From RealClearPolitics:
The two committees responsible for electing Republicans to the House and Senate indicated yesterday that GOP candidates will be well served by running on health care reform, which Democrats are still attempting to get to President Obama’s desk. Yet an interesting question has arisen — would Republicans be better off if the legislation passes or fails?
Publicly, the National Republican Congressional Committee and National Republican Senatorial Committee say passing the plan would be disastrous for Democrats. However, both are also making efforts to stop it.
In a memo to House candidates, NRCC Executive Director Johnny DeStefano wrote that challengers can affect the outcome of health care in Congress right now by warning their Democratic opponent that their vote will not be forgotten.
“Regardless of how your opponent voted in the past, you can make a major impact on his or her political calculations by reminding these Democrats that a ‘YES’ vote on the Senate-passed bill will guarantee them an all-out, full-throated blitz from your campaign and national Republicans throughout the spring, summer, and fall,” wrote DeStefano.
Likewise, NRSC Chairman John Cornyn told reporters yesterday that Democrats would be wise to give up on the party’s current reform plan, if they know what’s good for them in November.