Sen. Burris Won't Rule Out Filibuster Over Public Option

[Thrill]

oland Burris, the junior Democratic senator from Illinois, has been the Senate's most forceful defender of adding a public option to health care reform, stating clearly that he will not vote for a bill without a government-run insurance option.

Burris went one step further this morning in an appearance on C-SPAN's "Washington Journal," refusing to rule out a filibuster on the Senate floor if the public option is not included in a final health reform bill.

"I'm not getting into the process at this point or telegraphing my moves on the procedural matters," Burris told host Greta Wodele Brawner when she asked if he would block the bill from a final vote. "I have stated unequivocally that if the final bill does not have a strong public option that would allow individuals to have competition and to acquire health insurance, then I would not vote for that legislation."

Burris said his constituents have told him they want a public option and that he's been getting calls from around the country encouraging him not to back down. "They say, 'Whatever you do, Senator, stick to your position on the public option.' "


He added that he while is "not an obstructionist," the compromises that have been discussed by his colleagues, including a delayed trigger or state-level public options, are weakened and watered-down versions of the robust public option he plans to vote for. Although he would prefer a single-payer system, he said public option is "the next best choice."

http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/10/21/roland-burris-wont-rule-out-filibuster-over-public-option/

[MNDemNY]

1. Fuckin' A !!! Who'd-a-thunk-it! Sen Burris, a hero. Will wonders never cease.

:toast: :yourock:

[high density]

2. Let's not put the cart before the horse

He's an idiot to speculate about filibustering a possible bill that doesn't exist yet and may never exist.

[MNDemNY]

3. as are many here "idiots" to be blindly backing our President on this issue.

[bvar22]

4. +1

Very few know or care what is in these bills.
If it says "Public Option", that seems to be good enough for most.

[MNDemNY]

5. Medicare part:E.

This, or kill the bill.

[high density]

6. So if it's a piece of dog feces with "Medicare Part E" stamped on it, that's good for you?

Alright.

[MNDemNY]

7. No, if it is medicare for Everybody it's good for me.

[ej510]

8. That is how I feel! If the Public Option isn't available to everyone, then it is useless and

nothing changes. It must be medicare for everyone.

[spiritual_gunfighter]

14. +3 you hit the nail on the head nt

[Vidar]

9. Good for Burris.

[bornskeptic]

10. I'm sure the Republicans will appreciate his assistance.

So, if the party of NO loses Snowe, it picks up Burris.

[MNDemNY]

11. A bill without at LEAST a robust PO SHOULD be blocked.

[Rudy Adams]

12. Good for him!

Even if he is setting up a 2012 run!

[cherokeeprogressive]

13. Yeah, not ruling it out is like saying there's a 50% chance of rain.

He could go either way.