WASHINGTON (AP) — A moderate Democrat who had vowed to oppose any effort by party leaders to push a health care bill through the Senate with a simple majority vote is rethinking her position.
Sen. Blanche Lincoln said Tuesday that she wants to see what is in the companion bill before deciding.
Democratic leaders are looking at a two-step approach in which the House approves a Senate-passed bill from last year, despite House Democrats' opposition to several of its provisions. Both houses then would follow by approving a companion measure to make changes in that first bill.
Weeks ago, Lincoln had said she opposed that approach. One of the more endangered incumbents, the Arkansas Democrat recently drew a primary challenge from Lt. Gov. Bill Halter in state's May 18 primary.
To add a comment, please register or login.