The two voter-approved measures and a similar ballot victory in Missouri this August are not expected to nullify the federal law, which takes precedence, but supporters hailed the measures as a key step in a larger campaign to nullify the law. The measures would amend state constitutions to outlaw the mandate.
Orthopedic Surgeon Eric Novack, MD, director of Arizonans for Health Care Freedom, which supported that state’s proposition, insisted the measure was significant. “I don’t think it’s symbolic at all,” he told Politico. “It becomes, in some ways, a foundation for rational healthcare reform that can protect the rights of the individuals, increase access and encourage innovation.”
The Oklahoma proposition was approved by a margin of 65-35 percent, while the Arizona measure passed by 55-45 percent and the Colorado measure was defeated by 53-47 percent.
In early CNN exit polls, 19 percent of voters nationwide said healthcare reform was their top concern, a distant second to the 61 percent who were most concerned about the economy.
Read the Los Angeles Times report on Nov. 2 elections and healthcare reform.
Read more coverage on the elections:
– At Least 10 New GOP Governors May Slow Down Reform Implementation
– 7 Planned Actions Against Healthcare Reform Upon GOP Takeover of Key House Committee
– Reform Law is Key Reason Why GOP Expected to Win Most House Swing Districts
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