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Lincoln meets with Obama, stays on fence

She faces health-bill choice: Side with party or go GOP

By Jane Fullerton

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Democratic U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln came away from a Tuesday evening meeting with President Barack Obama still undecided about whether she will support her party’s health-care legislation or possibly even back a planned Republican filibuster.

But one of the nation’s largest liberal political organizations is warning Lincoln, who is up for re-election in 2010, that she could face a well-financed Democratic primary opponent if she sides with Republicans on the health-care issue.

“I have an obligation to my Arkansas constituents,” Lincoln said, “to exhaust all the avenues before the full Senate begins debate on the bill, or even on a motion toproceed to a bill, to ensure that I’ve done everything I can on behalf of ...

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This article was published November 4, 2009 at 5:54 a.m.

Front Section, Pages 1 on 11/04/2009

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Comments on Lincoln meets with Obama, stays on fence

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calclift_mac.com says...

Good for Sen. Lincoln! I am proud to see that she will not allow herself to be forced to go along with the "Party Line" at the expense of Arkansans and the rest of the American people.

November 4, 2009 at 5:28 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

fisherlady says...

I sure hope she does not vote for cloture. I have heard she may do that and end any debate. That way she won't have to maybe vote for it. If she would answer emails more folks would not be upset with her. I never get an answer from her. They need to take out health care for illegals and stop using abortion as birth control. We should not be forced to participate. Fines should not be levied for those who cannot afford it just because they make enough money. They may have too many bills and another one will just be too much. They don't need to have our bank information. That invades our privacy. This government is trying to do too much. They need to focus on our economy and get us back to work and stop taking over every part of our lives. No medicare cuts. This bill is bad and we could fix everything without going this far. I say no to this mess.

November 4, 2009 at 6:52 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

HidyAphrodite says...

Blanche Lincoln has just got to go! She is nothing more than a Republican masquerading as a Democrat. It is time to send this heifer back to farm.

November 4, 2009 at 6:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

coyote says...

So, HidyAprodite, you are telling me our political system says that once you are voted into office under a political party affiliation, you MUST vote party line on every issue regardless of how you have put together your decision? You my friend are PART OF THE PROBLEM not part of the solution. If Blanche is trying her hardest to understand then decide on an issue as she says, you need to realize that is the best choice for Senator regardless of her decision.

That being said, my 23 year old son is deemed "high risk" and therefore is having to apply to CHiPS pool. We can help him pay for that. My question to you is, what does a public option offer him that private insurance and our own state of Arkansas pool doesn't. By the way his wife qualified for private insurance, and his baby is on ArkKids.
So, as far as I am concerned having a public option does nothing to accomodate. And is just extra tax for us we could be paying toward his premiums and TAKING CARE OF OUR OWN, which is where I part with left wing thought. I shouldn't have to pay for my own and someone else's on every issue out there.

November 4, 2009 at 7:29 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Ken22 says...

FisherLady hit the nail right on the head with every point. Sounds like a lady (I assume from the name) with all the common sense that the MoveOn crowd doesn't have.

This business of fining citizens for NOT buying health insurance is so ridiculous I can't believe anyone but the insurance companies would support it or even own up to considering it.

The government forces people to buy auto insurance only if they use public roads built and maintained by the government. And THEN it's only LIABILITY insurance to protect others, not themselves.

Good job, FisherLady. MoveOn, go on back home and enjoy that 52 inch TV George Soros bought for you.

November 4, 2009 at 7:38 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

chubcobear says...

Blanche has to stay! If she is smart enough to see through the "public option" con job being pushed through the house by that bozo leadership, she needs to stay. Let the Democrat Party goons try to oust her at re-election time. Arkies will keep her if she keeps her values. This whole "Health" bill sucks!

November 4, 2009 at 7:40 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Bob_Ark says...

Health care needs to be repaired, a section at a time; NOT by creating another bureaucracy(s) and spending dollar amounts that we can't comprehend. The government should have to live, as most citizens do; with a balanced budget.

November 4, 2009 at 8:02 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

charles_hillis says...

Arkansan's have spoke. Move On needs to move on. We dont need them in Arkansas. If the Senator votes with the other dem's in Washington she needs to go. The state has been good to her now it's time for her to repay the favor. Vote "NO"

November 4, 2009 at 9:03 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

PeteW says...

Lincoln and Pryor will cave. Any bets?

November 4, 2009 at 10:27 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

aimee1 says...

I think that SENATOR LINCOLN has missed the point... She was elected as a candidate of the Democratic party with the trust that she would support that party.. If she wanted to run as a conservative or "as her own person", she should have run as a Republican or an Independent... There is no need for a line in the sand... If this bill is supported by a majority of HER party then SHE needs to support it...PERIOD..!!!

November 4, 2009 at 11:08 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Old_School_Dad says...

No,aimee1, YOU miss the point. She was elected to represent the views of Arkansans, regardless of party. She ran as a Democrat because she felt she aligned more with that party than the Republican Party. However, she is not married to any party and she is not obligated to the Democratic Party in an all or none fashion. It's that type of thinking that creates the inability for any kind of bipartisan approach.
I may disagree at times with Senator Lincoln but I do believe she attempts to do what she thinks is best for Arkansas. In some ways, she is too liberal for me but that's who she is. I applaud her for not being in lockstep with big government, big tax liberals who could care less about Arkansas values as long as they can get their way with your money. You had better hope that Blanche and a few others will stand up to the pressure and ditch this healthcare bill. You (and me) will not like the end result if they don't. Go, Blanche, stay strong!

November 4, 2009 at 2:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

chuckshores_hotmail.com says...

So George Soros (via Moveon.org) quickly raised $2 million to threaten Sens. Lincoln and Bayh with his opposition in next year's primary if they don't toe the party line. Reminds me of that great Democrat of years ago, Will Rogers, who opined, "The American people have he best congress that money can buy."

But who knows? Maybe Sen. Lincoln will serve the people of Arkansas rather than "the powers that be."

November 4, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Arkansanshorsesense says...

As a volunteer in Arkansas for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Our large grassroots group of people with disorders and their family, without a YES public option vote on healthcare reform fron Senator Blanche Lincoln and Senator Pryor as well. Their best option would to be to extend unemployment benefits for all Arkansans, without their total support on this option. We are still waiting on her return email and statement on whether the rumor State Representative Dr. Gene Shelby is challenging her for her Democratic seat. With only 40 to 80 beds in the State Hospital, a vote on uninsuring Arkansans. Great expansion will be needed. With the pharma industry for the public option, insurance companies against it. The Doctors and nurses support is our best guide. They understand that a PUBLIC OPTION is only a benchmark so insurance companies don't continue to rob the currently insured like the status quo.

November 4, 2009 at 5:35 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

aimee1 says...

If Senator Lincoln intended to represent Arkansas as "a free spirit" and not a as Democrat, she should have run on an Independent ticket..!!! That is only fair to people who voted for her ASSUMING that she was a Democrat and would support that party..!!!

November 4, 2009 at 7:01 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kaymar says...

Senator Lincoln you were sent to Washington by the people of Arkansas to be a voice for the people. We have spoken loudly, Vote NO. Put an end to the spending. Washington won't be there for you in 2010, but the people would be. If you don't let us down, we won't let you down.

November 4, 2009 at 9:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

BBear says...

Are you people missing the obvious fact that she is a Democrat and she is going to go with what the democrats are going to go with. She acts hesitant to keep her political scene in check. At the last minute she is going to go with the majority, whether Republican or Democrat, it all depends on what plan has the most in it for her politically.

November 5, 2009 at 12:17 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Xray says...

In the coming weeks, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will be asking their troops to cast potentially career-ending votes for health-care changes, Medicare cuts, higher taxes and fines on the uninsured. Hope Blanche does not end her career by voting for Obamacare. Virginia results can and will be repeated here if she votes "Yes" for health care reform that cuts FOUR HUNDRED BILLION DOLLARS from Medicare and/or the so called "Public Option" that will destroy private insurance.

November 5, 2009 at 12:37 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Georgie says...

aimee1, check history, Ted Kennedy voted with Republicans on bills he (a democrat) felt his constituents would benefit from...

November 5, 2009 at 7:04 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kaymar says...

We still have a bit of hope that Senator Lincoln will listen to the people and be able to stand up to Democratic pressures in Washington and vote NO to Obamacare, and more wild spending. Stop telling us you know what is best for us, and we only have bad information, because it isn't going to work. We sent you to Washington to represent us and be our voice. The recent elections are proof of that the Great Messiah's Health Care "reform", or anything else that smacks of his socialist/totalitarian agenda, will not save your seat in 2010. Discussed in Arkansas!!

November 5, 2009 at 7:22 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

HB4 says...

I'm not really concered about Blanche being on the fence. In this situation, it's not a bad place to be. While i'm not loving any current version of health care bill in existence, I do support a public option. With that in mind, here are a few things I am certain of:

A. Senator Lincoln will not block this vote. I am confident of that.

B. Regardless of what our beloved president says, health care reform has nothing to do with whether or not you like your health care plan. I like my current cable television package but if I lose my job, I may lose access to it. Health CARE reform is about systemic change for better, more comprehensive access.

C. While American health technology is the best in the world, American health care system is not. Reform must facilitate a happy medium between providing adequate care while not stifling medical innovation.

November 5, 2009 at 8:08 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

arkie says...

Some of you people asserting that Lincoln owes allegiance to the Democrat Party are scary. Both senators and representatives (yes, that's actually what they're called) are in Congress to represent the folks back at home. And to the extent that they fail in that duty, they fail to fulfill their purpose, and should be voted out of office. Allegiance to party over the people who elected them seems to be a nationwide problem these days. Perhaps it isn't too late to deal with it...

November 5, 2009 at 8:11 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Nate says...

Senator Lincoln created her own situation in not coming out a long time ago in favor of this legislation by offering appropriate amendments 6-months ago! This is not rocket science (I wonder why its only Southern Democratic Legislators with problems making up their minds). How can anybody in Arkansas be against Health Care reform (what insurance company controls most of the insured in the State). We've been in deficit spending the last six years, where has Lincoln and Ross been? Does this mean its okay to run up a deficit for a war in Iraq but if it means providing health care for Arkansasans we need to think about that? OMB has issued deficit neutral reports on both bills in the Senate and in the House, did she need to have the President tell her the same? Lets stop playing games ARKANSAS, its not almost about HEALTH CARE - HE IS PRESIDENT OF THE ENTIRE UNITED STATES or do we all of a sudden want to be Texas. Who should tell these people, as Arkansasans we have close to 55% of our population receiving some sort of Federal Government assistance! We need Health Care reform in the worst way here in Arkansas!

November 5, 2009 at 1:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

primroseumc_att.net says...

You are all missing the point. Obama says that the funding for the bill will come 1/3 from waste in the Medicare system right now. Why don't they just cut the waste and graft now before they shove this down our throats? Blanche Lincoln was elected by the people of the State of Arkansas--Republican and Democrat and conservative alike. Every time you don't vote you let other people elect your representative; you let other people make your laws; you let other people run your lives!
Blanche is in it for the money. She voted herself the last raise even though we didn't get a cost of living raise on Medicare. She is out for Blanche Lincoln and NOT for the people of Arkansas. She doesn't have any Christian values nor does she vote her conscience--she votes for what ever group is paying her the most money. She already has several million in campaign funds from people who control her vote. The End Times are here folks...hide and watch and may God bless you.

November 5, 2009 at 2:25 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Papa_Rick says...

Going along party lines is the real problem. While I always vote conserative and mostly Republican, there are many things done in the GOP I dont like. think this thing through and vote for the person who most likely has the same values you possess. You cannot agree will all people all of the time. Choose the one who will mostly align with your beliefs. You owe it to yourself to not get caught up in one set party. When the Independant Party forms, I will most likey go there.

November 6, 2009 at 3:48 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

PeteJC says...

The collection of current democratic sponsored health care bills will destroy the health insurance industry and destroy jobs. Health Insurance company profits run from 2% to 6% on average. They survive like any company, by offering a quality product with good customer service and by running their business efficiently. Don't be fooled by denials of claims. Medicare, Medicaid, CHP, VA, all gov programs, all deny services and claims. It's part of controlling costs and fighting fraud. Profit is survival and both motivate efficiency. Gov programs are not motivated by survival or efficiency. The current dem bill will force insurance companies to raise premiums and cut services to minimum levels so the gov option will be on equal footing. That will destroy the competition that the lib dems want you to think they are creating. Contact your reps and tell them to vote against Pelosi and her bills!

November 6, 2009 at 7:32 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

PeteJC says...

Arkansanshorsesense, Health Insurance companies that rip you off will go out of business. Some even pay out more in benefits than they bring in via premiums in some years. They fight fraud, they hold down costs, they provide health advocates for their customers, they identify best practices, they discourage bogus treatments. They survive by being efficient. A government run program will destroy many of the advantages customers enjoy when businesses compete in an open market. Market reforms and a mandate that everyone must have med insurance with tax incentives for those that can't afford coverage on their own is a wiser choice than the Pulosi Government option that will destroy open business competition.

November 6, 2009 at 8:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kcjenkins says...

Pete, you have it right on the insurance companies. And Primrose makes a great point on that 'saving money by cutting waste in Medicare, etc'. If that will save the amount Pelosi claims, they can and should do that now. It does not need a single page to do that. If they show us they can actually do that, then perhaps we might trust them a bit more. But we all know that is not going to happen. They already know of much of the waste and corruption, yet they can not stop it now. And it's already against the laws we already have. So why would we believe that a 'new' law will somehow make it possible? And how can taking $500 BILLION out of Medicare not harm AR, where we have one of the largest retirement population %s in the nation? [We're number 7 in most recent count.]

November 6, 2009 at 8:32 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

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