HME Winds Shift Toward McCain

ATLANTA–While the election countdown is now just hours away,
the National Association of Independent Medical Equipment Suppliers
conducted a straw poll at Medtrade last week to see how the
presidential wind was blowing.

According to 183 show attendees, it was shifting toward Sen. John
McCain. With the poll concluded at 2 p.m. on Thursday, 64 percent
of participating voters cast ballots for Republican McCain, with 30
percent favoring Democratic candidate Sen. Barack Obama and 6
percent still undecided.

“But look at this,” said Wayne Stanfield, NAIMES
president. “Even though 64 percent voted for McCain to be
president, 69 percent said the Democrats will win the White House
… The main thing is, we’ve got to educate Congress on our
issues no matter who wins.”

Here is how voters answered NAIMES’ questions on political
parties and other issues affecting the industry:

1. Do you think the DME industry will fare better under a
Democratic administration?
Yes 44%     No 56%

2. Do you think having a Republican administration and a
Democratic Congress is better for the DME industry?
Yes 50%     No 50%

3. Do you feel the Republicans have a tarnished image after the
last eight years?
Yes 80%     No 20%

4. Do you feel that the next Congress will repeal competitive
bidding?
Yes 47%     No 53%

5. Do you feel that the oxygen cap should be repealed in light
of recent cuts?
Yes 60%     No 40%

6. Despite your political position, do you feel that the
Democrats will win the White House?
Yes 69%     No 31%

7. Does your representative know you by name and face?
Yes 53%     No 47%