Conservatives backing down -- two more wins for Obama

 Chalk up two more wins for President Obama today.

1.  In addition to the Republicans who are sponsoring a bill to force more sanctions on Iran, Democratic Senator Bob Menendez is a co-sponsor of the legislation;  and nine other Democratic senators had planned to vote for the sanctions.    This, despite the president's veto threat and his plea that it would likely destroy the delicate negotiations with Iran.

Today, Sen. Menendez announced that he and the other Democratic senators would not back the passage of such a bill until after March 24 and only then if there has been no framework agreement with the Iranians.

This is a major reversal from some conservative Democrats who were defying the president on this issue -- led by hawkish Sen. Menendez, who is the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

2.  Also today, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence became the latest Republican governor to expand Medicaid in his state under the Affordable Care Act.   Last year, most Republican governors blocked their states from taking advantage of the federal dollars made available -- and instead have a multi-state suit against the Obama administration over the issue.

But gradually, they have begun to come around.    It helps that the Health and Human Services department is allowing some flexibility in states adapting the original plan in different ways.   The Indiana plan differs greatly from traditional Medicaid, building on the state's 7 year old plan which combines high-deductible health insurance and health savings accounts.   It requires enrollees to make some contribution into their accounts, based on income.

HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell said in a press release:  “The administration will continue to work with governors interested in expanding Medicaid to devise approaches that work for their states while keeping faith with the law’s goals and consumer protections."

So far, 28 states and the District of Columbia have expanded Medicaid under the ACA.   Georgia continues to be one of the others.   We need to do this.   The political wisdom is shifting:   it's the thing to do now to devise a program that will fit the ACA model broadly and yet give your state its unique plan that you can claim credit for.

Gov. Deal, are you listening?  

Ralph