Protesters hold a small peaceful demonstration in support of health care. Photo: William Campbell-Corbis via Getty Images
The Washington Post reports that "[f]or the first time in nearly a decade," the GOP isn't touting its attack plan of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act.
The big picture: Per the Post, for four election cycles, Republicans used their fight against the ACA as a centerpiece to their campaigns. That promise also brought in loads of money from conservative groups. But after winning the White House and taking majority in Congress, they were unable to follow through.
What's next: As health insurance takes a front seat in the midterm election, Republicans are focusing on individual pieces of the ACA instead of repealing it in its entirety, the Post reports.
Rep. Tom MacArthur, who played a key role in the ACA rollback bill that passed the House, told the Post that Republicans "probably can't talk credibly about repeal and replace anymore."
- But some Republicans are still focused on it. Per the Post, Sen. Ted Cruz said repeal and replace is "a promise virtually every Republican made to voters," and that they need to "finish the job."