Last week we asked readers to give us some insight on which way benefit brokers lean when it comes to politics. It appears that advisers lean Republican, but at what price?

Before we analyze last week's responses, make sure to go online and answer this week's burning question.

Will HSAs wither or thrive once they lose their presidential champion? Remember, President George W. Bush signed them into law.

Last week's question was, "If brokers voted with their wallets -- picking the candidate that would be best for their bottom line -- who would they choose?"

Overwhelmingly advisers said Republican Senator John McCain. Democratic contenders Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama garnered just under 30% between them.

The majority of survey participants also agreed that benefit brokers/advisers lean Republican generally. Just 2% said they lean Democrat while 12% said they have no preference.

Health care reform still looks like it will be a central campaign issue as the presidential race continues. As it stands right now the Democrats appear to be more willing to keep the existing system while adding features and programs to help pare down the uninsured figure. McCain however says de-emphasizing the role of employers and reinvigorating the competitive market would do much to improve America's health care system.

Some brokers say it's just naive to think Democrats won't wildly reshape the system if given the chance…

Republicans tend to be more capitalistic, free market, less regulation, less taxes, etc. Democrats, especially the current presidential candidates are bent on more of a socialist form of government, although the press and most people don't realize just how far they would take the country given the chance.

Brokers lean Republican because they worry that Democrats will nationalize health care. But of these three specific candidates, they should lean toward Obama because he has not discussed eliminating employer tax breaks on group health plans (like McCain has) and he also has discussed an individual mandate which would flood the marketplace with new potential customers. Further, it seems that Hillary would be the most likely to attempt to nationalize health care. Also, not a good thing for brokers.

And, of course, the old adage about fixing unbroken systems influences some…

Republicans support big business, and brokers -- in general -- work for big business. Their fortunes rise and fall with that of their company. They fail to see any benefit of placing people ahead of big business and the rich. Many are rich so they stay with what they believe made them rich.

Questions? Comments? Email EBA Editor Robert L. Whiddon.

Also, remember to answer this week's burning question. It's just two questions and will take less than two minutes.