As much as many of us have been hoping for a special session of the legislature to pass Healthy Utah, it seems increasingly likely that we'll have to wait for the general session in January. Another delay is devastating to the people who need healthcare now. But if that's the hand we're being dealt, we need to use it to strengthen our position. In the November 4 election, we need to vote in as many candidates as possible who support Healthy Utah or Medicaid expansion. As I've said before, the easiest way to be sure you're voting for a candidate who supports it is to vote for a Democrat. But my interest is not in promoting victory for a political party, it's in promoting healthcare for the people of Utah. While most Republican legislators or candidates have not gone on record as supporting Healthy Utah, some have, and they are worthy of your consideration.
The following is a list of specific candidates who support Healthy Utah. In the cases where I am specifically endorsing a candidate, I want to make it clear I'm speaking for myself only, not any other organization. They are entirely my own opinions.
SPECIFICALLY ENDORSED:
Rebecca Chavez-Houck (House, D-District 24) is one of our best voices in the legislature, and is a member of the Utah Healthcare Reform Task Force. We need her voice there,
Gene Davis (Senate, D- District 3) is another strong supporter in the Task Force.
William A. McGee (House, D-27) supports expansion, and is running against a legislator who frankly needs to go. Rep. Mike Kennedy has garnered national negative attention for his comments that healthcare can kill, and that's just one example of his extremist, obstructionist views.
Karen Kwan (D- District 34) is a supporter running in a close race against incumbent Johnny Anderson, who does not support the cause. This is one if our best chances to make a change for the better.
Rep. Brian S. King (House, D- District 28) is another strong supporter we need back in office.
Raymond Ward Senate, R- District 19) is a primary care physician who has extensive experience working with patients in the gap, and has actively supported the cause. Ward lists fixing the Medicaid problem as one of his highest priorities.
Jim Dabakis, (Senate,D- District 2) is a passionate supporter of Medicaid expansion. He is still pushing for full expansion and is critical of Healthy Utah, but he has long been one of the most outspoken advocates of accepting federal funding to help those in need.
Travis Harper (House, D- District 6) is another case where his opponent has to go. Republican Jake Anderegg is another extremist who views any form of federally funded healthcare as an affront to America and will back that up with a poorly reasoned, mathematically challenged rant about the Boston Tea Party any chance he gets.
Richard Bagley (House, D-District 18) has first hand knowledge of the need for health care reform through working through Intermountain Health Care.
REPUBLICANS WHO SUPPORT HEALTHY UTAH
I very sincerely apologize if I have missed any Republican candidates who have come in out in support of Healthy Utah. These are the ones of whom I am aware. Keep in mind there are other Republicans in the legislature (such as Sen. Brian Shiozawa) who support Healthy Utah but whose districts don't have elections this year.
Rep. Craig Hall (District 33)
Rep. Peter Knudson (District 17)
Raymond Ward (District 19)
Rep. Kraig Powell (District 54)
Rep. Edward Redd ((House District 4)
Ron Hilton, (House District 37)
Peter L. Krauss (House District 40)
V. Lowry Snow (House District 74)
By voting for any of these candidates you help improve our chances to pass Healthy Utah in the upcoming session. It's the most important thing you can do for the cause.
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