Health Care and the Louisiana Purchase...

[Anonymous]

Mary Landrieu wrested $300M from Harry Reid for Louisiana in return for her vote to allow floor debate on the Senate's health care proposal. This makes me uneasy on several levels. I heard commentary that this is business as usual in DC - however, is this the kind of business we want? Also, if we have to add "sweeteners" (quite the euphemism for a bribe) to get Senate votes what does that say about the bill itself? If it was that good people would be falling all over it in order to get a share of the credit for the marvel that is DC's health care reform.

[Anonymous]

McCain wanted to address the earmarks. you asked for it America ...

[Anonymous]

Yes. It's business as usual, whether it's Republicans or Democrats. If McCain had been elected, it would still be going on.

[jsteele]

If $300M will get Landrieu's vote on final passage, then I'm all for it. The money is simply to make up for cuts caused by revenue distortions resulting from the influx of hurricane aid. It's not like she is paying for hookers for use by her Senate colleague from Louisiana.

My fear is that she will get the money, and still refuse to vote for a bill that contains a public option.

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:My fear is that she will get the money, and still refuse to vote for a bill that contains a public option.

I don't think they expect her to actually vote for the bill, do they? They just need her to vote for cloture so there can be a vote on the bill. They can spare several Democrats on the final majority vote.

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:My fear is that she will get the money, and still refuse to vote for a bill that contains a public option.

I don't think they expect her to actually vote for the bill, do they? They just need her to vote for cloture so there can be a vote on the bill. They can spare several Democrats on the final majority vote.

Yes, I mean she will not vote for cloture if the bill has a public option (unless that option is completely neutered). She will bargain for her money and still force the public option to be removed. In that case, someone should offer an amendment to remove the $300 million.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:McCain wanted to address the earmarks. you asked for it America ...

Well since earmarks are a function of Congress, he's in the right place to fix the problem. Go to it, John!

[Anonymous]

I thought the Senate was the deliberative body open to compromise. This on the other hand seems win at any cost.