Democracy for America Founder Gov. Howard Dean presents over 400,000 signatures from Americans demanding a public health insurance option

WASHINGTON, DC—Gov. Howard Dean presented 400,000 signatures in support of a public health insurance option at a massive health care rally on Capitol Hill today, a demonstration of recent polling saying a public option is overwhelmingly supported by a majority of Americans. The signatures were gathered as part of Democracy for America’s Stand with Dr. Dean campaign, a massive grassroots effort to ensure that health care reform includes a public health insurance option available to everyone in America.

Throughout the week leading up to today’s rally at the Upper Senate Park, DFA members delivered petition signatures locally to the district offices of their Senators and Congressional Representatives.

In numerous polls, a public health insurance option has bi-partisan support among voters. The NBC/New York Times poll indicates over 76% of Americans favor having the choice of a government health insurance plan. With some polls showing over 80% support and others reporting even over 50% of Republicans in support, it is clear that America wants health care reform that provides choice, not more of the same broken system.

Gov. Dean, a doctor and former Vermont governor, is lead advocate for a public health insurance option, saying, “Over 75% of Americans, including 50% of Republicans, support a public health insurance option. They understand that to have real health care reform, we must have a public option that gives every American a choice in their health care. Failure to pass a plan with a public option is not real reform. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are making their voices heard on this issue. If Congress fails to listen, the American people will hold them accountable."

Since its launch in March, the Stand with Dr. Dean campaign has mobilized DFA’s one million members in a multi-faceted campaign that includes online organizing and on-the-ground mobilization. In addition to the petition, members wrote 34,000 Letters to the Editors of local papers nationwide, attended health care town halls across the country, and made tens of thousands of calls and sent tens of thousands of emails to Congress in support of a public option.

“We’ve waited too long and come too far for Congress to take a half-step when a big step is needed,” said Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America. “That’s why it’s so key for the grassroots to remain involved in the fight for real reform. It’s up to each of us to do our part to make history and win health care for all.”

The health care rally—called Health Care 09. We Can’t Wait—was coordinated by Health Care for America Now (HCAN) and included involvement from hundreds of other progressive organizations, in addition to DFA.