Obamacare Opposition Contributes To Blue Dogs’ Primary Losses

Last night, Rep. Jason Altmire lost his Democratic primary battle against fellow congressman Mark Critz. Altmire, who currently represents the state’s 4th District, was forced into a primary challenge against Critz after redistricting. Critz represented the original 12th District.

Altmire was considered the early favorite, but soon Critz was boosted by the support of several unions — including the SEIU and the United Steelworkers — who were upset that Altmire voted against the Affordable Care Act. Critz took office after it had already passed; he has said he opposes the bill but will not vote to repeal it.

In the race for the Democratic nomination in the 17th District, progressive attorney Matt Cartwright defeated Rep. Tim Holden. Cartwright had frequently attacked Holden for his vote against Obamacare, at one point claiming Holden was “voting with the insurance companies and against health care reform.”

-Zachary Bernstein