Even as GOP posted wins, most Mainers support Obamacare

Screen Shot 2013-12-19 at 9.57.41 PMIn a good year for Republicans in Maine (and in much of the country) and, as the health insurance exchange (at healthcare.gov) opens for enrollment, it turns out that Mainers who voted in 2014 support Obamacare or something that goes further.

Just take a look at this question from the Maine exit poll:

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On the far left column, you can see that 31% say that “the 2010 federal health care law” “did not go far enough,” with 22% saying it “was about right.” Those groups add up to 53% supporting the law or something stronger.

In contrast, 43% — ten percentage points lower than 53% — believe the law “went too far.”

A clear majority of Mainers support health reform.

Interestingly, Michaud did not do as well with the “did not go far enough” or “was about right” groups as LePage did with the “went too far” folks.

LePage was able to pick up the support of 22% of people who thought Obamacare didn’t go far enough and 29% of those who thought it was “about right,” while Michaud only attracted 15% from people who thought the law went too far.

Those individuals who voted for LePage despite his views on health policy which contradicted their own clearly had other reasons to support him.

When it comes to health care, the governor has no mandate to oppose health reform under the Affordable Care Act.

Addendum: Chris Cousins reports that a pre-election poll found support for Medicaid expansion to Maine. Here’s the chart:

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Amy Fried

About Amy Fried

Amy Fried loves Maine's sense of community and the wonderful mix of culture and outdoor recreation. She loves politics in three ways: as an analytical political scientist, a devoted political junkie and a citizen who believes politics matters for people's lives. Fried is Professor of Political Science at the University of Maine. Her views do not reflect those of her employer or any group to which she belongs.