Political Story

Outline:
Lede with statistics – directly into the story
Facts about insurance rate
Quotes
More facts - costs
Healthcare plans and local impact
Closing.

An astonishing 29.2 percent of Whitman County residents do not have current health insurance according to a recent Washington state census, making health care one of the most important issues facing voters this November.
Whitman County has the second highest uninsured rate in the state of Washington and is almost double that of the national average which stands just below 30 percent. This raises the question, would universal health care work here, locally?
“I think it has a chance to work,” said Brian Bell, a member of the Young Democrats student organization. “The cost of insurance today is so extortionate its no wonder that almost 30 percent of people are uninsured.”
With the cost of insurance ever rising, and the economy fighting its way out of a slump, health care just isn’t affordable for many local citizens.
Average income has dropped to just over $35,000, almost $20,000 less than the statewide average. Many local citizens face the tough decision between buying insurance and putting food on the table.
Dennis McConnell is a member of the Pullman Kiwanis Club and is co-owner of the Pullman Gladish Community Center and considers himself a member of the middle class.
“Its tough to come up with the money to keep yourself covered, but when it comes to health I don’t want to take any chances,” McConnell said. “I have friends who haven’t been as lucky and aren’t covered,” he said. “Its just not right.”
President Obama has received significant public attention for his health care bill, and residents of Whitman County are well aware of what his plan means. The issue facing voters next month is choosing the candidates that best represent their beliefs.
Obama hopes his bill will lower the cost of health care and will make plans more secure and stable. It is similar to health care systems in place in countries such as Canada, England and Spain but has its own regulations and stipulations. Despite Obama’s best efforts, some people are not quite as enthusiastic about the plan.
District nine candidate Susan Fagan clearly states her opposition to the universal health care program on her website saying she does not support a government-run program.
Fagan’s opposition Pat Hailey sings a similar tune, saying she does not support the liberal agenda of representatives in Seattle.
“When I decide who I’m voting for it will come down to who wants to help fix our health care system,” says junior Brian Mitchell. “Both district nine candidates seem opposed to Obama’s bill, but they have their own ideas as well.”
Whether its Obama’s bill or a candidate’s new individual idea on the issue, health care will most definitely be in the minds of the voters and at the forefront of November’s election.
Contacts

Brian Bell – 206 718 7576
Dennis McConnell 509 432 5534
Brian Mitchell – 425 275 2254