If Democrats don’t do what they were elected to do, they risk re-election. In other news, water is wet.

A new survey from  Public Policy Poll has shown that, if Democrats do not pass health care reform with a public option, they risk losing reelection bids. I would consider this a “no duh” moment, but apparently pollsters found this surprising.

The survey asked registered voters whether they would choose a Democrat or a Republican next year, if a health care bill with a public option has been passed. Forty-six percent said they would vote for a Democrat, while only 41% said they would vote for a Republican. When asked the same question under the scenario that Congress fails to pass health care reform legislation, the parties tied on the generic ballot, 40%-40%.

While the numbers show that passing health care reform, does not advance their numbers, it also shows that failing to deliver on this will result in them being hurt. Nate Silver went on to say -

Both polling and common sense would seem to dictate that the best way for Democrats to cut their losses would be to pass a health care bill — particularly one with a public option — and then move on to debating financial regulation and a jobs program, where public sentiment should be more on their side. They should probably not expect to gain ground if they pass health care — but they’re likely to lose more if they don’t.

I know that many people I have spoken with have stated their plans to begin voting  independent if the Democrats fail to deliver on a multitude of promises and policy changes. I would consider myself one of those people as well.