Election 2008 | November Elections To Contain Ballot Measures Addressing Health Care
[Oct 23, 2007]

Ballot measures in dozens of states "offer a preview of what issues could surface ... when political interest groups will use such initiatives to attract voters in the presidential and congressional races," USA Today reports. According to USA Today, both liberals and conservatives "are trying to find ballot measures that will increase turnout among like-minded voters in the 2008 election." Liberals are likely to advocate for ballot measures on health care and unfair loan practices, while conservatives are likely to push for measures involving abortion and immigration, according to Kristina Wilfore, executive director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center.

Voters in several states on Nov. 6 will consider ballot issues related to health care, including a proposal in Oregon to increase the cigarette tax by 85 cents per pack to pay for children's health care. Washington state residents will consider a proposal that would allow individuals to sue insurers for "unreasonably" denying medical claims. In Texas, voters will consider a measure to borrow $3 billion over 10 years to fund cancer research. In addition, New Jersey voters will consider borrowing $450 million for stem cell research (Cauchon, USA Today, 10/22).