Reid Goes for Broke With Public Option Bill

Senate majority leader banks on 60 votes, infuriates Baucus

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 23, 2009 7:46 AM CDT

(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. (AP Photo/Scott Sady)

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. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

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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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Instead of the raft of tax changes President Obama proposed

Pelosi: Inept Obama Team 'Anticipates Nothing'

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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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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Nancy Pelosi • Barack Obama • Charles Schumer • Senate • Harry Reid • Olympia Snowe • Susan Collins • Mary Landrieu • health care reform • Max Baucus • Ben Nelson • public option

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Boehner Cancels Payroll Vote

House Republicans revolt, call for conference committee

Senate Dems Float 5% Millionaires' Tax

Instead of the raft of tax changes President Obama proposed

Pelosi: Inept Obama Team 'Anticipates Nothing'

Harry Reid meanwhile reportedly upset about Obama's jobs bill

Obama Steps Into Budget Talks

President will meet with key lawmakers next week

Threats Against Lawmakers Hit New High in 2010

Emotions ran high during health reform debate

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?