Legal Commentary

In Case You Were Wondering, Blue Dogs Opposing HCR

By Big Tent Democrat

You don't need them, so it does not matter, but in case Dems were going to try and placate them, Blue Dogs say no to health care reform.

Gene Taylor (D-MS), Jim Marshall (D-GA), Travis Childers (D-MS), Charlie Melancon (D-LA), and Walt Minnick (D-ID) all announced they are voting against health care reform. This really simplifies things if you ask me.

There is no need to placate them in any way. Forget them and move on to those who will vote for health care reform. Same with Republicans in the Senate. Other than Snowe and Collins, none of them will vote for it under any circumstances. Since the Progressive Block in the House is insisting on a public option, then look for people willing to vote for that and negotiate with them. If that means not Snowe and Collins, then do not talk with them. I WOULD talk with Dem Senators, like Ben Nelson, Mary Landrieu and Kent Conrad, even if they will vote No, because you need their vote for cloture. But they need to understand that all discussions must accept a public option as non-negotiable. This should simplify things considerably.

Speaking for me only

Full post as published by TalkLeft on August 19, 2009 (boomark / email).