"Bayh now supports health-care debate on Senate floor" [View All]

[Clio the Leo]

Also reported on Rachel tonight...

Bayh now supports health-care debate on Senate floor

By TOM MOOR
Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND — Sen. Evan Bayh is now in favor of bringing the health-care debate to the Senate floor, a day after he told CBS News it may not be worth even "starting a discussion."

A brief statement today by Bayh's staff confirms the senator will support moving forward to a debate, where Bayh "will work hard to address his concerns and craft legislation that reduces deficit and lowers health care costs."

Bayh told CBS on Wednesday that he may not support a motion to proceed, depending on what the bill includes, especially if changes weren't made to the $800 billion plan. There was talk that Bayh may join the Republican ranks in filibustering a debate on the reform.

Brian Weiss, a Bayh spokesman, said today's decision doesn't necessarily mean he's leaning one way or another on the issue.

It is unclear what led to his decision today.

The announcement came on the same day Indiana members of MoveOn.org, a political action group, say support for Bayh's re-election hinged on his health-care reform vote and whether he joined the Republicans to block an up-or-down vote. Bayh's stance on an up-and-down vote is unclear.

http://www.southbendtribune.com/article/20091029/News01/910299916/1130