Update on Public Option, Klobuchar and Cardin indicate support

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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/17/dianne-feinstein-signs-on_n_466435.html

UPDATE: Wednesday, 9:39 PM -- Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) are the latest to indicate support for the use of reconciliation to pass health care reform legislation that includes a public option.

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Susan Sullam, a spokeswoman for Sen. Cardin said Wednesday that "Senator Cardin has always been for a strong public option. He also has long thought reconciliation was a viable option for passing strong health care reform."

Neither Klobuchar nor Cardin appear ready to sign a letter penned by by nine other senators endorsing the move.

(snip)
Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), chairman of the Senate health committee, isn't yet signing on to the effort, but said through a spokeswoman that he "has always strongly supported the public option and will continue to fight for comprehensive health care reform."


Klobuchar supports reconciliation, public option
http://minnesotaindependent.com/55404/klobuchar-supports-reconciliation-public-option

I would want to make sure that the bill contains the Medicare care cost reform measures included in the existing bill. I am also supportive of the President’s efforts to forge a bipartisan agreement. We must reduce health care costs for the people of this country.

I support the House bill version of the public option which is based on negotiated rates. I do not support a public option based on Medicare rates because it exacerbates geographic disparities that already hurt Minnesota.