Tonight’s debate comes as nonpartisan election forecaster shifts IA-03 to “Lean Democrat”
Tonight, Representative Cindy Axne and rejected Congressman David Young will face off in their third and final TV debate of 2020, and David Young’s chances of reclaiming the seat are looking less likely than ever. Last week, the Cook Political Report shifted the district from toss-up to “Lean Democrat,” noting that Republicans are growing “increasingly pessimistic about Young’s changes” amid sustained attacks on his record of voting to repeal protections for Iowans with pre-existing conditions.
In their first two TV debates, Cindy Axne put Young firmly on defense, reminding voters that he “voted multiple times to repeal the Affordable Care Act, President Barack Obama’s signature piece of legislation that contained a provision that would guarantee that insurers provide coverage for customers with pre-existing conditions.”
Ahead of tonight’s debate, here’s what else you need to know about David Young’s record when it comes to voters’ number one concern:
- In 2015, David Young voted for a full repeal of protections for Iowans with pre-existing conditions, without a replacement. In total, Young voted seven different times to repeal the ACA during his Congressional career.
- In March of 2017, David Young said he would oppose the GOP healthcare bill. A day later, the Congressional Leadership Fund announced they would no longer support David Young’s re-election bid, prompting Young to turn his back on Iowans by voting for the American Health Care Act, which would have gutted coverage for essential health benefits and protections for people with pre-existing conditions. It also would have created an age tax on seniors and included an amendment that allowed health insurance companies to charge people with pre-existing conditions more.
- David Young also voted in favor of the GOP tax scam, which besides just taking money from the middle class, raised premiums by 10 percent and ripped health insurance away from 13 million people.
- On his way to losing his seat over his AHCA vote, Young and 27 other Republicans in vulnerable districts tried to put forth a resolution expressing concern about people with pre-existing conditions. Despite Young’s claims, all the resolution does is express an opinion; it does not take any actionable steps to protect people with pre-existing conditions.
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