Health Care meets mixed reactions on Beacon Hill

BOSTON, Mass. (WHDH) -- Thursday morning’s decision to uphold Obama's Health Care received strong reaction from Beacon Hill. There were a lot of mixed reviews going right down party lines.

As he spoke before the Boston Bar Association, Mayor Tom Menino, like everyone else, seemed to have a watchful eye on Washington as they waited for the landmark ruling by the nation's highest court.

“I’m happy about the decision,” said Mayor Menino, “Working people of America will have a mandate of health care. That is one of the most essential things we need.”

The ruling to uphold the individual insurance requirement had plenty of people calling this a good day.

“I think everyone is going to be more like Massachusetts. So we are already used to it,” said Bernie Zelitch.

“It should have been upheld,” said Joann Blake, “People need health care and they need to have affordable health care.”

“This is the United States of America. I think people who live in this country should have the right to health care whether they can afford it or not,” said Greg Thompson.

Others, like Fran Walsh, have been opposed to Obama's Health Care for a long time.

“I’m against that, I think everything was fine the way it was.”

Boston University political historian, Thomas Whalen said the Supreme Court ruling was monumental for the president.

"This ruling basically puts president Obama in the ranks of F.D.R., Harry Truman, and Lyndon Johnson in bringing about great progressive domestic reform."

Whalen added that this will now define the Obama administration's presidency from here on out.