Missouri Prop C to Test Federal Healthcare Law

Jefferson City (AP) -- The new federal health care law is about to face its first major popularity test.

A Missouri ballot measure Tuesday will challenge President Barack Obama's top policy accomplishment by attempting to reject its mandate that most Americans have health insurance.

The legal effect of Missouri's measure is questionable, because federal laws generally supersede those in states. But its passage could send an ominous political message to Democrats seeking to hang on to their congressional majority in this year's elections.

The proposed Missouri law would prohibit governments from requiring people to have health insurance. It would clash with a new federal requirement that includes penalties for those who don't comply starting in 2014.

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