California Congressional Delegation Split on Party Lines Over Public Option
All 19 of California's Republican members of the House have committed to voting against a health care reform proposal that includes a government-run health plan as an option in a health insurance exchange, while 32 of its 34 Democratic representatives have spoken out in favor of such a public option, California News Service/Bakersfield Californian reports.
Moreover, many of California's Democratic representatives say they would be hard pressed to support health care reform legislation that does not include a public option.
Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) both have come out in favor of a public option.
The strong partisan divide over the public option and the possibility of losing some Democratic votes over the issue are increasing scrutiny of Reps. Dennis Cardoza (D-Calif.) and Jim Costa (D-Calif.), the only two members of California's congressional delegation who have not taken a clear stance on the public option. Both are members of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and represent districts in the San Joaquin Valley (Hussain/Alvarez, California News Service/Bakersfield Californian, 10/25). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.