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Lieberman Won't Sink Health Reform: Reid

Indy senator promises he'll vote with Dems to end filibuster

By Caroline Miller,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 3, 2009 8:43 AM CST
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(Newser) – Forget all the grandstanding about joining a GOP filibuster of health care reform if it contains any kind of public option: Sen. Joe Lieberman won't do it, Harry Reid tells liberal interest groups, who tell the Hill. He has a deal with the Connecticut Independent, the majority leader claims. Lieberman is the likeliest lawmaker outside the Democratic caucus to provide the extra vote needed to shut down a GOP filibuster.

Insiders assume Lieberman’s tough talk is meant to gain concessions for his corporate constituency, which includes many health insurers. But “at the end of the day Sen. Lieberman will vote to cut off debate,” an activist tells the Hill. “He’s making a lot of noise.” One source who confirmed the deal between the two senators was still a bit skeptical. Lieberman is “one of those characters—you never know with Joe.”

Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009.
Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., center, flanked by Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin of Ill., left, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev.
Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., center, flanked by Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin of Ill., left, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev.   (AP Photo)
Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn.
Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn.   (AP Photo)
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Maybe he’s talking tough to get the public option watered down or he’s trying to get some stuff for himself on other topics or on other sections of the legislation. He’s basically trying to be a senator. - DC source, on Lieberman

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 20 comments
tomodachi
Nov 3, 2009 9:36 AM CST
You’re right… I completely agree. These people think there’s an unlimited supply of money coming from the taxpaying public. It’s got to stop… and it won’t until enough people are focused on the idea that legislators need to be reformed.
ljm
Nov 3, 2009 7:02 AM CST
@Tomo, I agree with you the practice needs to be stopped and many citizens pay lipservice to the idea. However, until there is a grassroots uprising to force the hands of legislators it won't happen. A staple in any campaign lit is how much "bacon" the congressperson has brought back to the state/distirct and it helps them get re-elected. Until there is a widespread grassroots movement like we are seeing with HC this issue will remain.
hybrid
Nov 3, 2009 6:19 AM CST
@ronimaca well if we are going to play the spin game lets play,,,i inject that 40% of people call themselves conservitive 32% call themselves Liberal,,,,OH george didnt reveal that part of the poll, but feel free to look it up. This is my problem with many polls out there, they can be reported in any flavor you want.

 
Congress • Senate • Harry Reid • Democratic caucus • Joe Lieberman • filibuster • cloture • health care reform • health insurance industry • concessions

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