http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-ia-harkin-healthcomm,0,874034.storysnip
DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin on Wednesday was named chairman of the Senate health committee, succeeding Sen. Ted Kennedy as the leader of a panel that is key to passage of broad health care reforms.
In a telephone interview with The Associated Press, Harkin said he wanted a bipartisan deal on reforming health care but was willing to push forward without Republican support.
Asked how he would push such changes through the Senate, he said that would depend on how Republicans respond.
"It's a question to ask Republicans," Harkin said. "Would they rather stay with the status quo or make constructive changes
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We all need some luck. After town hall meetings with Grassley and King I don't see any path that will include Republicans.
p.s.
Katrina vanden Heuvel on Ed Schultz just said "Snake in the Grassley"