Dem Senator Won't Vote for Public Option

Perhaps she would still like her job after the next election:

U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., said she does not support a “public option” plan or national health insurance reform and would not vote for a House plan as it now exists.

When lawmakers return to Washington after Labor Day, the House is expected to debate the proposed health-care reform bill, House Resolution 3200, that includes creation of a publicly funded insurance plan that would compete with private insurers.

In a visit to Alexandria on Wednesday, Landrieu held a short news conference in which she predicted the House plan will be rejected in the Senate if it is adopted as currently written.

“No,” she said when asked if she would vote for the House plan. “I don’t generally support a public-option plan, but we’ve got to get the costs down.”

Referring to the strong opposition to the proposed plan that has been seen at various town hall meetings, she said, “I think the public is demanding more time.”

“As you know, the Senate is working on its own bill. Insurance reform is a big part and some tort reform is being considered,” she said.

Landrieu is right about one thing - without tort reform there won't be any reduction in health care costs. As Howard Dean himself admitted, the Democrats who wrote the House Bill did not want to take on the trial lawyer lobby by including serious tort reform in the bill. Without it costs can't possibly come down without rationing and withholding care.