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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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Reid Goes for Broke With Public Option Bill

Senate majority leader banks on 60 votes, infuriates Baucus

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(Newser) – Harry Reid is preparing to bring a health reform bill that includes a public option to the floor of the Senate, gambling that his 60-member caucus will support the plan if it contains opt-out measures for individual states. The majority leader and other senators met with Barack Obama yesterday to discuss strategy, although the president did not explicitly endorse the approach. Polls show a clear majority supports a public option, and Nancy Pelosi is bringing a bill containing one through the House.

New York's Chuck Schumer and other liberal senators have been pushing for a public option in the first bill; as one Democrat said, "It's better to show some fight." But some moderates—including Democrats Ben Nelson and Mary Landrieu, as well as Maine's two Republicans—are reluctant to vote for a public option bill even if it includes opt-outs. Reid is now working with Max Baucus on a final bill, but ABC's Jonathan Karl reports the Montana senator "went to Defcon 1" when informed of the plan.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, with Vice President Joe Biden, right, speaks at the University of Nevada in Reno, Friday, Oct. 16, 2009.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, with Vice President Joe Biden, right, speaks at the University of Nevada in Reno, Friday, Oct. 16, 2009.   (AP Photo/Scott Sady)
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, outside the West Wing of the White House.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, outside the West Wing of the White House.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Sens. Harry Reid, Patrick Leahy and Chuck Schumer in Washington.
Sens. Harry Reid, Patrick Leahy and Chuck Schumer in Washington.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
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22 comments
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Doctor_Zaius
Oct 23, 09 7:30 AM CDT
Glad to see Harry has grown some stones. Reply
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+6
IN RESPONSE:
rkossik
Oct 23, 09 7:49 AM CDT
The future of continued Democratic rule depends on passing a strong public option. If Democrats don't deliver on the promises they made during the last election, the voters will not keep them in power.
Vote up! Vote down!
+3
IN RESPONSE:
Snarfeh
Oct 23, 09 11:01 AM CDT
They are not fully developed yet. When they start producing testosterone, then we'll know he has actually grown some...
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0
IN RESPONSE:
doingtherightthing
Oct 23, 09 12:24 PM CDT
since none of you live in the Nevada area I'll give you a hint on how Reid stands with the voters in Nevada....... He's at 30+ approval rating, and its sliding down. His son is running for office in Vegas. This is called a infestation of Reid's by the public who doesn't want them..... Reid's current actions are not him growing balls but, its him poking a finger in the eye of the majority of Nevadians who don't want "public option"....now you know the truth trolls.....Reid will be ousted in 2010, its a wonderful thing trolls.....
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IN RESPONSE:
ljm
Oct 23, 09 2:49 PM CDT
@rightthing, As the senate president Reid has an obligation not just to Arizona but to Democrats across the nation. The majority of Dems support the public option, therefore it is incumbent on him to work toward the will of his party. If he is unwilling to do so then the Democratic Party needs knew leadership in the Senate. @DZ, If he has really "grown some stones" he will put real pressure on the blue dogs and Lieberman. I have not seen any evidence of this yet, but it could be happening behind the scenes.
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