Mary Landrieu Opposed To Public Health Care Option

Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) said on Tuesday that she is opposed to the creation of a public health care plan patients could opt into that would compete with private insurance.

"No, I'm not open to it. I'm not open to a public option," said Landrieu. "However, I will remain open to a compromise, a full compromise. Public option is not something that I support. I don't think it's the right way to go."

Landrieu is a key swing-voting "centrist" Democrat. Her vote may be less valuable, however, if Democrats decide to move health care reform through the Senate using the reconciliation process, which requires only a majority vote.

In May, Landrieu told the Huffington Post she was leaning against the public option but still considering it. "I am actually not sure," she said at the time. "I don't think I am [for it], but I told the folks that are promoting it that I would talk with them, but I am an original cosponsor of the Wyden-Bennett bipartisan proposal -- the only bipartisan proposal that I know of. And so I'm going to stay focused on that as a core, but I'm not going to shut the door on anything right now."

The Wyden-Bennett plan does not include a public option.

Though she is now opposed to the public option, she said she may still vote for a reform package that includes it. "It would be unlikely, but I'm not saying no, no and no," she said.

"I know there are some people really pushing this public option, but I think it really undermines the essence of our efforts to create a real market-based private sector model but with strong, I guess, safeguards for consumers," she said.

Landrieu said that in her estimation, a public option is not likely to be a part of the final reform plan. "I don't think that's likely, but I'm not counting all the votes," she said.

Asked if there were any other Democrats in the Senate that she knew of firmly opposed to a public option, she didn't miss a beat. "Ben Nelson," said Landrieu.

Get HuffPost Politics On Facebook and Twitter!

Comments

[legalgirl]

Why is she in office? Hasn't Louisiana had enough?

[DA12]

A public option IS the compromise. It's the compromise in lieu of a single-payer plan. She's trying to shift the debate to the right with her nonsense.

[clearthinker2008]

Yeah, I'm thinking "what the hell is a full compromise" if an option to choose isn't one. Oh, I get it we must compromise to her position on there is no reform at all. Umm...No.

[Egberto Willies]

It is shameful that we have gotten the most progressive Congress and President in decades and we are having to fight so hard for reform what the vast majority of Americans want. We must make Democrats that vote against our progressive interest pay by running viable well funded primary candidates against them. Shortly a campaign will be started at http://FailedDemocrats.com that will list all Democrats that have completely disregarded what the majority of Americans have voted for.

Visit:
http://SinglePayerHealthcareNow.com
http://PoliticalTruths.info

[Sparty1]

Could she say anymore and still not say anything? She went round and around and around to say that she's not for it, but she's not saying no, no and no. It amazes me how the politicians from the poorest states don't care to do anything to help their constituents. I'd like to know how much money these public servants are receiving from Pharma and the health care giants.

[hang319]

I just sent my esteemed Senator the following note. I suggest all from Louisiana do the same.

"I am appalled that you would ever consider not supporting a public option for health care coverage, especially considering the dire need for it in Louisiana. Who are you representing, exactly? I would think you might need to reconsider your position on this, as it is contrary to what your constituents need. Your current position on this matter certainly speaks volumes to the manner in which you have abandoned those in Louisiana most in need of your support and representation in Washington. It is too bad you are forcing a majority of your constituents to work against you to get what they need. Aren't Louisiana's poor struggling enough without them having to also work against their own senator to get what they need? There is something really wrong with that picture. Shame on you - REALLY!"

[annjude]

I am not from Louisiana, but I am so angry at the democrats. I hope everyone who is as outraged as I am , work to beat these people in the next election. I will vote for any democrat running against these traitors. Bayh, is first on my list. I expect this from the republicans, I expect more from the democrats. They have no shame. TERM LIMITS!

[Sparty1]

That's a great note. Now that should get her attention. I hope her admin gets it to her.

[BBackSoon]

‘Market-based private sector model but with strong, I guess, safeguards for consumers’

Number one, an adult should not use ‘I guess’ in the middle of a statement.

Number two, the afore mentioned ‘I guess’ is telling about her feelings toward strong safeguards for consumers.

[Tyler-Durden]

"but with strong, uh, some confusing wording to appease the lemmings"

[MESGAIN26]

this biotch need to be voted out she did nothing for New Orleans.
she a brought and paid for corporate ho ad bows to banks

[NWGuy]

What I am missing is a solid explanation as to WHY a public system wouldn't work or why reform should continue the current system. If she can explain why a public system is a poor choice, more than, "I am against it" then maybe it would give her some credibility. There are too many facts showing that the current system doesn't work, so show me how or why a public system would be worse.

[clearthinker2008]

Because the health care mafia said so.

[jsgaetano]

If there's one thing you can always count on conservatives for, it's to work against America's best interest.

[Jason Fischer]

please stop calling yourself a democrat... if you cannot support reforming health care with a government option than you better get out of the democratic party and join the republicans. the system is broken and there are 45 million people like me who do not have health insurance and dont plan on paying $41 a week for employee health insurance, that is just plain ridiculous. if you like your private insurance plan keep it, but im not buying into the corporate insurance system where they have no incentive to payoff there insurees.

[clearthinker2008]

You know, there are way more than 45 million without health care, these numbers go back to before the economy practically collapsed, Millions have lost their jobs, surely it's over 52 million or more by now, of course I'm guessing. However, it has to be worse than before.

[Lemeritus]

Here's a directory. Use it. Find your representative. Find your senators.

http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt

Every hour on the hour, email them. Two words: PUBLIC OPTION.

[annjude]

Also, email them, TERM LIMITS!

[trevor01]

The public option is a recipe for failure. It will result in second class treatment for anyone who doesn't have a gold plated insurance policy backing them up. It isn't on the table but single payer healthcare is the only fair and affordable option. It isn't perfect but it has no competition for efficiency and fairness.

[Gudrun]

"I am actually not sure," what planet has this lady been living on? Doesn't she know about the many uninsured/undersured in our country? The people who work 3 part-time jobs and so don't qualify for benefits? What does it take to get this done???

[windup]

All these politicians who don't support a public option should have their names in the paper and on radio and TV news everyday.

[Digeeedad]

Based on figures supplied at OpenSecrets.org, Sen. Landrieu has received campaign contributions from among others:

Insurance industry: $185, 198
Health Professionals: $285,038
Pharmaceutical Industry: $111,750

This is probably in line with similar donations for other legislators, but nevertheless the above industries are almost certainly NOT lobbying for Public Health.