Opt-out and a public option. What are members of Congress doing to increase support in their states

[ProSense]

Some members of Congresss are demanding Obama state his support for a public option and are claiming their own states may opt out if given the choice. What are they doing to increase support for a robust public option among their states Congressional delegation? Nebraska Democrats took action.

Nebraska Dems Officially Endorse the Public Option (putting Ben Nelson on the spot)

Like it or not, a health reform bill needs votes to pass. Most members of Congress are beholden to their constituents. A Republican isn't likely to support health reform. As for conservative Democrats, their issue with the bill may be a combination of flawed logic, not enough pressure from their constituents or concern that insurance companies are going to cease funding their campaigns. Whatever it is, they're not going to come around without pressure, and it should be greatest within their states.

Pressure works. It's why Lieberman made those statements about health reform in 2006, and why Specter supports not only a public option, but reconciliation as a last resort.

[ProSense]

1. "House progressives put up a good fight. "

House progressives put up a good fight. Indeed, it was their diligence on this specific provision that helped keep the public option alive when much of the establishment thought it was dead. But it became apparent this week that the votes weren't there for a robust public option, so House liberals are doing the right thing -- fight like hell, for as long as possible, and then go with the best bill you can pass.

This is not to say there's unanimity on the point. Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva, one of the leaders of the Progressive Caucus, will continue to pursue a Medicare+5 amendment, but in general, most of those who worked for the robust public option are prepared to go with the bill as presented this morning by Speaker Pelosi. As Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) put it, "I would have preferred the other way, but we're looking at this bill holistically."

Part of this is fueled by the recognition that the Speaker's office did everything it could. "They did everything possible," said Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.). "There's no sense pushing back for something that can't be done."

Also keep in mind, though, that the compromise to a public option with negotiated rates was reportedly made easier by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's decision to include a public option in the Senate reform bill. It signaled to House progressives that a final bill with public-private competition is more likely.

And what happens if the Senate has to scuttle the provision in light of Republican obstructionism and opposition from center-right members of the Democratic caucus? Time will tell.

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Summary: A bill needs votes to pass.

[Cha]

2. Thanks..