| Update, 3pm--
well, thanks to a quick return of my voicemail, we can correct this erroneous story forthwith: according to Schrader spokesman James Atkin, the story I just reported is NOT accurate, and in fact the opposite is true; Schrader opposes Med +5 in favor of a negotiated rates option that he believes will in fact be the presented version on the floor. The reason given was the standard complaint that rural providers would be badly hurt by such a plan. When asked whether he was OK with his favored plan costing taxpayers $85bil more than a Med +5 alternative, Atkin demurred on the basis of floor fights yet to come. So to repeat: this story is NOT confirmed; in fact it is directly contradicted by the Congressman's office. --------------------- In light of the fact that freshman Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-5) has to this point maintained virtual media silence on his views regarding the public option alternatives swirling about in the House, I think this is important news to relay: what I've discovered from a source with knowledge of one of the various whip counts being performed within the caucus recently is that Schrader has signed on to support the most progressive alternative currently being floated--the so-called "Med +5" option that pegs provider reimbursements to Medicare rates plus 5%. This is significant because that's the version Speaker Pelosi wants to get to the floor, and according to recent reports is very, very close but is not quite there. Until as late as this past Friday, target lists being used by progressives to pressure individual lawmakers still included Schrader as an unknown on the subject. (In fact, his appearance was rather conspicuous by the various misspellings of his name in the appeals.) Last week Carla Axtman at Blue Oregon posed the question as well--sparking a bit of an intra-editor squabble over whether he did, or didn't. As it sussed out, Schrader has long been publicly supportive of a PO in general, but has remained mum on what types of POs he would support--such as Med+5. Earlier this morning, however, newer target lists being circulated did not include Schrader. I asked around, and one person with knowledge of one of the whip counts indicated that Schrader was now listed as a "yes," I have made a call and left a message for Schrader's communications staff to confirm the information, but I trust my source and am willing to say with that caveat that Schrader appears to be on board. Obviously that's excellent news, and it brings the House one step closer to a truly robust alternative for the public option. But as Carla does, I can't help but wonder why it's such a big secret, or why he alone among Democratic Reps from Oregon would be hesitating in his support. Hopefully we'll get a confirm from his staff, and can bring his laudatory decision to the forefront. |
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