In the memo, Ward characterizes a slew of recent comments from Republican officials as proof that the GOP is trying to “run away” from its repeal efforts, though it may just reflect a stronger awareness of the political reality, buttressed by the government shutdown in October, that Obamacare can’t be undone while its namesake is in the White House.
The memo also cites recent stories quoting conservatives—like Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis. in National Review—pointing out the practical difficulty of undoing facets of the law, like the state health insurance exchanges, after they’ve been implemented.
National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman Daniel Scarpinato dismissed the idea that the GOP is putting repeal on the back burner, or that it is unpopular.
“This is just wishful thinking on the part of Washington Democrats,” he said in an email. “President Obama and House Democrats might be committed to protecting Obamacare at all lengths, but our polling in congressional districts coast to coast shows that voters want to get rid of Obamacare altogether and start over.”
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