Conrad: Public Plan Doesn't Have The Votes In Senate

The Washington Post:

Earlier today, Sen. Kent Conrad, the North Dakota Democrat who chairs the Senate Budget Committee, introduced a "potential compromise" on the public plan: A system of federally-chartered co-ops that could offer a non-profit alternative to the for-profit insurance industry. In this telling, the co-ops preserve the central feature of the public plan -- they're a competitor to the traditional insurance industry -- but are free from the baggage of government control.

I spoke to the Senator this evening about the co-op model, and he said a few things that surprised me. First, his search for an alternative was on behalf of the G-11 -- the key Senate powerbrokers on health care. Second, it proceeded from the premise that the public plan doesn't have the votes. All Republicans are opposed and, according to Conrad, "at least three Democrats." And third, he thinks reconciliation is basically out as a viable option for comprehensive health reform.

Read the whole story: The Washington Post

Comments

[ljc]

HMMMM> Maybe the "public" won't have enough "votes" to re-elect these traitors. Tell them that Mr. Conrad.

[theone718]

We have 60 Democrats in the Senate. If they don't pass a public option I will only vote for the challenger from now onw. I'll never vote for an incumbent.

[quindy]

Same with me.

[frappe]

ditto - they don't deserve our votes -- but let's make sure that the revolving door between K St. and Congress is slammed shut so that they don't have anywhere to scamper to for their payoffs when they do finally get tossed from office.

[lwfky]

I totally agree. And I pledge to contribute to the campaign of any primary challenger of these jerks who agrees to fight for his constituents instead of his corporate contributors!

[jonbw]

Take the pledge or start your own. The important thing is to let them know we have the numbers and the dollars.

http://sites.google.com/a/callforhealthcare.com/callforhealthcare/sign-pledge

[vippy]

Let us all bombard them with phone calls to their offices like we did with the bailout for the banks!
This should get their attention. I just saw an advertisement on FOX NEWS that said call this number and you are against the Nationalized Public Healthcare. Of course, if it is good for us they try to convince us that it is really BAD for us. Take their healthcare coverage away, which is socialist, we, the tax payer are paying for it. Let them fund their own. And make it a law that they cannot receive
money from lobbyists, we will never have a chance if this continues. Next election vote them all out of office. Enforce the 4 year term limit every 4 years!

[Grunty1]

[All Republicans are opposed and, according to Conrad, "at least three Democrats." ]

So a majority supports it?

[frappe]

No, he's conveniently speaking in the context of that anti-filibustering 60 vote majority.

Yes, the majority supports a public option. But, the truth be told, they're more interested in appeasing the special interest groups and lobbyists who represent the status quo -- private insurers, pharmaceuticals, etc. -- than he is in representing the needs and the interests of the American public -- his real constituency.

This is so very frustrating for those of us who worked so hard for a clear Democratic majority only to find that those same Democrats kneel at the altar of K St. rather than kneel at the altar of Main St.

[SarcastroBO]

It is funny that Conrad bashes Democrats for using reconciliation in a way it was not meant to be used, but he doesn't mention that the way Republicans use the filibuster is not the way it was originally intended either. Actually, it is just plain hilarious how he is coming down on the side of Republicans on health care. Way to stand up for your constituents Senator Conrad. Why is it so easy for corporations to buy Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming politicians?

[OurKoan]

CYA big time!! They love the doomed issues that they can still very very tepidly support, to "please" the constituents, but still make sure the $$$ backers keep their status quo. Plus, with the added incentive of $$$ to those Senators who will choose to be a roadblock, we are screwed.

[jeliz]

It's unacceptable, Senators. Why don't some of you stop taking money from the lobbyists against healthcare reform and look out for your constitutents. Remember us? The American people who have no money to give you, yet we pay your salaries and provide you with a comprehensive benefit package. Whores take money for favors. I wonder what that makes the House and Senate?

I voted for change. How many times must I regret my vote when real change doesn't come and it's only being given lip service?

[SarcastroBO]

There could have been some better names for this article. For example:

Senator balks at improving our nation's health care, but seeks to avoid looking like total jerk

In interview, Senator Conrad explains he actually prefers his party to not hold majorities in Washington

Senator Conrad takes strong stance and rejects foundation of his party

[Grunty1]

Then give us the names of those who oppse. We'll do the rest.

[chiara12]

How do we find out who the "three Democrats" are who are opposed to the public option?

[SarcastroBO]

Senator Conrad is going to give himself away like that.

[debrief]

He's probably lying, if not Ben nelson, mary landrieu and mark pryor are my selections.