Casey, Wyden, & Udall Join Call for Public Option Through Reconciliation, Now w/ 33 Supporters

[t0dd]

Source: TPM

Sens. Bob Casey (D-PA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) both announced their support today for a public option to be passed via reconciliation.

Wyden, in a statement, said, "I've long believed we need a more competitive insurance market. If the House version of the public option came up for a vote in reconciliation I would vote yes."

His office did not immediately say whether he plans to sign the public option letter written by Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) to send to Senate leadership. That letter now has 24 signatories.

Last week, Wyden sent out a press release saying he was holding off on signing the letter until after the White House summit.

"Senator Casey has not signed the letter, but supports what the letter calls for," said his spokesman, Larry Smar. "He has been a longtime advocate for a public option. ... He has made this known to Senate leadership as next steps are considered."

"Whether he expressed his support by signing on to the letter or in his own way, the result is the same," Smar added.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/03/casey-and-wyden-support-public-option-through-reconciliation.php?ref=fpb

...

Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO) today also announced his support for passing a public option via reconciliation.

"As part of reform, continues to feel that inclusion of a public option to go head-to-head with private insurers could play a significant role in bringing down costs and offering more affordable options to Coloradans," his office said in a statement. "He thinks it's important that such a plan -- like the one approved in the House bill -- negotiate reimbursement rates while competing on a level playing field with the private sector, and if such a plan comes up for a vote under the reconciliation process, he would vote for it."

Read more: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/03/mark-udall-joins-call-for-public-option.php?ref=fpb

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http://whipcongress.com/ for the latest whip count.

Try as they might, they can't kill that meddlesome public option, nor will they silence the millions of Americans that want true health care reform.

[Arkana]

1. That makes 8 just today.

[harmonicon]

2. yes, but how many say they WON'T vote for a bill unless it has a public option?

Until over 10 senators say that - and mean it - nothing will come of this.

[SlingBlade]

3. I Call Bull Shit ! .... "Senator Casey has not signed the letter, but ...

supports what the letter calls for.

To Casey, Wyden, & Udall ...
I support the Democratic Party, Have not pulled the lever yet, But support what the Democratic Party used to stand for.

In other words, We Shall See. Huh.

The Ball is and has been in THEIR court. Time to stop fucking around and do it, Period.

[Iowa]

4. This is all theater...

When the time comes to make it happen, they will always come up just one or two short of the number needed. Always. This would be true even if the Democratic party had 100% of the House, 100% of the Senate, and the WH.

They simply do not work for us.

[wordpix]

5. and yet my Sen. Dodd refuses to sign onto the PO---good riddance, Dodd

[t0dd]

6. Now 34, Ted Kaufman just signed on..

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/02/ted-kaufman-public-option_n_483145.html

[bamacrat]

7. That's great and all but I have a feeling even if they got 60 votes they wouldnt put it in.

But all they need is 16 more plus Biden or 17 more and reconciliation it is a done deal.