Advocates of government-run universal health care in Portland, Maine claimed a narrow victory yesterday in anonbonding referendum. Nearly 52% of the city’s residents supported the idea that the state should provide universalhealth care.

The universal health care advocates won despite being outspent more than 25-1 by opponents backed by the state’sinsurance companies. They poured nearly $400,000 into a massive TV blitz aimed at overcoming the efforts ofgrassroots activists who had been pushing the measure. They hope the vote will resound with state legislators whenthey reconvene in January.

Guest:

• John Deaven Bocker-Crawl, Co-Director of the Maine People’s Alliance, which spearheaded the universalhealth care initiative.

Related link:

• Physicians for a National Health Plan