Dems play defense on health care repeal effort

Emboldened by polls showing diminishing opposition to last year's sweeping health care reform package, House Democrats are back on offense over a law many were mum on during their re-election campaigns.

Rep. Rob Andrews, who led efforts to pass the law in March, denied fellow Democrats were silent.

"You didn't hear much about it before the election because it wasn't what we were being asked about," he said.

"You don't run on what you're interested in, but what the public is interested in. Jobs were such an overwhelming issue during the campaign."

That's not exactly the case. Voters revolted against incumbents out of the sense the Democratic-controlled 111th Congress and the White House were so distracted by health care, they fell down in efforts to stimulate economic and jobs growth.

But the bill is law, and polls indicate anger about it is dying down. Americans are ready to move on. And so are congressional Democrats.

"Our constituents are concerned about jobs and the economy," said Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., hours before the House held a vote to repeal the bill.

"They think this effort is a waste of time."

Though a number of Republicans claimed victory after the 245 to 189 vote Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has said he will not bring up the vote. It is notoriously difficult to tinker with entitlements and benefits once Americans have them -- just ask Social Security reformers -- and Democrats are now characterizing the battle as one in which Republicans are doing the bidding of the insurance industry.

"We want seniors to understand we are moving forward with patient protections, discounts, and filling the doughnut hole," Pallone said in a Wednesday conference call with reporters.

"Many senior citizens under health care reform have already received a $250 check to deal with the doughnut hole in Medicare Part D," said Assemblyman Herb Conaway, D-Burlington.