The Ball's In Reid's Court"-There Is Nothing Blue Dogs Fear More Than Reconciliation

[kpete]

The ball’s in Reid’s court: Passing the public option

A majority of Americans support the public option, including a slim majority of Nevadans, according to polls.

As the Senate begins the health care debate in earnest this week, these divisions will test core Democratic beliefs and Reid’s ability to devise a compromise that can keep his 60-member caucus operating as one.

“Make no mistake, Sen. Reid, and Sen. Reid alone, controls the fate of the public option and whether or not millions of Americans get coverage without the stranglehold of big insurance corporations,” Jane Hamsher, president of the progressive Firedoglake blog, wrote in a statement. The blog’s political arm is urging Reid, if necessary, to use a procedure known as reconciliation, which would require 51 votes, rather than 60, to ensure the public option stays in the bill.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/nov/29/balls-reids-court-passing-public-option/

Harry Reid has tremendous procedural powers as the Senate Majority leader. He’s probably the second most powerful man in the country, and he can make anyone’s life miserable — even Joe Lieberman’s — if he wants to.

There is nothing that Lieberman, Landrieu, Nelson and Lincoln fear more than reconciliation right now, because it takes away all their power. Yes, I know, reconciliation won’t be easy, but if the Democrats would rather do this “fast” than “right” they will probably get what they deserve in 2010 (though the rest of us will be the big losers).

more:
http://fdlaction.firedoglake.com/2009/11/29/las-vegas-sun-on-the-public-option-the-balls-in-reids-court/