DeMint vows to continue fight against healthcare law

Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) promised Thursday that he’d continue to fight for a full repeal of “ObamaCare.”

“ObamaCare is already failing, forcing businesses across the country to cut back wages and hours while increasing healthcare costs and things will only get worse,” DeMint said in a statement Thursday. “We must continue to fight for full repeal of this government takeover and for commonsense solutions that expand healthcare freedom.”

DeMint’s comments came after Gov. Nikki Haley (R-S.C.) announced her decision not to set up a state-based healthcare exchange under the Affordable Care Act.

On Thursday, Haley wrote to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius saying South Carolina “should not and will not set up a state-based healthcare exchange.”

“Gov. Haley should be applauded for standing up for South Carolina patients, doctors, and taxpayers by opposing the creation of an ObamaCare exchange in our state,” DeMint said. “Her decision will help shield South Carolina from job destroying tax increases on state businesses, save taxpayers millions of dollars in set up costs, and allow our state to fight for healthcare solutions that don’t limit choices of families and doctors.”

The Obama administration announced Thursday — the eve of the deadline — that it would give states another month to decide whether they plan to set up their own healthcare exchange. Under the law, if states don’t, the federal government will set up the exchange for the state. The deadline for a decision is now Dec. 14.

Other Republicans governors who have said they won’t be setting up healthcare exchanges in protest of the law include Govs. Bobby Jindal (La.) and Sam Brownback (Kan.).

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