Bill Nelson comes out for public option, now 41 (Actually 44) Senators in favor with 50 in sight

[kpete]

Source: Open Left

Bill Nelson comes out for public option, now 41 Senators in favor with 50 in sight
by: Chris Bowers
Wed Mar 10, 2010 at 16:38
Bill Nelson is in favor of passing a public option through reconciliation:

............................

Nelson, asked by HuffPost if he would vote for a public option on the Senate floor, was unequivocal. "Yes," he said firmly. "I've already voted for it in the committee, in the Finance Committee."

Two big implications for the Senate whip count:

1. On Reconciliation
That makes 54 Senators publicly open to using reconciliation to finish health reform. It is actually 55 if you trust Joe Lieberman, which no one should.

Only Blanche Lincoln is opposed. Kay Hagan, Mark Warner and Jim Webb have not taken a stance.

2. On the public option
That makes 41 Senators in favor of passing a public option through reconciliation. Additionally, Tom Harkin, Claire McCaskill and Herb Kohl all support the public option, and support reconciliation, but just haven't stated they would support a public option in reconciliation. So really, the number of public option supporters is 44.

Read more: http://www.openleft.com/diary/17767/bill-nelson-comes-out-for-public-option-now-41-senators-in-favor-with-50-in-sight

[Oregone]

1. But what the 'public option' is seems to be a less important matter all together

[Mithreal]

5. Indeed, but there is a need to focus on a simple majority vote in the Senate

The President says we can't govern with a simple majority, hog-snot. I looked for a video of him having said this, had trouble, found a link with a video that my slow connection doesn't seem to be able to handle, wasn't the one I was looking for, has to be several better.

http://vodpod.com/watch/3161388-obama-video-the-importance-of-60-votes-over-a-majority-vote-cant-govern-with-a-majority-vote

description below the video: In this video, Obama talks about the importance of having a 60+ vote to "govern" properly in America: You need 60 votes to get something significant to happen. 50+1 margin - "you can't govern - you can't deliver on health care" "If we want to transform the country though, that requires a sizeable majority."

I consider it moving in the right direction if we can change how we talk about governing and what the goal posts for compromise actually are.

[Winterblues]

19. It makes the masses feel better and the GOP shit bricks

Doesn't really matter "politically" what it really means. The very great majority of people are solidly for it.

[Lorien]

2. He's my Senator and I've been calling and writing in favor of the Public Option

(originally single payer) for more than a year now. Keep the pressure up on your reps! Let them know that your vote hinges on their votes.

[Tx4obama]

3. Link to the FULL list at: www.WhipCongress.com

Link to the FULL list at: www.WhipCongress.com

[dmr]

4. That's the first thing I checked when I saw the OP's headline

They just changed it minutes ago. I keep this page open so I can check on it - which I did just a few minutes ago and it still read 40.

Woo Hoo, now up to 41!

I'm realistic enough to not get too excited, but am also optimistic enough it just might get done!

[Mithreal]

6. +1

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

7. Jim Webb sure talks a lot of shit. But when it comes down to it.

He seems afraid to offend or cross right wingers.

[Vidar]

8. It's looking a lot more hopeful, despite Obama & Rahm.

[Mithreal]

9. Just remember it wasn't the party "leaders" whipping up those votes.

I know you know that, just wanted to say it.

:woohoo:

[harmonicon]

10. I'm repeating myself here, but it's necessary:

All of this means NOTHING unless over 10 senators say they will vote NO on the bill UNLESS it INCLUDES a public option. Everything else is a bunch of bullshit theatrics.

[Mithreal]

11. Has there been any push to get those ten?

[harmonicon]

12. of course not.

I haven't even seen a single senator mention the possibility of voting against a bill because it lacks a public option. Maybe someone else can correct me, but I'm pretty sure that's the case.

[Unvanguard]

14. They will include a public option if they can.

No reason to think otherwise. It was in the House bill; it was in the Senate bill until it became clear that the health care bill with it wouldn't have sixty votes.

[harmonicon]

18. You're far more optimistic than I am.

The discussion should not be about the 40 some senators who want a public option, but about those who don't and are holding up any meaningful progress in healthcare reform. If enough senators had the guts to say they would kill the bill if it didn't have a public option it would be included without delay. As is, it's a bunch of crap. These people do not care about you and I. I know that's a cynical view, but I see no evidence to the contrary. They'll pretend to care to get our votes so that they can stay in power. That's all.

[regnaD kciN]

13. Shouldn't that be "actually 45"...

...since Jay Rockefeller hasn't officially committed either (but certainly has been a strong supporter in the past)?

[TrollBuster9090]

15. How about we form a PAC?

Somebody should organize a Political Action Committee that pro-Public Option people can send campaign finance money to. The money would only go to SENATORS who SIGN A CONTRACT saying they will vote YES to a public option if it even is put to a floor vote. Or a PAC that is guaraneed to donate election funding to senators who DO VOTE for a public option, with the money only being granted AFTER the vote. (Yes, I know it's not much in the way of leverage, but it's better than just good intentions, which is all we have now. Signing a letter that says you're in favor of a public option is a nice GESTURE, but it's as hollow as it is nice.)

[western mass]

16. the Dem pantomime show

They know full well the public option isn't going to pass. This is all about covering their asses for the next election by making populist noises. It's the Democratic Party charade that's been playing out for the last year and it's hard to believe people still get worked up when they stage the latest installment.

Talk is cheap. I'll believe it when I see it.

[Javaman]

17. Sorry but I don't trust him...

I suspect that mother fucker will change his mind at the last minute just to put a fine point on the fact that he is a prick and gets off on it.