Fading Hope for Healthcare Reform in 2009?

Top Congressional Democrats are apparently concerned about any version of a healthcare reform bill passing through both houses in 2009. Despite continued progress and the fact that this is the hottest political topic in the nation currently, this serves as a reminder that there is still a long way to go.

Lack of progress will likely be a blow to the White House, which has appeared confident that a bill would be signed by President Obama by the end of this year. Notably, many politicians will be starting campaigns for hotly contested seats in the spring, a fact that takes on added significance if the results of tonight's gubernatorial races are any indication. If Republicans appear to be gaining further traction in close races, expect moving up the timeline on this legislation to be a high priority for Democrat leadership over the next few months.