………As per usual, the liberal left is out in force and tops various aspects of today’s news. The Senate version of health insurance reform is now awaiting the 60 votes that are needed for debate to begin. Four Democrat Senators, Lincoln (D,AR), Nelson (D,NE), Landrieu (D,LA) and Lieberman (D,CT) are on the fence and all of them are needed before debate can begin on the Senate floor. The first 3 Senators are the ones being most prominently mentioned. Senator Joe Lieberman has noted previously that his conditions must be met or he will not go along with the Democrats plan.

………It is being noted that the Senate will have 34 hours to actually read the bill; that is less than 1.5 days. I am not sure what is really meant by that because Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, as I mentioned previously, needs 60 votes to actually move forward with debate on the bill. So, until that small issue is settled, nothing at all will happen, regardless any threats that are made. The disappointing thing is the both Lincoln and Landrieu are most likely operating out of self-preservation. If they are re-elected in 2010 they will most likely revert back to their old ways. For me such behavior is unacceptable but that is a matter for their constituents to deal with in a timely fashion.

………I am sure that these Senators are carefully combing through the bill with staffers and attorneys, looking for any language that may actually prove to be difficult in terms of their stated positions. This is going to be a very contentious debate on the floor of the Senate and regardless whether debate moves forward or not, things are going to get somewhat dicey in the interim. Harry Reid and his band of men are going to have to withstand a great deal of scrutiny from all directions. The constituents for all of the Senate members need to keep the phone lines burning. Whether it is phone call, fax or email, you need to keep the pressure up and let your Senators know, very directly, where you stand and why!