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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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27

Burris: It's Public Option or Nothing

Vows not to vote for a bill without it

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(AP) – For Democrats determined to get a health care bill, Sen. Roland Burris is like the house guest who couldn't be refused, won't soon be leaving, and poses a plausible threat of ruining holiday dinner. Suddenly, he can no longer be ignored. Rod Blagojevich's appointee says he'll only vote for a health care bill if it includes a public option—and he won't compromise.

"I would not support a bill that does not have a public option," Burris, 72, tells the AP. "That position will not change." Nor will he vote for compromises, like Olympia Snowe's "triggered" plan, or Tom Carper's state-run version. Democrats will need Burris' vote to crack 60, but leadership isn't talking to him; they've done their best to ignore Burris since grudgingly seating him. Asked if he feels respected or listened to, Burris seems puzzled. "Yes. I'm a senator from Illinois representing 13 million people," he says. "I'm very busy."

Roland Burris is interviewed by the Associated Press in his Capitol Hill office in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009.
Roland Burris is interviewed by the Associated Press in his Capitol Hill office in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009.   (Charles Dharapak)
Roland Burris is interviewed by the Associated Press in his Capitol Hill office in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009.
Roland Burris is interviewed by the Associated Press in his Capitol Hill office in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009.   (Charles Dharapak)
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27 comments
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Timinator2K
Oct 19, 09 8:33 AM CDT
Then, let it be NOTHING. Health Care/Tort Reform, YES WE CAN!... NOT Health Care Crash & Burn just to make the Regressives happy. Reply
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-12
IN RESPONSE:
Wraith
Oct 19, 09 8:44 AM CDT
Poor Timmi the Troll, it SHALL have a public option, blue dog's Republicans crying NO and all. You were told it would happen but your still in denial as is the frayed remnants of what was once a viable party and now is a hollow collective of Birthers and other fringe groups. Yes we can has become yes we shall right over your no saying party's remains
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+8
IN RESPONSE:
Janniel
Oct 19, 09 8:46 AM CDT
Agree. But it should be single-payer or nothing.
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+4
IN RESPONSE:
RockyPneumonia
Oct 19, 09 8:55 AM CDT
As thoroughly thought-out as most of your posts, Tim...which is to say, not at all.
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+3
IN RESPONSE:
godawgs
Oct 19, 09 8:56 AM CDT
@wraith so you check out those stimulus numbers yet?
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-1
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