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.

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Comments

[judiNJ]

OK, I just called both my Senators (both NJ Dems) and told them if they did not support the public option, I would vote against them in their next primary. Also, told them as far as bipartisanship goes, sc***w the Republicans in just that language. Pick up the phone, folks, and let your senators know how you feel.

[kkuchenb]

I just did that, too. Also sent a message to my congressman and to the White House for good measure.

[ignrnthllblly]

As long as our so-called representatives continue to envision health care as a goose which lays golden eggs (and just when they're the most needed), I'll have to let my wager ride that they'll continue to be just too big-hearted to kill it.

[truthfulb]

All I can say is I wish people will remember these senators come time for their reelection. Let your vote be your voice and when Washington see we will not vote for politicians who play politics as usual then we will truly get the lobbyist and the PACs out of the white house and get people who are truly there to serve the interest of the people who put them in office

[KHAAANNN]

Man, the amount of money being spread around by the Insurance and Hospital Industries is amazing isn't it.
At least this proves the old axiom that; "The United States has the most reliable politicians in the world. Once bought, they STAY bought."

[bbbbmer]

Just why is Mary L. a Democrat???? She has voted against major bills almost as often as Joe Lieberman or any other blue dog traitor...­. What kind of drugs is she on??? It was the DNC that stepped in during her last election cycle and provided the means for her to win -- including hard earned money from MY wallet!!! SHE OWES US HER VOTE!!!!!!!

[AZterritory]

Easy for all these rich tools to say this kind of stuff when they have health insurance for life. How she can say this coming from the state she does is beyond me. It is just depressing.

[DeSwiss]

Landrieu = DINO

[layman]

This w h o r e is open for business.

[danonchalant1]

And I do mean "WIDE OPEN"!

[justthomas]

GUESS WHO IS ON THE WAY OUT OF OFFICE IN NEXT ELECTIONS?

[carlgt1]

is anything at all progressive going to get done in Obama's term? So far it's further to the right than Bill Clinton's two terms.

So why exactly are Repugs up in arms, just the name?

[THISTLE]

Let us of us forget, durint Hurricane Katrina, Landrieu was on CNN saying, "George Bush is
doing an outstanding job." Only when Anderson Cooper, called her on that statement, given
the hell that was going on all around New Orleans did she change her tune.
Landrieu is in that camp with Liebermann, she is a disgrace to her state, and to
the Democratic Party. What the hell has she ever done for the state - ZERO.

[AnnikaD]

Oh yes, I remember the interviews with her vividly. Repeatedly declaring "I just want to express my thanks to the President" repeatedly for "all the help coming from Washington­." Bizarre, since NOTHING in the form of help had arrived, Cooper finally said "Thanks for what? Tell me one thing he's done to help?" and she couldn't reply. A few days later she was back on TV in a helicopter, surveying the devastation, shedding crocodile tears about the lack of assistance - and very poorly at that. A disgrace.

[LHoney]

So I'm certain she is not taking her free government­-sponsored health care program thru her employer right? She works for the government, takes free health care thru the government, has a rather generous expense account thru the federal government, but doesn't want her constituents to have government­-sponsored health care because that wouldn't be what is best for them... Un-effing-­believable­...

[Lilith33]

Im so sick of the dinos from the south and midwest ruining everything.

[levibatgirl]

Serving the insurance companies and not the people.

[mredder4]

I'm a proud Blue Dog, but enough is enough, even for me. I can understand and see supporting spending limits in certain areas where they've ballooned out of control, especially farm susbidies, "faith-based" initiatives (still active under Obama, lol), and the military, but health care is different, at least for me. Investment = No more free passes to Democrats who don't support the public option. "Private sector" is synonymous with greed and gouging. It shouldn't be the driving force behind health care anymore.

[Lilith33]

Thanks for Reagan.NOT­!