Missouri rejects mandatory insurance

Shocking news. Who could have predicted? Mandatory insurance coverage isn't popular among Republicans in Missouri. The vote doesn't actually change the law. However, the GOP and their conservative apologists are trying to spin it as a huge referendum on the reforms. Perhaps they forgot that wasn't a popular provision on either side of the fence -- ever. Meanwhile, as the more well received provisions have begun to take effect, public approval of the overall law is rising.

All of which means nothing. While goverance is slow, politics are fast and volatile. It's a long way to November and any unexpected event can change everything. But barring that, and judging from the current pace of the economic recovery, it's more likely jobs will still be the issue driving the electorate.