NASHVILLE, TN – Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney issued the following statement after the spring 2010 Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) political poll showed that the majority of Tennesseans believe that Congress should start over on health reform:

“This poll is another indication of what Republicans have been saying all along,” said Devaney. “Tennesseans don’t want a government takeover of their health care and Democrats should start listening to the voters and work on common-sense reforms that lower costs, not expand government-run health care.”

Following is a summary of MTSU poll findings regarding Tennesseans and the health care debate:

Health reform: Most Tennesseans want a do-over

When asked what Congress should do next on health reform, a majority of Tennesseans, 53 percent, say Congress should start on a new bill. Twenty-two percent say Congress should pass a bill similar those the House and Senate have passed. Only sixteen percent say Congress should stop working on health reform altogether…

Most of Tennessee’s independents, 63 percent, say Congress should start work on a new health reform bill, followed by 19 percent who say something like the current bills should be passed, and 18 percent who say Congress should just stop working on health reform.

Tennessee Democrat Congressmen voting in favor of the Obama/Pelosi/Reid government takeover of health care last November were Reps. Steve Cohen and Jim Cooper. However, the Associated Press reported this week that so-called Blue Dogs John Tanner and Bart Gordon were amongst a small group of Democrats who would not say whether they planned to vote against the latest version of the legislation that is expected to come up for a vote soon. Reps. Tanner and Gordon have announced they will not be seeking re-election this year.

“It was very disappointing when Rep. Jim Cooper voted in lock step with Speaker Pelosi in November, especially after openly admitting it was bad policy,” continued Devaney. “But even more disturbing is the refusal of Reps. Gordon and Tanner to make clear they remain opposed to the latest, yet equally reckless proposal that could be rammed through Congress in the coming weeks. Announcing your retirement doesn’t give you the right to abandon those you are elected to represent. It is my hope that when the time comes, Tennessee Democrats will put their constituents ahead of their liberal leadership and vote against anything that would put government bureaucrats in between Tennesseans and their health care.”