The next health care fight

by David Safier

In sports, you're told never to look beyond the game you're playing. Stay focused! But in chess, you're told to think at least 3 moves ahead.

Dems may not be terrific at sports, but they're truly terrible at chess. Republicans play 3 dimensional chess while Democrats are sitting on a park bench with grandpa playing a middling game of checkers.

Dem strategists, take heed. The Republicans are already onto the next move in the health care chess match. They're taking the battle to the states.

Idaho is leading the charge in a states-rights push to defeat a proposal in Congress that would require people to buy health insurance, a key piece of reforms being pushed by President Barack Obama.

Republican Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter used a ceremony Wednesday afternoon to become the first governor to sign into law a measure requiring the state attorney general to sue the federal government over any such insurance mandates.

Idaho is not alone. Similar measures are making the rounds in 37 states.

This has the potential to be a potent way for Rs to keep the health care debate alive. Because it's a bold move, it'll get all kinds of press. "Can states stop mandatory health insurance?" CNN and local media will ask. The question of the legality of the bill will be brought up over and over. And the crazy base will turn its attention to state legislators, screaming and honking and carrying signs with Hitler mustaches on D legislators.

If Dem strategists don't see this chess move coming, they'll be in check the minute Obama signs the bill.

I'm not a strategist, but here are a few possible Democratic presponses and responses.

Dems have got to repeat, "The Republicans are trying to take away your health care!" over and over, from now until the elections. We've given you affordable health care, regardless of preexisting conditions. They want to take it away from you. We care about you. They care about the fat cats.

Dems have got to say, "Republicans don't respect the law of the land," or something of that nature.

And if Dems can come up with the right way to say, "Sore loser," they can tag Republicans as children lying on the ground kicking and screaming and turning blue because they didn't get their way.

And let's not forget the Party of No. In this case, they're the Party of "No health care for you."

Come on, DNC, Plouffe and whoever else is working on messaging. If you don't have a post-signing strategy in place already, get with it!

UPDATE: We already knew Arizona has one of those bills ready. Here's Brewer getting on board:

Republican state legislators are joining Republican Jan Brewer in decrying the health care overhaul bill awaiting final action by Congress.

Brewer on Wednesday sent letters to Democratic congressional leaders, saying she'll work with other states' leaders to challenge the legislation and what she called "an unfunded mandate" on the state.

Republican legislators took up the issue during floor speeches Thursday, with Republican Sen. Al Melvin of Tucson saying the outcome of the congressional will dictate availability of services and spell "life or death" for seniors.

Didn't you just know Melvin would get in there with a zinger? The health care bill will bring death for seniors. What the hell is he talking about?