The American Spectator

The Spectacle Blog

Sen. Jay Rockefeller declared Tuesday afternoon that, "the public option is on the march." Moments later, the Senate Finance Committee defeated his proposal for a government-run plan by a 15-8 vote, with five Democrats joining all 10 Republicans on the committee in voting against it.

The five Democrats voting "no" were: Sens. Max Baucus, Kent Conrad, Blanche Lincoln, Bill Nelson, and Thomas Carper.

The committee is now considering a different version of a government plan introduced by Sen. Chuck Schumer, which would not have the government directly set reimbursement rates at Medicare levels.

Based on statements to date, this amendment is likely to be defeated also, but by a narrower margin than Rockefeller's.