Republicans Schwarzenegger, Thompson, Bloomberg Voice Support for Health Reform

First may have been first, but other Republicans have begun voicing support for health care reform. Today California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said the following:

"As governor, I have made significant efforts to advance health reform in California. As the Obama administration was launching the current debate on health care reform, I hosted a bipartisan forum in our state because I believe in the vital importance of this issue, and that it should be addressed through bipartisan cooperation.

Our principal goals, slowing the growth in costs, enhancing the quality of care delivered, improving the lives of individuals, and helping to ensure a strong economic recovery, are the same goals that the president is trying to achieve. I appreciate his partnership with the states and encourage our colleagues on both sides of the political aisle at the national level to move forward and accomplish these vital goals for the American people."

Former Wisconsin governor and Bush-administration secretary of health and human services Tommy Thompson issued a statement with former Democratic House majority leader Richard Gephardt. It calls the legislation "another important step toward achieving the goal of health care reform this year." It goes on to say, "Failure to reach an agreement on health reform this year is not an acceptable option."

New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, currently an Independent but formerly a Republican who was a Democrat before that, said in a statement, "The health reform proposal that Congress will shortly consider is shaping up to merit broad, bipartisan support, incorporating Republican ideas and earning deserved support from Republican leaders such as former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist."

You can read more here and here.