State Democrats Follow Clinton's Lead Against Single Payer Healthcare in Colorado

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ColoradoCare: universal healthcare plan has Democrats divided
Josiah Hesse
The Guardian

A ballot measure in Colorado that would, if passed, make the state the first in the country to have universal, government-run healthcare is facing resistance from a surprising group: state Democrats.

Some state Democrats argue that the state can’t afford universal coverage, that it will kill jobs, and that it will raise taxes for working families. But for Colorado legislators, there is serious political capital at stake as well.

“There is huge money from the [health insurance] industry involved in financing not only the campaign against ColoradoCare, but also in financing the politicians who decide on health care legislation,” said Owen Perkins, communications director for ColoradoCareYes, which is pushing for the measure. “The role that big money, big medicine plays in funding campaigns and influencing political votes is certainly a good reason to take [healthcare] out of the insurance industry and politicians and put it in the hands of the people.”

Some supporters of ColoradoCare remain optimistic that Clinton will come out in favor of the plan, even though the consultant firm behind Priorities USA is the same group fighting ColoradoCare.

Movement politics is hard enough when you have to fight a conservative opposition party. It's even harder when the conservatives are in your party.