Independent Lieberman is going to vote "no" on the Baucus bill! (lobbyist, lobby)

[Greatday]

Originally Posted by saganista

I suppose right-wingers would have felt better if we had simply nationalized all health insurance companies. That would have worked too. And faster.

Doing so would have made the banking bailout look like nothing financially. In other words, we could not afford it.

[Randomstudent]

Originally Posted by AeroGuyDC

That's huge, considering Democrats need Lieberman's vote to make a full 60 vote, filibuster-proof majority. If the RINO's from Maine crater, it's still possible, but who's to say that all the Blue Dogs are on board with the final bill? Health Care Reform is far from certain at this point, it seems.

The question is not whether Lieberman votes for the final passage of a healthcare bill, but whether he will vote with the democrats for cloture. All that is needed to pass a bill on the final vote is 50 + Biden it is only the procedural vote that needs sixty. On top of that there is the standing threat that, while people are free to vote their conscience on bills they owe loyalty to their party for procedural votes, and if someone goes against the party on a procedural vote they lose their committee assignments also while Lieberman is technically an "independent" he caucuses with the Democrats and relies on them for committee assignments...So while Lieberman may be against the Baucus bill it is questionable whether he will vote against cloture and risk his chairmanship of the Homeland Security sub-committee to do so.

[jojajn]

Originally Posted by AeroGuyDC

That's huge, considering Democrats need Lieberman's vote to make a full 60 vote, filibuster-proof majority. If the RINO's from Maine crater, it's still possible, but who's to say that all the Blue Dogs are on board with the final bill? Health Care Reform is far from certain at this point, it seems.

Don't count on "traiter Joe" !

[floridasandy]

Originally Posted by Greatday

I suspect that Lieberman WILL NOT vote with the Democrats on the final vote. Nor I suspect, will Senator Snowe.

There are also other Democrats who are opposed to these reforms or are leaning against reforms - especially the so-called public "option".

snowe voted for the bank bailout and the auto bailout. she favors cap and trade as well. she will vote for this insurance industry handout.

[DC at the Ridge]

Originally Posted by Randomstudent

The question is not whether Lieberman votes for the final passage of a healthcare bill, but whether he will vote with the democrats for cloture. All that is needed to pass a bill on the final vote is 50 + Biden it is only the procedural vote that needs sixty. On top of that there is the standing threat that, while people are free to vote their conscience on bills they owe loyalty to their party for procedural votes, and if someone goes against the party on a procedural vote they lose their committee assignments also while Lieberman is technically an "independent" he caucuses with the Democrats and relies on them for committee assignments...So while Lieberman may be against the Baucus bill it is questionable whether he will vote against cloture and risk his chairmanship of the Homeland Security sub-committee to do so.

And Snowe's voting with the Democrats to get this bill out of committee could indicate her openness to voting with the Democrats on cloture as well. Just today's switch put her committee assignments in jeopardy, the question she has to deal with is really more about her constituents at home and her re-election chances. Given Maine's healthcare problems, she might just improve her re-election chances by going with the Democrats on this.

[saganista]

Sen. Snowe already has astronomically high approval ratings from her constituents.

[InformedConsent]

Originally Posted by DC at the Ridge

And Snowe's voting with the Democrats to get this bill out of committee could indicate her openness to voting with the Democrats on cloture as well. Just today's switch put her committee assignments in jeopardy, the question she has to deal with is really more about her constituents at home and her re-election chances. Given Maine's healthcare problems, she might just improve her re-election chances by going with the Democrats on this.

...until they get the bill for it.
Dem Senator Warns of 'Big, Big Tax' on Middle Class in Baucus Bill - The Note

[saganista]

Originally Posted by Greatday

Doing so would have made the banking bailout look like nothing financially. In other words, we could not afford it.

You think health insurance companies need to be recapitalized? Liquidity is somehow their big problem?

[DC at the Ridge]

Originally Posted by InformedConsent

...until they get the bill for it.
Dem Senator Warns of 'Big, Big Tax' on Middle Class in Baucus Bill - The Note

I think, though, that Maine already has problems with soaring healthcare costs. The people of Maine may consider the bill a bargain compared with their current situation.

[InformedConsent]

Originally Posted by DC at the Ridge

I think, though, that Maine already has problems with soaring healthcare costs. The people of Maine may consider the bill a bargain compared with their current situation.

How so? Those high-priced Maine insurance policies are going to be hit with a 40% excise tax.