the U.S. continue NSA surveillance of its allies?
- No
Should pension plans for federal, state, and local government workers be transitioned into privately managed accounts?
- No, privately managed accounts will jeopardize the financial security of senior citizens
Should U.S. citizens be allowed to save or invest their money in offshore bank accounts?
- No, too many wealthy citizens are abusing loopholes in offshore banking laws to evade taxes
Should the U.S. government grant immunity to Edward Snowden?
- Yes, he should be protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act
Do you support charter schools?
- No
Should the U.S. prevent Russia from conducting airstrikes in Syria?
- No, all airstrikes should be conducted through UN coordination
Should non-violent prisoners be released from jail in order to reduce overcrowding?
- Yes
Do you support the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)?
- Yes, it will bring economic growth to all countries involved
Should the U.S. sell military weapons to India in order to counter Chinese and Russian influence?
- No, and we should increase diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully
Should pension payments be increased for retired government workers?
- Yes, adjust them yearly for cost of living
Should the government increase spending on public transportation?
- Yes
Should Jerusalem be recognized as the capital of Israel?
- No
Should an in-state sales tax apply to online purchases of in-state buyers from out-of-state sellers?
- Yes
Should the government decriminalize school truancy?
- Yes
Should the Chinese government be able to extradite fugitives from Hong Kong?
- No
Should cities be allowed to offer private companies economic incentives to relocate?
- Yes, as long as the local environment is not compromised
Should the government cancel production of the F-35 fighter?
- No
Should the government classify Bitcoin as a legal currency?
- No, classify it as a commodity
Should the government acquire equity stakes in companies it bails out during a recession?
- No
Should the United States acquire Greenland?
- No
Should the military upgrade Air Force One?
- No, the current fleet is sufficient
Should sports betting be legal?
- Yes, but let each state decide
1. Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
- Pro-life
2. Should abortions be illegal after the first trimester of pregnancy?
- Yes
3. Should abortion be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape?
- Yes
4. Should abortion be legal when the life of the woman is endangered?
- Yes
5. Do you support requiring parental notification before an abortion is performed on a minor?
- Yes
6. Do you support requiring parental consent before an abortion is performed on a minor?
- Yes
7. Do you support the prohibition of public funds for abortion procedures?
- Yes
8. Do you support the prohibition of public funds for organizations that perform abortions?
- Yes
9. Other or expanded principles
- My Catholic christian Faith informs my person, pro-life values which extend to policy decisions beyond the birth a child. I am not merely pro-birth. I am actually pro-life.
1. Tapping into Louisiana's "rainy day" fund
- No
2. Decreasing funding for public universities
- No
3. Reducing state employee salaries AND/OR pensions
- No
4. Instituting mandatory furloughs AND/OR layoffs for state employees
- No
5. Reducing benefits for Medicaid recipients
- No
6. Other or expanded principles
- To address our budget deficits I support capping, repealing and sunsetting portions of our annual $7billion in tax give aways that are not producing a return on investment. I will not turn away $16 billion in federal taxes over the next 10 years to invest in healthcare, as our current Governor has done. This will infuse our economy with new money and new jobs and make our people healthier. I will not ask the people of Louisiana to pay for Bobby Jindal's mistakes.
1. Education (higher)
- Greatly Increase
2. Education (K-12)
- Greatly Increase
3. Environment
- Maintain Status
4. Health care
- Slightly Increase
5. Law enforcement/corrections
- Slightly Increase
6. Transportation/infrastructure
- Slightly Increase
7. Welfare
- Slightly Decrease
8. Other or expanded categories
- Being poor is not a crime. By improving our economy through investments in higher education, and healthcare we can decrease the need for welfare and government assistance. Decreasing the need, will decrease the cost. As we grow our economy and increase individual wealth, fewer citizens will live on the cusp of poverty - on the verge of requiring government assistance.
1. Alcohol taxes
- Slightly Increase
2. Cigarette taxes
- Slightly Increase
3. Corporate taxes
- Maintain Status
4. Small business taxes
- No Answer
5. Gas/Oil taxes
- No Answer
6. Property taxes
- No Answer
7. Sales taxes
- No Answer
8. Income taxes (low-income families)
- Slightly Decrease
9. Income taxes (mid-income families)
- Slightly Decrease
10. Income taxes (high-income families)
- Slightly Decrease
11. Other or expanded principles
- By decreasing tax expenditures as described in another area of this survey, we can afford to decrease personal income taxes from their current 2, 4, and 6% levels to 1, 3 and 5%. I also believe we should set the Corporate rate at 8% to reflect truth in advertising. I support a fairer, flatter tax code and have offered concrete specifics on how to achieve it.
1. Individual
- No Answer
2. Political Action Committee
- No Answer
3. Corporate
- No Answer
4. Political Party
- No Answer
5. Should candidates for state office be encouraged to meet voluntary spending limits?
- No Answer
6. Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
- Yes
7. Do you support the use of an independent AND/OR bipartisan commission for redistricting?
- No Answer
8. Do you support requiring a government-issued photo identification in order to vote at the polls?
- Yes
1. Other or expanded principles
- Recent changes in campaign finance law have altered the landscape. We should continuously examine whether these changes have been positive for the democratic process.
1. Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
- Yes
2. Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders, such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?
- Yes
3. Do you support legalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana?
- No Answer
4. Should a minor accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult?
- No Answer
5. Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?
- Yes
6. Other or expanded principles
- No Answer
1. Do you support government spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
- No Answer
2. Do you support lowering taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
- Yes
3. Do you support reducing government regulations on the private sector?
- No Answer
4. Do you support increased state funding for job-training programs that re-train displaced workers?
- Yes
5. Do you support expanding access to unemployment benefits?
- No Answer
6. Do you support providing financial incentives to the private sector for the purpose of job creation?
- Yes
7. Do you support providing direct financial assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure?
- No Answer
8. Do you support an increase of the minimum wage?
- Yes
9. Other or expanded principles
- No Answer
1. Do you support the national Common Core State Standards initiative?
- Yes
2. Do you support a merit pay system for teachers?
- No Answer
3. Is the tenure process for public school teachers producing effective teachers?
- No Answer
4. Should parents be allowed to use vouchers to send their children to any school?
- No Answer
5. Do you support state funding for charter schools?
- No Answer
6. Do you support the state government providing college students with financial aid?
- Yes
7. Should illegal immigrants who graduate from Louisiana high schools be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities?
- No Answer
8. Other or expanded principles
- I support local autonomy over public schools so that parents and taxpayers can hold elected school boards accountable. I do not support a for-profit model of charter schools because our children are not for sale. I support high, fair, and reliable accountability standards for teachers, schools and districts.
1. Do you support state funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?
- Yes
2. Do you support state funding for the development of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)?
- No Answer
3. Do you support state funding for improvements to Louisiana's energy infrastructure?
- Yes
4. Do you support state funding for open space preservation?
- No Answer
5. Do you support government regulations of greenhouse gas emissions?
- No Answer
6. Do you support increased regulations of the hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") industry?
- No Answer
7. Other or expanded principles
- No Answer
1. Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
- No
2. Should background checks be required on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows?
- No
3. Should citizens be allowed to carry concealed guns?
- Yes
4. Should a license be required for gun possession?
- No
5. Other or expanded principles
- I support increasing effectiveness of existing background check laws so that those who pose a danger to themselves or others cannot legally purchase new weapons.
1. Do you support a universally-accessible, publicly-administered health insurance option?
- No Answer
2. Do you support expanding access to health care through commercial health insurance reform?
- No Answer
3. Do you support interstate health insurance compacts?
- No Answer
4. Do you support Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
- Yes
5. Do you support requiring individuals to purchase health care insurance?
- No Answer
6. Do you support monetary limits on damages that can be collected in malpractice lawsuits?
- No Answer
7. Do you support allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes?
- No Answer
8. Other or expanded principles
- If we fail to accept medicaid expansion we will be sending $16 billion of Louisiana's tax dollars to other states over the next 10 years. It is fiscally responsible to accept the expansion and 14 Republican governor's have already done it. It's not right versus left, it's right versus wrong.
1. Do you support same-sex marriage?
- No
2. Should same-sex couples be allowed to form civil unions?
- No Answer
3. Do you support the inclusion of sexual orientation in Louisiana's anti-discrimination laws?
- Yes
4. Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in Louisiana's anti-discrimination laws?
- Yes
5. Other or expanded principles
- My Catholic Christian faith informs my personal views on traditional marriage, and against same-sex marriage. My oath as an army officer was, and as Governor will be to uphold the constitution, including recent rulings.
In the following area, please explain in a total of 100 words or less, your top two or three priorities if elected. If they require additional funding for implementation, please explain how you would obtain this funding.
- 1. Address our structural budget problems by accepting $16billion of our federal tax dollars back to expand healthcare for 240,000 Louisianans and sunsetting, repealing, and capping a portion of the $7 billion in annual tax giveaways that aren?t producing for our economy. 2. Reinvesting in higher education to preserve TOPS and end annual double digit tuition increases. 3. Begin to address the $12 billion backlog of transportation and infrastructure projects that is plagueing our business climate and creating a safety and traffic crisis.
A year after voters turned out in record numbers to help Democrats recapture the House majority with health care -- not the Russia investigation -- as their top concern, Republicans refuse to address their worst political liability heading toward the 2020 elections. Alarm bells are ringing in the deep-red South where Republicans have lost gubernatorial races this month in Kentucky and Louisiana -- despite rallies President Trump held to boost their prospects -- largely on the issue of Medicaid expansion. Republicans in Washington better hear them. Andy Beshear upset incumbent Gov. Matt Bevin in Kentucky, campaigning against the work requirements Bevin put on Medicaid in a state that had seen the uninsured rate for adults too young for Medicare drop from 21% to 7%. Democratic Gov. Jon Bel Edwards fended off a GOP challenge Saturday from a candidate pledging to block new enrollment in Medicaid and conduct stricter oversight of how recipients qualify for benefits. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, won her race in 2018 after running on the same issue in a state Trump won by 20 percentage points. Since then she has battled with Republicans in the state legislature who are pushing for work requirements she has called “a non-starter.” “Medicaid is kryptonite to Republicans once it’s been introduced,” Matthew Continetti, founder of The Free Beacon and a conservative, noted on “Meet the Press” the week before Edwards prevailed. “In places like Kentucky, Louisiana where [expansion] has been introduced, Republicans have to come to grips with the fact that the safety net is not going anywhere.” So while the issue threatens red-state Republicans, smart Democrats will campaign on Medicaid in purple states such as Florida, Wisconsin, Georgia, North Carolina and Texas, where it has not been expanded. If Democrat Doug Jones, the most vulnerable senator up for reelection next year, holds on to his seat in Alabama, it will likely be because of Medicaid expansion. “Time and again, people in states across the country have affirmed their support for expansion by supporting candidates who embrace the Medicaid program,” said Democrat Capri S. Cafaro, executive in residence at American University’s School of Public Affairs, citing both the Kentucky governor’s race and elections in Utah and Nebraska, where the issue was explicitly on the ballot. “Medicaid expansion’s popularity amongst the electorate is growing and thus will remain a prominent policy issue in the 2020 election,” added the former minority leader in the Ohio Senate where she co-authored and co-sponsored a Medicaid reform law. In addition to their anxieties over coverage and costs, GOP voters in rural areas are victims of a burgeoning hospital closure crisis. Since 2010 Texas has seen 17 hospitals close, for example. According to a report by the Urban Institute, nearly 20% of Texans younger than 65 are uninsured despite most of them working, the highest number in the country. There is majority support in the Lone Star State for expanding Medicaid, and health care will be a huge political burden for Republicans on the ballot there next year as Democrats work to replicate the turnout surge they saw in 2018. Sen. Ted Cruz, who won his race last year by only 2.6 percentage points, said while he thinks Sen. John Cornyn and President Trump can win next year, he admits it’s a state that “will be hotly contested.” At the nearly 10-year anniversary of passing the Affordable Care Act, Democrats -- who were on defense over the law’s unpopularity during four elections in six years -- were on offense in the 2018 midterms touting the successes of Obamacare, a program that is now more popular than President Trump. In May, our RealClear Opinion Research poll showed health care remained the number one issue for voters at 36%, 10 points higher than the economy and more than 21 points ahead of immigration. Earlier this year, Trump declared the GOP to be “the party of health care” and enthusiastically repeated that assertion, promising voters a plan was being developed that would produce “far lower” costs and would be “on full display during the Election as a much better & less expensive alternative to ObamaCare...” That is not happening -- no one is developing a health care plan that Trump and Republicans will be campaigning on next year. What is happening is the administration has joined a lawsuit that may end up in the Supreme Court, and be decided next summer, that could dismantle the rest of Obamacare (the individual mandate was eliminated by the GOP tax law of 2017), rendering 20 million people uninsured and destabilizing the entire system. The administration has also issued new federal rules or executive orders on health care, but they are likely to face legal challenges and it’s unclear whether they will represent changes significant enough for voters to experience by next year’s elections. Meanwhile, prospects for bipartisan drug pricing legislation are fading as the left demands something more perfect while the right says proposed price controls will threaten innovation. This will further frustrate voters who have paid an additional $5.1 billion more for the seven most-prescribed drugs in the last two years alone -- despite hearing Democrats and the president tout the issue as a top priority. For all the criticisms Trump is spewing these days about the “Do Nothing Democrats,” it will be hard for him to attack them on health care. That’s because the GOP failed to repeal and replace health care before the 2018 midterm elections, and the party has ignored the issue ever since. But Democrats can blow their advantage if they nominate Sens. Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders, who both support Medicare for All. That plan is deeply unpopular with general election voters, swing state voters and most Democratic primary voters, who support a public option instead. The Republicans’ health care plan is to run against Medicare for All as a scary, costly and socialist plot to ruin health care as we know it. If Democrats oblige them, Republicans will be rescued from their decision to turn their backs on the voters’ number one concern. Source: https://www.realclearpolitics.com/
