Analysis: Health Care Delay Would Frustrate Obama

CHARLES BABINGTON

WASHINGTON (AP) — Delay is rarely good for politicians trying to pass legislation. The possibility that Congress might not complete action on a major health care bill this year is another frustration for President Barack Obama and his allies.

Even if it doesn't sink the health care effort, a delay would raise new uncertainties and push other domestic priorities further back. It also would give opponents a chance to pick off nervous Democratic lawmakers eyeing their November 2010 re-election campaigns.

Even some House Democrats with safe seats don't like the idea of voting on a contentious bill until it's clear that the Senate will follow suit.

Adding to Democratic unease were losses in gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey on Tuesday, with independent voters flocking to the Republicans. The results could force House Democrats in competitive districts to think twice about Obama's agenda, including health care.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., dismissed that notion Wednesday, focusing instead on the party's win in two congressional special elections.

"From our standpoint ... a candidate was victorious who supports health care reform, and his remarks last night said this was a victory for health care reform and other initiatives for the American people," she said. "So from our standpoint we picked up votes last night, one in California and one in New York."