Prop C passes with nearly three-quarters of state vote

Southeast Missouri overwhelmingly supported Proposition C, the referendum on a state law that was widely viewed as a statement on whether voters support federal health care legislation.

The measure won almost 80 percent of the vote in Cape Girardeau, Perry, Scott and Bollinger counties. In Cape Girardeau County, the measure received 11,526 votes, or 78.5 percent of the vote, to 3,152 votes against. The heaviest vote in favor of Proposition C was recorded in Scott County, where 83.4 percent of voters supported the measure.

Statewide, Proposition C drew the support of 71.5 percent of voters Tuesday.

For several voters in Cape Girardeau County, Proposition C was the item on the ballot that brought them to the polls.

"I want the government out of my insurance," Keith Daum, one of more than 900 people who had voted by 2 p.m. in two precincts at the Arena Building. "I want to decide what I need."

Kathy Lee, who voted at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1820 Perryville Road, said she was voting in favor of Proposition C to send a message about the growth of government. "I don't want the government dictating whether I should buy health insurance or not."

The effect of Proposition C is uncertain because it is does not directly address whether the state is attempting to prevent the federal law from being enforced in the state.

rkeller@semissourian.com

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