"Lincoln, Landrieu, Nelson meeting with Reid"

[DearAbby]

(CNN) – Democratic Sens. Blanche Lincoln, Mary Landrieu and Ben Nelson, who have all expressed skepticism about the party's health care reform plan, were summoned to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's office Wednesday to get a sneak peak at his health care bill.

Reid spokesman Jim Manley said Wednesday the senator invited these three moderate Democrats into his office to give them the "particulars on the bill."

All have been withholding support on voting to start debate - and the fact that Reid is giving the three their own special briefing, before the broader Democratic meeting at 5 pm Wednesday, is a signal of their power.

Assuming no Republican senator joins Democrats in voting to end debate, Reid needs all 60 senators in his party's caucus to vote in favor of a so-called "motion to proceed."

If any Democrat votes no on proceeding to debate, Reid's health care bill will go down before it starts.


A source familiar with Nelson's thinking reminded CNN Wednesday that has historically supported beginning debate, and does not believe that has anything to do with whether he will support a final bill. Landrieu told CNN she is leaning toward a "no" vote on the motion to proceed.

Manley says Reid still believes the Senate will vote on the motion to proceed this Saturday.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/11/18/lincoln-landrieu-nelson-meeting-with-reid/

[xchrom]

1. well that will be a dull meeting. nt

[msongs]

2. so who really won the elections of 2008? repubs are still in charge here nt

[FLAprogressive]

3. If Harry had any balls he'd do the nuclear option.

[jefferson_dem]

4. "Landrieu told CNN she is leaning toward a "no" vote on the motion to proceed."

Seriously, WTF! :grr:

[geek tragedy]

7. White Louisiana Democrats are typically worse than New England Republicans.

The Democrat running against Vitter is so bad that I'm rooting for Vitter.

[Feron]

8. Jay Dardenne is considering running against Vitter.

And he has a good chance of winning a primary. So we may end up with Dardenne in the end. But yeah, Melancon is a crappy choice.

In all likelihood, I'm not voting at all in that race. Hell if General Honore throws his hat in the ring, it will be very interesting.

But yeah, I'm damn tired of contacting Landrieu's office. Unless something drastic happens, which I doubt, I'm not voting for her again either. I'm tired of these opportunistic assholes.

[sinkingfeeling]

5. Hope he mentioned to Blanche that if she won't allow a vote on this that she can kiss her

Agriculture Committee Chairmanship good-bye.

[TwilightGardener]

6. They get treated extra speshul, for being assholes. Which is why they continue to

act like assholes.

[Hekate]

9. In Reid's office? I was hoping it would be behind the woodshed with a big paddle.

:spank: :spank: :spank:
and then call Liebeman in for his own "special session"
:spank: :spank: :spank:

A girl can hope, anyway.

Hekate