Rockefeller Not Inclined To Support Reconciliation For The Public Plan

[laughingliberal]

Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.V.) threw a wrench into Democratic efforts to get a public option passed through reconciliation, saying that he thought the maneuver was overly partisan and that he was inclined to oppose it.

"I don't think the timing of it is very good," the West Virginia Democrat said on Monday. "I'm probably not going to vote for that, although I'm strongly for the public option, because I think it creates, at a time when we really need as much bipartisan ... as possible. "

Rockefeller added: "I don't think you something like the public option, which cannot pass, will not pass. And if we get the Senate bill--both through the medical loss ratio and the national plans, which have in that, every one of them has to have one not-for-profit plan, which is sort of like a public option." <snip>

<snip> That said, two more Democratic Senators on Monday signed on to a letter urging Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to use reconciliation to pass the public plan. Sens. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) and Debbie Stabenow became the 21st and 22nd senators to take the plunge, inching the party closer to, at the very least, a possible public option vote on the floor when it comes time to amend the Senate's legislation.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/22/rockefeller-not-inclined_n_472393.html

Rockerfeller? Damn it! OTOH, I would have counted Tim Johnson as a 'no.' Net change from last night's count-0. Still looks like 49 to me.

[ananda]

1. What the fuck!

asshole

[laughingliberal]

3. I was shocked to see this. I thought he was a solid 'yes' for this. nt

[bertman]

2. A Rockefeller lining up with the superrich insurance execs? Perish the thought.

Fuck that SOB!

[mmonk]

4. Double speak.

[laughingliberal]

5. The more I think about this the more it pisses me off

I just saw a poll where 82% of the American people want a public option. And Rockerfeller decides bipartisanship is more important? What part of we voted the Republicans out in 2 consecutive election cycles is confusing to him?

[lamp_shade]

6. I'm confident he'll change his mind. I think he's just yanking chains.

[KharmaTrain]

7. They Need 40 Or More...

Anthony Weiner and Howard Dean both believe there are 51 votes for Public Option in the Senate. I'm having problems seeing it right now. There are a "soft 15", like Rockafeller and Pryor and other "moderates" who won't jump on board until there's a majority in the caucus in favor. 22 won't cut it, it's gotta be 40 or better on that letter if its going to get those on the fence to commit.

Honestly I don't even see 49 right now as the toxicity of this process has made PO a dirty word within the beltway. It's going to be whatever pieces this Administration can get through with 51 out of the existing Senate bill.

[AlinPA]

10. 40 more? If it has gone this long without a higher number, it's hopeless in this senate. nt

[Change Happens]

8. If we get anything close to 50, he will vote with the good guys...nt

[formercia]

9. He's showing his roots.

And the Rich wonder why they're hated so much.