3 Democrats Could Block Health Bill in Senate

Source: New York Times

Novmber 19, 2009, By CARL HULSE

WASHINGTON — Senator Ben Nelson, Democrat of Nebraska, says he is not sure he is ready to help a Democratic health care proposal clear even the most preliminary hurdle: gaining the 60 votes his party’s leaders need to open debate on the measure later this week.

Two of his fellow Democrats, Senators Mary L. Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, are proving tough sells as well, raising the prospect that one or perhaps all three of them could scuttle the bill before the fight over it even begins on the Senate floor.

“I think what is most important for me is to take a look at what is presented on behalf of Arkansans and figure out whether it is something that really makes sense,” Mrs. Lincoln said Tuesday. “I am responsible to the people of Arkansas, and that is where I will take my direction.”

Typically routine, the procedural approval needed to begin consideration of a bill looms as anything but routine in this instance. Instead, the vote is fast becoming a test of the leadership abilities of Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader. It will also decide at least the near-term prospects of President Obama’s top domestic priority. And it is providing a case study of the Democrats’ difficulties in managing high expectations fueled by large Congressional majorities.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/health/policy/18senat...

Add Lieberman to the bunch and the public option is in trouble. Landrieu is up for re-election next year. She should be challenged from the left. Is any other of this bunch up for re-election? They're playing with people's health and pockets.

Or at least the ones against the public option should have their benefits stopped. No medical insurance until all have medical insurance. Watch the bastards cry when they have to pay all the premiums themselves.

As if Obama has total control of these asstwits.

:eyes:

Who cares? That POS proposed legislation is nothing but fucking ***INSURANCE*** reform. It is a joke to even pretend it is meaningful healthcare reform.

Sad thing is that we have a sitting Dem President with majorities in both the House and Senate. The fact that we do not have a proposal for meaningful healthcare refom on the table means that either the Dems we've elected lack the principled commitment to make that happen and/or Dem leaders are lacking in the political skills to bring it about. Neither alternative make me inclined to support Dem incumbents when they seek rte-election. Fuck 'em. Meaningful healthcare reform is my line in the sand and there is no damn difference between a Dem that does not serve my needs and interests and a puke that does likewise.

wouldn't be far far worse than what we have now??? As pissed as I am at these clowns for their handling of healthcare, I don't for a moment pretend that the country wouldn't be in far worse shape under GOP control. There's been a lot done in one short year, much of it simply un-doing what the last bunch of repugs did.

I'm sorry, but as bad as I want good healthcare passed, I don't for a minute pretend that this country wouldn't be an absolute shambles if we get complacent and let the GOP back in.

I think congress should have their health benefits suspended.	notadmblnd	Nov-19-09 05:17 PM	#1
But I'm told it's Obama's fault.	Drunken Irishman	Nov-19-09 05:27 PM	#2
All these asswipes need to be replaced.	lsewpershad	Nov-19-09 05:55 PM	#3
Ummmm......	Coyote_Bandit	Nov-19-09 05:56 PM	#4
Do you seriously believe that a GOP controlled congress	groundloop	Nov-19-09 11:01 PM	#5
Cross Landrieu off the list...her vote has been purchased for $100 million.	Psephos	Nov-19-09 11:05 PM	#6
duplicate topic	maddezmom	Nov-20-09 02:52 AM	#7