U.S. Chamber Releases 10 District Polls Showing Voters Opposed to Current Health Care Proposal

WASHINGTON, March 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today released public opinion polls in 10 key congressional districts - all of which showed voters oppose current health care legislation being discussed in Congress, with substantial majorities saying it will raise the cost of their health care. Polling showed voters in the selected districts are more likely to support their representative if he or she opposes the bill - even in districts where that vote would represent a switch from their vote last fall. The polls were conducted March 8-11 by Ayres, McHenry & Associates to gauge support for health legislation currently being proposed.

"There should be absolutely no question in anyone's mind how Americans view this health care bill," said Bruce Josten, executive vice president of Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "This legislation is among the most unpopular proposals in recent memory and Members of Congress would be well advised to listen to their constituents' concerns."

Poll overview and summary:

On Monday through Thursday, March 8-11, Ayres, McHenry & Associates conducted statewide surveys on health care reform in AZ 8, CO 4, FL 2, NC 8, NV 3, NY 24, OH 1, PA 4, TX 17, and VA 2. Despite having elected Democratic representatives, all 10 districts oppose the "overall health care reform plan being discussed in Congress," with support typically in the low-to-mid 30s and opposition in the mid-to-upper 50s. Voters in these districts are more likely to support their representative if he or she opposes the bill - even in districts where that vote would represent a switch from their vote last fall. Independents oppose the current reforms by nearly two-to-one margins, mirroring their support for Republican gubernatorial candidates in New Jersey and Virginia last year.

The entire poll is available at:  www.uschamber.com/assets/uscc/2010springvotes.pdf

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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SOURCE U.S. Chamber of Commerce