Kennedy's Successor Supports Public Health Insurance Option

2 years ago

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Washington Reporter

As supporters of a public health insurance option try to bring it back from the dead this week, the newest U.S. senator, Paul Kirk (D.-Mass), has confirmed his support.

"Senator Kirk believes there should be a public option to keep costs down and keep insurance companies honest," says Keith Maley, a spokesman for Kirk, who replaced the late Ted Kennedy last week. "[D]uring his short service in the United States Senate, he looks forward to seeing what can be done to reach that goal."

Democrats were already well aware of Kirk's stance, but the senator's confirmation ensured that a 60th vote on health care reform would not have to be Republican Olympia Snowe's, and that Democrats may have more room to work a public option into the legislation.

Kennedy's Successor Confirms His Support for Public Option [TPMDC]

Filed Under: Senate, Health Care

Tagged: daily guidance, DailyGuidance, health care, health care reform, HealthCare, HealthCareReform, paul kirk, PaulKirk, public option, PublicOption, senate

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