Does repealing Obamacare still motivate GOP voters?

By David M. Drucker, David M. Drucker

Published December 20, 2015

Have Republicans given up on getting rid of Obamacare?

It's a poignant question when Donald Trump, the GOP presidential front-runner, supports the concept of nationalized, government-administered health care. Meanwhile, candidates with detailed plans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act have gained little traction for their effort. One, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, remains a long shot in the race; another, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, dropped out for lack of support soon after unveiling his proposal.

"I would put Obamacare at the top of a list of issues that are simmering below the surface," Jindal campaign pollster Wes Anderson said Tuesday. "It's going to be an issue."

That appears to be the consensus of Republicans working in the trenches — that GOP primary voters will eventually get around to prioritizing where the 2016 contenders stand on President Obama's landmark overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system. Obamacare is still unpopular, with 48.4 percent opposing the law and 40.2 percent supporting it, per the RealClearPolitics average. Republican strategists advising presidential hopefuls say vows to repeal Obamacare continue to draw big applause on the stump.