Leading Democrat signals willingness to forgo public option [View All]

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Source: Miami Herald

The House of Representatives' No. 2 Democrat said Tuesday that he could back a health care overhaul that didn't include a government-run health care plan, or "public option" in the parlance of Capitol Hill.

"If the public option weren't in there, I still could support a bill, because there's a lot in there that's good," said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., speaking at a news conference that kicked off Congress' return to work after a monthlong summer recess.

Hoyer said he had spoken to Democratic members of Congress in recent weeks and they had a similar message: People want changes in health care policy, but many members are wary of a government-run insurance plan that would compete with the private sector.

Hoyer's views appear different from those of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.: "Any real change requires the inclusion of a strong public option to promote competition and bring down costs," she said in a statement Thursday. "If a vigorous public option is not included, it would be a major victory for the health insurance industry."

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/1223192.html