If you were hoping the Supreme Court would put a speedy end to the Obama administration’s healthcare reform program, you’re out of luck.
The High Court took a pass on fast-tracking a case filed by Virginia attorney general Ken Cuccinelli, who sought a decision on the law’s constitutionality.
In a press release, Cuccinelli acknowledged that the Supreme Court “rarely expedites” cases in such a manner, so the decision was “disappointing (but) not surprising.”
The upshot is that court review of the law will follow the normal federal appeals process. Hearings are scheduled in three different appeals courts over the next couple of months.
Halftime score: 5-3 in favor
Five federal district court judges have ruled on lawsuits challenging the law — three have upheld it and two have declared it unconstitutional.
Not surprisingly, the judges’ decisions have followed party lines. The three upholding the law are Democratic appointees; the two who ruled against it were Republican appointees.
