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Supporters of Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion want to capitalize on the first year of a post-Barack Obama presidency, hoping that a change in the White House will inject new life into efforts that have languished. Nineteen states predominantly controlled by Republicans have yet to embrace the Obamacare program, leaving roughly 3 million low-income individuals without health insurance. Yet there are some signs that opposition is splintering. (Pradhan, 9/26)

Democratic candidate for governor Mike Weinholtz took some tough shots at Republican Gov. Gary Herbert in what will likely be their last debate Monday, but the governor said he has Utahns on his side. ... Throughout the debate, Weinholtz called for the state to do more on a range of topics, including expanding Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act and preserving public lands. The chairman of CHG Healthcare, who has pumped $2.5 million of his own money into the race, criticized the governor for what he said was a "punt" to the Legislature on Medicaid expansion. (Riley Roche, 9/26)

The major Republican and Democratic candidates running for the U.S. Senate divide along party lines when asked whether they support Gov. John Bel Edwards’ decision to allow the working poor to qualify for Medicaid. The four Republicans oppose the Democratic governor’s decision, while the two Democrats support it, according to a survey of the candidates by The Advocate. (Bridges, 9/26)