Poll: Rep. Suzanne Kosmas more likely to be elected if real healthcare reform passes

Democracy for America released a new poll this morning of 10 swing freshman Democratic districts -- including Rep. Kosmas'.

The results show that if health care reform passes, Rep. Kosmas is more likely to be re-elected in 2010. And those polled said they would be less likely to vote in 2010 if Congress does not pass a health care bill.

We also just sent a strategy memo to top Senate aides urging them to expand the health care measure by reviving the public option.

The bottom line of the poll: freshman Democrats are in trouble in 2010 if Congress fails to pass a public option.

Topline results are below and full results are at www.democracyforamerica.com/freshmanpoll.

• 68% of voters want a public health insurance option
• By 5 to 1, voters want their Representative to fight to add the public option over simply passing the Senate bill
• By 3 to 1, persuadable voters are less likely to vote for a local Democrat if Congress doesn't pass a public option as part of reform
• 55% say Democrats need to do more to fight big corporations
• 56% say Democrats haven't done enough to fulfill Obama's 2008 campaign promises
• 52% of Democrats less likely to vote in 2010 if Congress doesn't pass public option -- Republicans more likely

A quote from our political director is below if helpful.

Charles Chamberlain, political director, Democracy for America:
"Our poll shows that by proposing less change instead of more change, the Senate is asking House freshmen to commit political suicide. We hope these freshmen side with their constituents and fight to pass the public option through reconciliation."

The NY Times covered the poll and strategy memo this morning:
http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/26/liberal-groups-urge-reconciliation-to-save-public-option/