Missed in all the hoopla today was an interesting Blog entry over at the Hill.
Co-authoried by Representatives Loretta Sanchez and Jane Harman - big time Members of the House Blue Dog caucus, these two California representatives discuss their reasons for why they have
broken with our Blue Dog sisters and brothers over their lukewarm support for the public insurance option [-] a concept we think must be part of a successful health care reform package.
The Blogg is worth reading in depth as it give insight into how other Blue Dogs may be won over to - as Grayson might say - vote their conscience.
The entire Blog article can be found here
but a few teasers are in order for those without time to link.
For example, the two begin by stating what is [to most of us] the obvious:
we see the public option as a critical market mechanism that will drive down costs, foster competition and expand Americans' insurance choices.
describing this as "smart economic policy" - a Blue Dog favorite, the pair then cite the over-quarter million uninsured within merely their two districts - something other Blue Dogs will certainly need to consider - as many of these are surely voters...
But they also point out that costs for premiums reflect those spiraling costs related to the uninsured [we may say "duh" but we are only their cheerleaders at this point, not their intended audiences]
Then comes the kicker:
In August it happened to Rep. Harman's 27-year-old son, who was dropped from his insurance after suffering a torn eardrum.
I will leave you to read the rest at their Hill Blog