The Syracuse.com/Post-Standard/Siena College poll shows 17 percent of potential voters surveyed say health care is the most important issue to them. In recent interviews, the two candidates in the 24th Congressional District race say there are good things and bad things about it.
Democrat two-term Rep. Dan Maffei voted for the Affordable Care Act back in 2010, and he says he still supports the reforms that came with it. But he admits there are problems.
“It isn’t perfect, and there are areas where I think we need continued reform, or even changes in the Affordable Care Act. But the way to do that is not to sit back and criticize it, and say this was a mistake, it’s to work together and reform it,” said Maffei. “It’s here to stay, but we need to work together with the community to change it. And I’ve worked hard with local businesses to make sure they know their options and can make whatever transition is necessary.”
His election opponent, former federal prosecutor and Republican John Katko, wants to tap into the concerns about ACA. And he sees Obamacare adding to the tax burdens that are driving businesses out of central New York.
“Now you’re grafting on to those systemic problems, the Obamacare issue, which is costing them more money and making them that much less competitive,” said Katko.
Bus as for how to fix it, Katko does not got as far as some Republicans.
“I don’t subscribe to repealing Obamacare and have nothing to replace it. What I subscribe to is trying to fix Obamacare, and there’s a lot of things to fix,” said Katko.
Maffei wants to make sure some parts of the legislation stay intact.
“The road forward is to work forward in a bipartisan way to change the parts that need fixing, and make sure that everyone has access to the good things in the affordable care act, and there are many,” said Maffei.
Positives both candidates agree come from the Affordable Care Act include increased access to health care and rules that don’t let individuals with pre-existing conditions be denied coverage.
