McCain deflates GOP hopes for healthcare reform

The hissing sound coming from Washington, D.C., this afternoon is Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., letting the air of the Republican Party’s latest effort to repeal and replace Obamacare. Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Bill Cassidy, R-La., introduced a new healthcare reform package last week that, like GOP’s first attempt earlier this year, would have ended the individual and employer mandates to buy health insurance. It also would have cut federal Obamacare taxes and subsidies and given states more discretion to spend healthcare funds. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said he opposed the bill, meaning Senate Republicans could only afford to lose two more votes. With McCain a decisive no and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, leaning against it, the bill’s chances of passing now are slim to none.