Conservative And Liberal Democrats Warm To Public Option Compromise

[one...two...tree 2,762]

By Brian Butler

Both conservative and liberal Democrats seem to be open to a new public option proposal floated by Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Tom Carper (D-DE) to allow states not to participate in the plan if they decide they don't want to.

A Baucus aide tells me "Senator Baucus will look closely at this proposal, as well as other proposals, and could consider supporting them as part of an overall package as long as it achieved his health care reform goals while getting 60 votes."

Along the same lines, Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) told Politico that he likes the idea of leaving the decision up to the states.

On the other side of the party, Howard Dean says, if he were a member of the Senate, he would vote for the proposal, not because it's his ideal public option, but because it would represent real reform.

And Richard Kirsch, the campaign director for Health Care for America Now says "It is clearly much better than triggers and opt-ins."

Does this mean we're reaching consensus? As I've noted, the idea is still very young, and has a long way to go. But it seems to be finding friends very quickly.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/10...ise.php?ref=fpa

[Empress of Groovy 373]

What would happen to those of us in lame states?

Edited October 8, 2009 by Empress of Groovy

[one...two...tree 2,762]

What would happen to those of us in lame states?

You can come over here and live with us. My parents and siblings all still live in Arizona and I know how cash strapped the state is. Sounds like Terry Goddard might have a good shot at Governor. I think Arizonans are ready and willing to look at alternative solutions that continue down the current path.

[Heracles 417]

I guess it's the only realistic way it's going to be implemented here.

After all, you cannot fix stupid.

[Empress of Groovy 373]

What would happen to those of us in lame states?

You can come over here and live with us. My parents and siblings all still live in Arizona and I know how cash strapped the state is. Sounds like Terry Goddard might have a good shot at Governor. I think Arizonans are ready and willing to look at alternative solutions that continue down the current path.

I'd like to think so, but this place frightens me sometimes...

I love California, warts and all.