Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin III has quickly become a favorite of Republicans with his quest to delay the individual mandate to buy health insurance under Obamacare. Though that effort doesn't seem to have much traction, it's one that could start giving vulnerable Democrats heartburn. The West Virginian announced Wednesday that he is working with Georgia GOP Sen. Johnny Isakson to craft a one-year delay of the insurance requirement of the landmark health care law. That idea has already picked up the endorsement of Michelle Nunn, the Democrat seeking Georgia's open Senate seat in 2014. "It has become apparent in recent weeks that implementing this law will take some time. That's why I supported a delay in the mandate on businesses," Nunn said in a statement. "And it is why, I believe that in light of the recent implementation challenges, I agree with bipartisan efforts led by Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson to postpone the insurance penalty for Georgia families." But many incumbent Senate Democrats — even some from conservative-leaning territories — have shown far less favor to the year delay, despite the deeply troubled rollout of the government website intended to help the uninsured buy coverage. North Carolina Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan says the administration should waive the tax penalty for not having coverage during what she says should be a two-month extension of the open enrollment for the new exchanges. (more…)
