Snowe Could Be Lone GOP Health Care Vote

Democrats hope centrist senator can get them past 60

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 29, 2009 9:15 AM CDT

(Newser) – As health care talks grow more polarized, Democrats are looking to Olympia Snowe as their most likely—and quite possibly only—Republican vote, the New York Times reports. “I certainly hope not!” exclaims Snowe when asked about the possibility. But the centrist Maine senator has long been engaged on health care issues, and believes deeply that reform is necessary.

Democrats have been negotiating with Snowe, Chuck Grassley, and Michael Enzi, the Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee, but Grassley and Enzi seem increasingly at odds with Democrats’ plans. Snowe supports many Democratic ideas, including some form of public insurance, and disdains partisan warfare. “It shouldn’t be about winning and losing,” she says. “If it comes down to all or nothing in this polarizing standoff, that does nothing to serve the interests of this country.”

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (3)]

Olympia Snowe talks about health care reform during an interview at the Associated Press bureau in Portland, Maine, on Monday, June 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach)

Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, talks about health care reform during an interview at the Associated Press bureau in Portland, Maine, on Monday, June 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach)

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They may say they are satisfied now, but it is going to get worse. Something needs to be done. - Olympia Snowe on those who feel satisfied with their health care

She is really in it for the policy. When you think of an ideal senator, regardless of party or philosophy, Olympia Snowe really fits that mold. - Rahm Emanuel

She is in many cases what we would call a RINO. - Chris Chocola, former GOP Congressman and head of the Club for Growth, calling Snowe a 'Republican In Name Only'

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 17 comments

Ucantusethatname

Aug 30, 2009 6:04 AM CDT

Stated like an arrogant, selfish narcissist. Always act in ways that are self-serving. Sounds like a great plan for humanity and society.

Newser001

Aug 30, 2009 3:20 AM CDT

Our healthcare is ranked 37th (and falling) in the world by the WHO - Not first as the GOP purports. This on top of what Poistroad mentions. Combine the two, adding unaffordable healthcare, out of control inflation in the healthcare sector and you'll understand, this isn't sustainable without competition / change. Wake up America. You have to be well informed on the issues in order to contribute; not living on rumors, fallacies projected by the insurance and healthcare industries, which is then regurgitated by the GOP.

DontLikeYou___

Aug 29, 2009 11:09 AM CDT

I love when far left loons tell the GOP how to run their party. Hell, you guys probably don't even have jobs. LOL.

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Politics • Health

Senate • Maine • Olympia Snowe • health care reform • bipartisanship

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Snowe Could Be Lone GOP Health Care Vote