Heller Doubles Down on Health Care Repeal in New Interview

CARSON CITY, Nevada, Aug. 7 -- The Nevada Democratic Party issued the following news release:

In a new interview with the Washington Examiner, Sen. Dean Heller's shifting health care stances are once again in the spotlight. Heller said the Republican Party made a "big mistake" in trying to prioritize the repeal of the Affordable Care Act first before other legislative items last year. But it's yet another reminder for Nevadans that Dean Heller lied to them when he promised to protect our health care.

Washington Examiner: Dean Heller says GOP made 'big mistake' by tackling Obamacare first

KEY POINTS:

1. Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., believes Republican lawmakers made a "big mistake" by pushing to repeal the Affordable Care Act as their first big legislative move at the outset of the Trump administration.

2. Heller, who is facing a bruising re-election fight in November, argued that Republicans could have moved repeal and replace legislation to the president's desk if they had waited longer and dealt with tax reform and a transportation package from the start.

3. "It was a missed opportunity, without a doubt," Heller added.

4. The incumbent Republican said that he does not expect GOP leadership to push for a repeal of the law before the November elections simply because there are not enough votes in the GOP caucus.

5. Heller continues to support the Graham-Cassidy legislation he sponsored last year that would block grant Medicaid.

6. Healthcare has been a main topic in Heller's re-election campaign and a key talking point for Rep. Jacky Rosen, his Democratic opponent. Rosen has already released two ads hitting Heller for what she argues is his waffling on the issue.

Nevada State Democratic Party spokesperson Sarah Abel released the following statement:

"Sen. Heller is sorely mistaken: his big mistake was thinking he could get away with breaking his promise to protect Nevadans' health care. This was never about the timing--Republican politicians like Dean Heller are pushing a harmful agenda to spike costs and strip coverage, and it's as toxic and unpopular now as it was then. Nevadans won't forget when they show up at the ballot box in November."