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An Ominous Sign for EFCA

12:30 PM, Oct 23, 2009 • By MICHAEL GOLDFARB
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National Journal reports:

A handful of centrist senators from both parties met this morning to discuss withholding their votes to send a healthcare overhaul bill to the floor if it includes provisions they disagree with, such as a public option.

Their concerns might undermine Democratic leaders' hope of convincing wavering members to vote to avoid a filibuster and allow limited debate whether or not they agree with the overhaul legislation.

"I've not said that my cloture vote is a given, and I'd be very concerned about a cloture vote if I believe the underlying bill is something I can't live with," said Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb.

This is an incredibly ominous sign for union bosses. Nelson has clearly expressed his discomfort if not outright opposition to EFCA. Now he's saying that he will not vote for cloture on a health care bill he wouldn't support in an up or down vote. Assuming Nelson applies that principle to EFCA, it raises further doubts about the Democrats ability to meet the 60 vote threshold on card check.

More by Michael Goldfarb

 

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