my discussion with a Durbin staffer today 8/17

[mucifer]

I called Durbin's offices both in IL and in DC I also called Burr's offices. I got a very honest and knowledgeable staffer today who said that Durbin has always supported public option BUT, if he doesn't think it will pass in the senate he is willing to go for something else hoping that in the conference committee with the House, public option will pass. I calmly and politely gave my opinion of her statement. Please call Durbin's office. They take down your zip code. I know you probably already have. :)

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

[mopinko]

1. it's the conference that matters.

that's why these guys look squishy on the public option. they are not going to burn their negotiations for something they can get another way. i am told that the rethugs on the committees are actually bringing good suggestions, info and feedback to the process, even tho they are not going to vote yes no matter what. but it might pay off later, on other issues.
but these guys learned from ronald raygun that you can put whatever you want in a bill to get votes, then strip it out, or add what you want in there in the conference. then we get an up or down vote. no way the blue dogs will vote no on the final bill. they have no desire to join the elephants in the wilderness.

durbin is a smart cookie. we don't need to worry about him.

[mucifer]

2. I hope you are right, Mo. I've been noticing lots of stuff in the media saying

Obama is no longer pushing for the public option. Of course the media is the media.

[mopinko]

3. complete bullshit.

he is not so stupid as to beat up his opponents in public. do not take that to mean that no one is getting taken to the woodshed quietly.
watch to see who ends up on the conference committee. if max baucus does not appoint himself, you know that the blue dogs have been informed about their place.