LATEST RASMUSSEN POLL ON HEALTH PLAN – AT 10:01 A.M. ET:   From Scott Rasmussen:

Speaker Nancy Pelosi has scheduled a House of Representatives vote today on the health care reform plan proposed by the President Obama and congressional Democrats. Yet while in Congress there has been months of posturing and shifting of political tactics, voter attitudes have remained constant: A majority oppose the plan being considered by the legislators.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone poll, taken Friday and Saturday nights, shows that 41% of likely voters favor the health care plan. Fifty-four percent (54%) are opposed. These figures have barely budged in recent months.

Another finding that has remained constant is that the intensity is stronger among those who oppose the plan. The latest findings include 26% who Strongly Favor the plan and 45% who Strongly Oppose it.

The partisan divide remains constant as well. Seventy-four percent (74%) of Democrats favor the plan, while 87% of Republicans are opposed. As for those not affiliated with either major party, 34% are in favor, and 59% are opposed.

That independent vote, if it holds up, can kill the Dems this November.

Still, 50% of all voters say they’re less likely to vote this November to reelect a member of Congress who votes for the health care plan.

Fifty-seven percent (57%) believe that if the plan passes, the cost of health care will go up. Only 17% believe the plan will achieve the stated goal of reducing the cost of care.

At the same time, most voters (54%) believe that passage of the plan will hurt the quality of care.

COMMENT:  What an endorsement!  But a word of caution:  If the bill passes, it's possible that the White House spin machine, plus some early benefits, might sway some people in the "pro" direction.  So we have to keep up the fight even after passage.  And we can't just argue for repeal.  We have to argue for replacement with something better, and have that replacement ready to explain to the American people – a health-care contract with America.

March 21, 2010