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Burris: It's Public Option or Nothing

Vows not to vote for a bill without it

By the Associated Press

Posted Oct 19, 2009 8:28 AM CDT
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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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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 21 comments
Face-Of-RNC
Oct 20, 2009 12:10 PM CDT
Mindylae - only a person with the luxury of health care insurance could hope for 'let it be nothing.' I cannot accept your list of "here's what needs to be fixed' unless it includes affordable healthcare for at least all children, and a means to counter the corporate greed choking the life out of middle-class and poor Americans.
Face-Of-RNC
Oct 20, 2009 12:01 PM CDT
Thanks for your input Sillytrix. Now we've heard from the 'true Americans.'
lindamae
Oct 20, 2009 6:22 AM CDT
Let it be nothing. Let those without their hands out meet to review the current situation and make valid suggestions. Those who have just voted are going to get great pork handouts for their states - that alone tells me that this whole thing is a sham. Tort reform; prosecution of fraud; interstate competition, are missing in the Bills under review and yet they are the things which are causing all of the problems. They actually think we are morons. That we don't read and think critically.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

 
health care reform • Rod Blagojevich • Roland Burris • public option

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