President Obama has been calling for a comprehensive health care reform passed by the end of the year; however, Obama's heavy involvement could mean the downfall of the reform. The Senate Democrats have only the minimum majority in the Senate - currently the Democrats and loyal Independents control 60 out of the 100 seats and they will need all of these votes to pass the health care bill. However, not only the wording of the bill itself could provide a challenge but Obama's involvement as well. Some of the Senators face re-election next year and their main concern is to be re-elected and voting for such a controversial measure as the health care bill could hinder that. For example Sen. Blanche Lincoln from Arkansas and Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana will be competing in states where Barack Obama lost to John McCain by around 20 percentage points and such states do not tend to favor any kind of public option; in Lincoln's words: "I've ruled out a government-funded and a government-operated plan." On the other hand there are those who have nothing to lose such as Sen. Roland Burris who said: "I would not support a bill that does not have a public option." Furthermore, some Senators are hoping for favors for their states and help during their campaign in exchange for an affirmative vote. All in all, the Senate still has a long way to go before any vote can pass.
by Lucie
Source: AP/Yahoo News! October 22, 2009
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