Democrats consider backup plan for health care reform [Admit No Good Options]

CNN ^ | 01/17/10 | Dana Bash

[TFine80]

Actually, it was the reverse.

The original law said that the governor could appoint the senator in case of a vacancy, but they changed this to prevent Romney from appointing Kerry’s replacement were he to beat Bush.

However, after Kennedy’s death, any delay at all in controlling the seat seemed likely to delay the Health Care bill. So they changed the law again to allow Patrick to appoint a temporary successor.

But you are absolutely correct that a quick election would have been their best bet.

[madamemayhem]

if they try anything at all other than letting it die, there will be no more democrats in D.C. after november. this is the warning shot. they can stand down or war is declared.

[ari-freedom]

Brown is a libertarian and as such is squishier on some social issues. But he definitely sees Bummercare as the fuster cluck that it is.”

a libertarian who served in Massachusetts National Guard, opposes amnesty for illegals, is against partial birth abortion (”I believe government has the responsibility to regulate in this area and I support parental consent and notification requirements and I oppose partial birth abortion.”) and doesn’t obsess about legalizing drugs and hookers is my kind of libertarian.

[hal ogen]

For the health of America all Dim-oc-RATS should resign immediately, refuse to take any retirement benefits, apologize for their misguided hubris and just fade away to never be heard from again. Now that is a prescription for a healthy America.

[Gene Eric]

>> there would be a huge outcry from not only Republicans

Now that would be series.

[Political Junkie Too]

Nobody is considering alternative #6, Start over, be inclusive, take smaller bites, pass some fixes but not a comprehensive change.

-PJ

[carolina71]

#4: Try once again to get moderate Maine Republican Olympia Snowe’s vote.
In my opinion, that’s the one most likely to succeed.
- - -

I have visions of Snowe being chased out of Augusta on a sled.

[Lancey Howard]

My theory is that there are a LOT of Democrats who luke-warmly (is that a word?) “committed” to Mengelecare and who now wish they never did. They are looking for a way - - any way - - to bail out on this Frankenstein without losing face or looking like flip-floppers. I have a feeling a lot of them want Brown to win.

[Pilsner]

#4: Try once again to get moderate Maine Republican Olympia Snowe’s vote.
In my opinion, that’s the one most likely to succeed.

I might agree, but Majority Leader Read, Old Tin Eared Harry, whined to the press in the past week about how useless, nay, counter productive, it had been to try and work with Snowe. I do not have a high opinion of Snowe, but after she stood tall the first time, then got thrown under the bus by Read, I don't see her riding to his rescue on health care.

[VRWC For Truth]

[okie01]

If the Democrats approached health care reform intelligently, they would be hailed as heroes.

But they are congenitally unable to do this.

They can't do tort reform, because their most important single constituency from a financial standpoint are trial lawyers.

They can't allow policies that don't cover AIDs treatment, sex changes and aroma therapy, because their constituents will be deeply distressed.

Proving the old moral: It's impossible to be a hero when you're the captive of special interests. Especially, perverse special interests.

[okie01]

Why would reconciliation have “technical & procedural issues”? I thought the Dims could ram it through w/ only 51 votes w/ reconciliation.

The reconciliation process can only be used for budget reconciliation. The bill would have to be stripped of everything but its taxes and spending elements -- no other mandates or structural re-organization of the government would be allowed.

Of course, we're dealing with a Democratic majority that has no respect for the Constitution or Senate rules and procedures. So, they still might try it...

[okie01]

In my opinion, that's the one most likely to succeed.

Except Harry Reid, in his wisdom, went out of his way to insult her. "Negotiating with Olympia Snowe was a total waste of time", he told reporters.

Snowe vote on healthcare is no longer in play.

[carolina71]

I agree with you — no way Snowe wants to get on that sled.

Apparently when she’s finished, she’s finished.

[Let's Roll]

Or CA, or NY, or IL and 3-4 others. Voting for a RINO in those states is WAY better than staying home again and handing the WH to Obama.

[exDemMom]

Oh, I’m very aware that the Dems are all about the control, and not about doing what’s right.

It’s part of the reason for my screen name. I used to believe them when they said they care about people.

[Brookhaven]

Even Snowe can read the tea-leaves comming out of Mass.

If the most liberal state in the union elects a Republican to stop health care, what does she think the reaction in Maine will be is she is the 60th vote? It would be political suicide even for Snowe.