Snowe tells Obama aide health care approach

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"When reforms are enacted and implemented, if individuals are not offered affordable choices, the use of a fallback public plan plays a critical role," Snowe said in a prepared statement.



Arden Manning, executive director of the Maine Democratic Party, said Maine party leaders did not participate in the call but are lobbying aggressively on health care.

"We're going to be working to support the president on this issue, along with Organizing for America," he said, referring to a national Democratic campaign already under way in Maine.

The principle hurdle facing Democrats is winning Republican support for a reform that includes a national health insurance option.

Obama and most Democrats argue that a public option is needed to make affordable care available to all.




Though Snowe says she is willing to embrace a national plan as a last-ditch option, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, has not taken a detailed position on the issue. Collins, who does not serve on a committee dealing with health care, has said she wants to see the particulars of whatever legislation arrives on the Senate floor.

Maine's two House members, U.S. Reps. Chellie Pingree and Mike Michaud, both Democrats, support a public health insurance plan, which is included in a bill introduced by House leaders.


http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=261272&ac=PHnws