Obviously these votes are disappointing to the millions of Americans who not only wanted a strong public option, but also would have benefited from such an amendment. It is especially troubling to see that Democrats would defy their Party and vote against the amendments.
Among those Democrats voting "No" on either one or both of the amendments included: Sen. Baucus (MT); Sen. Conrad (ND); Sen. Lincoln (AR); Sen. Carper (DE) and Sen. Nelson (FL). All 10 Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee voted no on both amendments.
The Democratic Party of New Mexico fully supports a robust public option, passing a resolution to this effect during September 12th's State Central Committee meeting. We still support a public option as the best method to insure the some 468,000 New Mexicans without proper health coverage.
We are happy to note, that unlike the Democrats voting against a public option, Senator Jeff Bingaman voted in favor of both amendments today. We're proud of our senior Senator, and we'll remember that when the vote mattered, he voted for the interests of New Mexicans.
In the meantime, while the status of the public option is unknown, New Mexicans and Americans across this country must not relent.
Now more than ever, we must keep the pressure on our elected leaders to stress the need and importance for a public option.
We suggest that you use whatever means that you can to reach out and make your voices heard.
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