Accurate head count as to how many votes we could get on the public option on reconciliation?

[bluestateguy]

We have 60 Democrats, and I assume a new senator from Massachusetts who is pro-public option.

So, in a reconciliation vote, I see the following Democrats voting no, along with all Republicans:

Conrad
Lieberman
Landrieu
Lincoln
Nelson (NE)
Byrd (supports public option as policy, but not folding it into the reconciliation process; he cares more about parliamentary niceties than doing what is right for the American people)

So that's 6 off the boat.

Iffy votes (depends on the political winds in their states)

Nelson (FL)
Pryor
Baucus (who may not like being brushed aside)

So that's 9, with one more vote to spare (which would require bringing Joe Biden back to his old office)

[gateley]

1. What about Byrd? I heard he was taken to the hospital the other day due to

a fall, not expected to be admitted, but he's been scarce lately. What if he's unable to attend to vote? Can they just phone it in? (Serious question.)

[bluestateguy]

2. You have to physically be there to vote

In any event, assume he is a No vote on reconciliation. He values parliamentary procedure and the traditions of the Senate more than making good public policy.

[gateley]

4. Thanks. nt

[stuball111]

3. I say no to "Public Option" dammit!....

It's UNIVERSAL or nothing. We are becoming slowly brainwashed here folks.. I hear people referring to this "public option" thing, which is lame and watered down.

Now, I might be wrong, it could be a "code" that Obama is using FOR single payer, or Universal, but it seems to me that a while ago, this was not a good option.


Talk me down folks...

[customerserviceguy]

5. Public option is dead

and I'm surprised at the number of people here who don't realize that.

The President did not come out strongly in favor of it, even if he had, that would not be determinative. He seems to just want something, anything, that can conceivably labeled as health care reform, so he can sign it, and spend the next year in seclusion.