ERICA WERNER
WASHINGTON – Congressional Republicans see a chance for political gain in President Barack Obama’s televised health care summit next week, even though the president will be running the show.
Obama and the Democrats are certain to highlight a crucial element of their health care plan – extending coverage to more than 30 million Americans – at the one-of-a-kind event. By comparison, a Republican plan would only help 3 million more. But during a time of ballooning deficits, the GOP figures reining in rising medical costs – not coverage – could resonate with voters in an election year.
The Democratic health overhaul plan is estimated at some $1 trillion over 10 years, and Republicans will contrast their financial approach with that of the Democrats. So even on Obama’s turf, the GOP thinks it can score a few political points.
“I think what we have to do is keep it on the policy and really continue to describe that we have listened to the American people, and anyone listening to the American people would say scrap this bill and begin again, and let’s begin again by focusing on lowering costs,” Rep. Dave Camp of Michigan, who will be attending the summit as the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, said Tuesday.