Steele: Supporters of health reform can expect 'pink slip' in 2010

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele promised on Monday political repercussion for lawmakers who support healthcare reform.

Steele said that the GOP would seek to ramp up pressure on centrist lawmakers who could still oppose the health bill in Congress, but said they would more likely face a "pink slip" from voters if they stick with the legislation.

"The fact that they have total disregard for the concerns and interests of the American people by pursuing this boondoggle of a healthcare bill," the party chairman said in a conference call on Monday. "I plan to have my foot on the throats of Democrats in this issue, and hold them accountable."

Steele said that pressure in the near term would amount to publicity for the bill's costs and other GOP clams about health reform's effects, as well as seeking to hold senators to pledges to have the bill available for 72 hours before a final vote.

But lawmakers who support the bill in the end "can look for the pink slip next year," Steele said.

"It's game on. Harry Reid: Take comfort," Steele said of the Senate majority leader, a Nevada Democrat who's expected to face a difficult reelection battle next fall.
"You've got a lot of friends but you and your friends are going to be looking for work in January 2011."

"Guess what: you're going to have a lot more to fear and a lot more to explain over the next year when you get home," Steele said of lawmakers who support health reform. "Come next November, they'll speak. And they'll speak very loudly, and very clearly."

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