Okay folks, it is time to get serious about the public option and its chances of passing in the Senate. So much focus has been put on the likes of Olympia Snowe, Ben Nelson and Max Baucus. However, two Senators from the great state of Virginia have pretty much been given a free ride on this issue and have kept themselves under the radar. And frankly, it is time to call them out - and Ed Schultz is just the guy to do it!! But I digress!
To all of you in the Old Dominion, it is time to pick up the phone and call Webb and Warner and tell them to support a public option. Warner has issued statements indicating he is against the option and as far as I know, Webb has not taken a position.
We need to gain the support of Webb and Warner for a public option as well as gaining their support to end the expected Republican filibuster. Here is what Webb has posted on his website:
Webb Calls for Greater Transparency, Public Engagement in Health Care Reform
On Tuesday, October 6, Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) joined a group of eight Democratic Senators in calling for greater transparency and public engagement as the health care debate moves to the Senate floor. The Senators wrote to Majority Leader Harry Reid: "Whether or not our constituents agree with the direction of the debate, many are frustrated and lacking accurate information on the emerging proposals in Congress. Without a doubt, reforming health care in America is one of the most monumental and far-reaching undertakings considered by this body in decades. We believe the American public's participation in this process is critical to our overall success of creating a bill that lowers health care costs and offers access to quality and affordable health care for all Americans."
Specifically, the Senators called for the legislative text and complete budget scores to be posted on a public website for review at least 72 hours prior to the first vote?and again, 72 hours before the vote on final passage of the bill in the Senate. Further, the text of all amendments filed for debate should be posted on a public website prior to commencing debate. Lastly, upon a final agreement between the House of Representatives and the Senate, a formal conference report detailing the agreement and complete budget scores of the final bill should be made available to the public for 72 hours prior to the vote on final passage of the conference report in the Senate.
http://webb.senate.gov/
Warner's website has a section regarding health care complete with a power point presentation and videos, however, there is no reference to his stance on the public option. It is more of the wishy-washy type of launguage Warner has used throughout his career to avoid offending anyone.
http://warner.senate.gov/...
So, if you reside in Virginia, please pick up the phone and contact Webb and Warner and tell them to vote against any bill in the Senate that does not support a public option and to vote for closure regarding the expected Republican fillibuster.
Here is contact info for Warner:
http://warner.senate.gov/...
Here is contact info for Webb:
http://webb.senate.gov/...
PLEASE pick up the phone and call today and make your voice heard!!