Trio of ‘defund’ defectors face tough 2014 races

Matheson’s district gave President Obama just 30 percent of its vote in 2012, while McIntyre’s gave him 40 percent. Both have been longtime opponents of the law, voting against it in the House and voting for its repeal on numerous occasions.

“Keeping our government operational is vital and today’s vote does that,” McIntyre said in a statement on the vote. “My record on the health care law has been crystal clear — I voted against it when it was first considered, have voted to repeal it dozens of times, and today voted to defund it. The need for health care reform is clear, but this law is not the right approach for our citizens, communities, and businesses.”

Rigell represents a swing district with a large and growing African American population — President Obama carried it by a slim margin in both of his elections. He’s facing a potentially tough candidate in retired Navy Cmdr. Suzanne Patrick (D).

Rigell said he opposed the bill because it didn’t restore funding cut by sequestration. His heavily military district has been hard-hit by its cuts to military spending.

“This CR fails to address the sequester that is negatively impacting those who wear our nation’s uniform and is the result of Congress’ inability to pass the 12 appropriations bills necessary to properly fund the government on time,” he said. “What is needed is a comprehensive solution to our nation’s fiscal challenges, including a replacement for sequestration.”

This post was updated at 1:10 p.m.