ERICA WERNER
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON – Many Democrats in Congress remain wary of health care legislation in spite of President Barack Obama’s closing argument for overhauling the system, well aware that success is far from assured and political perils abound in this election year.
Obama’s proposal included some ideas favored by Republicans, although the Democratic president has little hope of winning over even a single Republican lawmaker. Republicans have demanded that he discard his proposals and start working with them on a new one.
The White House hopes that by including elements of Republican plans, Obama can win over Democratic lawmakers from conservative districts whose re-election hopes in November could be jeopardized by voting for the bill. If he can generate stronger Democratic support, congressional leaders can use parliamentary maneuvers to bypass Republican objections.