Dem Rep. Matheson flips to 'yes' on health law repeal

By Russell Berman - 07/11/12 04:57 PM ET

Vulnerable Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson (Utah) joined four other Dems and the entire House Republican conference in a vote to repeal the 2010 healthcare reform law, 18 months after he opposed the same measure.

Matheson opposed the original law in 2010 but voted with his party and against repeal in January 2011. He became one of two House Democrats, along with Rep. Larry Kissell (N.C.), to switch his position on repeal after the Supreme Court’s decision last month to uphold the landmark law.

Both Matheson and Kissell are facing difficult reelection fights in districts that have become more conservative since 2010.

In a statement after the vote, Matheson said he had voted against the healthcare bill “at every opportunity,” but did not mention his opposition to its repeal last year. He cited statistics showing that healthcare costs are still projected to rise faster than the economy, indicating the law has had little if any impact.

“With the Supreme Court ruling behind us, and as I reflect on my conversations with Utahns, I think about protecting the future of our economy. We must scrap this flawed effort once and for all, start over, and do it right,” Matheson said.

“The goal we all share is bipartisan reform that ensures access to quality care and addresses continued rising costs that affect every Utah family and small business," he continued. "Without tackling escalating costs, we inevitably face a time where a cost-prohibitive system will be out of reach for average Utahns.”

Matheson noted there were provisions of the law he favored, including allowing adults under the age of 27 to stay on their parents’ insurance and eliminating lifetime caps on insurance.

Him GOP opponent, Mia Love, slammed him on his vote.

“As expected, Jim Matheson once again made a vote of political expediency. In early 2011, Matheson showed his true colors and voted against repealing ObamaCare when the political ramifications were minimal," said Love in a statement, adding: "Today, he stuck his finger in the wind and voted 'aye' in a desperate attempt to save face and save his job in November."

Kissell had earlier announced his intention to switch his position on repeal, citing the law’s continued unpopularity with his constituents.

The other three Democrats who supported repeal – Reps. Dan Boren (Okla.), Mike McIntyre (N.C.) and Mike Ross (Ark.) – all voted to scrap the law in 2011 and opposed its enactment.