Washington, DC – Today Americans for Health Care, a project of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), released a poll which reveals that 82% of primary voters agree that “everyone has a right to quality, affordable health care coverage.”  This includes 92% of Democratic primary voters and, remarkably, 72% of Republican primary voters.  The poll was conducted by Lake Research Partners of likely primary and caucus voters in New Hampshire, Iowa, South Carolina and Nevada.

In these states, Democratic and Republican voters overwhelmingly agree that we need fundamental, not piecemeal reform of the health care system.  There is also extremely strong bi-partisan support for shared responsibility in reaching the goal of quality, affordable health care coverage for everyone.  Ninety percent of Democratic voters and 77% of Republican voters agree that “businesses, government, and individuals all have a responsibility to help pay for health care.”

“What we found in this poll confirms something that we’ve known for a while: Iowa’s voters consistently place health care among their top issues,” said Sarah Swisher, Director of Iowa for Health Care.  “And rising health care costs are continuing to hit Iowans where it hurts.”  Forty-six percent of Iowa voters polled say that rising health care costs are their number one economic concern (compared to 22% who cited higher taxes and 14% retirement).

A majority (55%) of primary voters in the four states say that health care will be the most important or one of the most important issues in making their voting decision.  But a majority of voters agree that they haven’t heard enough about health care.

When candidates make the issue a centerpiece, voters take note. For example, John Edwards’ campaign focus on the health care issue has affected voters’ thinking in Iowa. In the three other states polled, Hillary Clinton has the current advantage on health care, however, in Iowa, 30% say Edwards is the best candidate on health care with 28% for Clinton, which may reflect both campaigning and preference. 

“It’s still early and there is clearly room for candidates to establish themselves on this issue because voters haven’t heard enough about health care,” said Swisher.  “We will hear more at the presidential forum on health care this Saturday in Las Vegas and Health Care Voters are continuing to ask both Democrats and Republicans about this issue when they visit our state.”

Iowafor Health Care will be holding two presidential health care forum watch parties – in Cedar Rapids and the Quad Cities – this Saturday for Health Care Voters to hear the candidates on the issue. 

For more poll results, including data for each state, go to www.iowaforhealthcare.com.

Link to the webcast for New Leadership on Health Care: A Presidential Forum on www.seiu.org or www.walkadayinmyshoes2008.com.