Democrats Unite to Hold Off Senate GOP Health Care FilibusterSens. Landrieu, Lincoln, Nelson vote to debate, but may not back bill later. Nov 22, 2009
Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark, who had been the final Democratic holdout, said she would vote with the rest of her party. "I have concluded that I believe it is more important that we begin this debate to improve our nation's health care system for all Americans rather than just simply drop the issue and walk away. That is not what people sent us here to do," Lincoln said. (ABC News)
Senate Votes on Health Care Reform Bill Tonight Nov 22, 2009
Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas has been careful to avoid taking a public position. If both vote that debate can go forward on the legislation, Democrats will have the 60 votes needed to prevail. (W-USA News, DC)
Healthcare bill passes first U.S. Senate test Nov 22, 2009
The Democratic victory was assured earlier in the day when the party's last two holdouts, Blanche Lincoln and Mary Landrieu, said they would support the motion but would not commit to backing the final bill without changes. "I believe that it is more important that we begin this debate to improve our nation's healthcare system for all Americans rather than just simply drop the issue and walk away," Lincoln said in a speech hours before the vote. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Obama health drive faces critical vote Nov 22, 2009
The heated debate was unlikely to sway the most-watched wavering Democrats, Louisiana's Mary Landrieu and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, whose vote was perhaps most in doubt because she faces a tough reelection campaign in 2010. On Thursday, another swing-vote Democrat, Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska, said he would vote with his party on Saturday while warning he might side with Republicans in subsequent fights. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Public health care is a Christian option Nov 22, 2009
Jerome R. Kinderman wrote on Nov 21, 2009 12:37 PM:" Well, both Robert Mattheis and Aana Marie Vigen may soon get just what they (and less than the majority of Americans) want. Blanche Lincoln (D) Arkansas and Mary Landrieu (D) Louisiana, ended their little dramatic performances by agreeing to vote for cloture on the Senate's massive so-called health-care reform bill.Considering their constituents were overwhelmingly against their doing as they've done, at least Landrieu may be looking for a new... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Senate Vote Under Way on 1st Test of Health Care Nov 22, 2009
Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana said they would vote to advance the bill. All 40 Republicans are expected to vote "no.". (ABC News -- Business)
It's The Philosophy Stupid Nov 22, 2009
Recently New York Times designated conservative columnist, David Brooks, advised Republican candidates to avoid talking about their conservative bona fides. " Instead, Mr. Brooks wrote, Republicans should talk about other things, like balanced budgets and small business-led job creation. Mr. Brooks didn t seem to understand that economic prosperity and job growth are not distinct from conservative principles. They are the result of them. This sort of muddle qualifies as cutting edge conservative... (Human Events Online)
Senate Health Bill Faces Crucial Vote Nov 22, 2009
Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark ... In long-awaited speeches, Senators Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana said they would stand with their party and vote "yes" on the crucial test vote despite their reservations with elements of the 2,074-page bill aimed at remaking the nation's health care system. (CBS News)
THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE: $300 MILLION FOR MY VOTE! Nov 22, 2009
Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. Like other Democratic moderates who knew a single vote could kill the bill, she took a streetcar named Opportunism, transferred to one called Wavering and made off with concessions of her own. (The Drudge Report)
Is the NSA spying on U.S. Internet traffic? Nov 22, 2009
Blanche Lincoln help the GOP sink healthcare reform. By Joe Conason. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
Health overhaul narrowly advances Nov 22, 2009
The last senator to make up her mind and give Reid the margin he needed, Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, may well face an angry electorate in the midterm elections next year. From a procedural perspective, the 60-to-39 vote last night was one small, but crucial, step in the road to passage. (Boston Globe)
Senate votes to debate over health care reform Nov 22, 2009
"I've already alerted the leader and I'm promising my colleagues that I'm prepared to vote against moving to the next stage of consideration as long as government run public option is included," stated Arkansas democratic senator Blanche Lincoln. President Obama applauded the senate vote and said he looks forward to a "thorough and productive debate.". (WSJA.com, AL)
Landrieu Will Vote to Support Health Care Bill Nov 22, 2009
Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid needs 60 votes to prevail in the 100-seat Senate. (Time.com)
Republicans Continue to Challenge Health Bill Nov 22, 2009
Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark. to back the start of debate. (Roll Call)
Sen. Reid: Opposition to health procedural vote is 'Orwellian' Nov 22, 2009
and Blanche Lincoln (Ark. have not yet indicated whether or not they will vote for the motion. (TheHill.com)
Landrieu Say's She'll Vote Yet on Healthcare Nov 22, 2009
Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid needs 60 votes to prevail in the 100-seat Senate. (Newsmax)
Reid Health Bill Has Hidden Perks for Chiropractors Nov 22, 2009
Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark. got into the Senate Finance Committee version of the bill. (Newsmax)
Lincoln’s Saturday Timing Puzzles Colleagues Nov 22, 2009
Blanche Lincoln s (Ark. decision to be the last Democrat to declare her intentions on Saturday night s major health care reform vote. (Roll Call)
Democrats Line Up 60 Votes to Start Debate Nov 22, 2009
Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark. announced Saturday afternoon that she would provide the 60th vote Democrats need to start debate on a major health care reform measure. (Roll Call)
US healthcare bill clears Senate test Nov 22, 2009
Efforts to get the vote passed had focused on three centrist Democrats - Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana - who expressed doubts about the bill. Sen Nelson said on Friday he would back the procedural vote, but Senators Lincoln and Landrieu declared themselves available only hours before it was due to take place. (BBC News -- Americas)
Democratic senators stay with Reid so far Nov 22, 2009
Blanche Lincoln (Ark. the final Democratic holdout announced Saturday afternoon that she has decided to support a procedural motion to break a GOP filibuster. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Obama health drive clears key Senate hurdle Nov 22, 2009
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Senate Democrats vote to bring health bill to floor for debate Nov 22, 2009
Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana voted with the rest of the 60 members of their caucus to support a procedural motion to begin debate. Though strictly parliamentary, the vote marks a milestone in the quest for health care reform reignited by President Obama's election. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Democrats Plan Crucial Health Care Vote Saturday Nov 21, 2009
Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, has informed Majority Leader Harry Reid how she plans to vote. Durbin wouldn't disclose Lincoln's answer but Democrats are moving ahead with Saturday's vote. (KWTX.com, TX)
Two men reflect national divide over health reform Nov 21, 2009
Blanche Lincoln, whose caution displeases both sides ... " It is an important statement because African American votes in places such as Pine Bluff will be critical in next year's midterm elections, when Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln faces a tough re-election race. Lincoln has said she opposes the public option and is concerned about the costs of the Democratic health care bills. But her cautious position, which she says reflects the views of fellow Arkansans, isn't enough to scare Republican... (CNN -- Health)
Durbin changes tune on Sen. Lincoln Nov 21, 2009
Blanche Lincoln (Ark. will vote with her party on healthcare reform Saturday. (TheHill.com)
Senate Nears First Healthcare Vote Nov 21, 2009
Three Democratic senators -- Ben Nelson, Blanche Lincoln and Mary Landrieu -- are uncommitted on Saturday's vote, although Nelson and Landrieu said they were encouraged by Reid's approach. Nelson played down the vote's significance. (Newsmax)
Democrats Press Health Bill's Holdouts Nov 21, 2009
Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Mary L. Landrieu of Louisiana - are expected to support the procedural vote required to start debate on the bill that Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada introduced this week. The holdouts, all moderates, want a chance to review the 2,074-page bill as debate is scheduled to begin Friday and the first votes are planned for Saturday night. (Newsmax)
Nelson to Vote for Cloture Nov 21, 2009
One Democratic senator - Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas - seems to be the last uncommitted vote on the cloture motion. Nelson to Vote for Cloture. (Nebraska Statepaper)
Conservative Democrats May Make or Break Obamacare Nov 21, 2009
And in the process clear the way for one of three moderate Democratic fence-sitters _ Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas are the others _ to help propel the legislation past its initial hurdle in a crucial Saturday vote. Nelson, Landrieu and Lincoln emerged several days ago as the last public holdouts among 58 Democrats and two independents whose votes Majority Leader Harry Reid and the White House must have to overcome the Republicans' attempt to strangle the bill before... (Newsmax)
Is the NSA spying on U.S. Internet traffic? Nov 21, 2009
Blanche Lincoln help the GOP sink healthcare reform. By Joe Conason. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
Senate Democrats eye key US health care victory Nov 21, 2009
" Democrats needed 60 votes to override any delaying tactics from Republicans and approve a resolution that would formally start the debate - a hurdle shaping up as the legislation's biggest test to date. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was already looking beyond the early skirmish to win the broader battle by courting a handful of swing-vote, centrist lawmakers to vote in favor of the overhaul itself. After next week's Thanksgiving holiday break, Reid will speak to individual... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Senate Democrats move on crucial health vote Nov 21, 2009
Senators Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, Ben Nelson of Nebraska, and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana have been question marks in recent days ... Nelson had been one of just three question marks in recent days, along with fellow moderate Democrats Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. (Boston Globe)
Health care rhetoric heats up Nov 21, 2009
" If Republicans stay unified in opposition to the bill, will need the support of all 58 Senate Democrats along with independent Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Joe Lieberman of Connecticut to reach the 60 votes necessary to overcome a filibuster. Video: Analysts eye Senate health care bill Video: Reid touts bill as money saver RELATED TOPICS Two key moderates -- Sens. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Ben Nelson of Nebraska -- have refused to indicate publicly... (CNN)
Senate Democratic leaders close in on health care vote Nov 21, 2009
Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana to support a cloture vote on the so-called motion to proceed, although the two lawmakers have not formally announced their plans. With the backing of those three senators, Democratic leaders are all but assured of clearing the procedural hurdle, a key step if Congress is to send President Barack Obama a health-care bill by the end of January, as party leaders hope. (AZCentral -- News)
Healthcare bill faces first U.S. Senate test Nov 21, 2009
Blanche Lincoln and Mary Landrieu, moderate Democrats from conservative Southern states where the overhaul is unpopular, remain publicly uncommitted. A third wavering Democrat, Ben Nelson, announced on Friday he would support moving to debate. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
RedState Morning Briefing Nov 21, 2009
Some Senators, like Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, want the health care legislation to pass, but know politically she would lose if she voted for it. So unless pressure is brought to bear on her and others, she may vote yes on cloture for the motion to proceed and then try to hide behind a no vote later. (Human Events Online)
Dems woo fence-sitters as first vote approaches Nov 21, 2009
Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. Landrieu has made comments suggesting she'd allow debate to begin so the spotlight was on Lincoln, who's facing a difficult re-election next year. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Graham to make second run at blocking civilian terror trials Nov 20, 2009
Blanche Lincoln (Ark. and Joe Lieberman (Conn. (TheHill.com)
Senate Health-Care Bill Estimated to Cost $849 B Nov 20, 2009
and Blanche Lincoln, (D, Ark. --all centrist Democrats. (SmartMoney)
Free Clinics Tied to Health Care Debate Nov 20, 2009
Free clinics staged in states where senators are targeted on health care votes. By ANDREW DeMILLO Associated Press WriterLITTLE ROCK, Ark. (ABC News -- Business)
Abortion interjected into health debate Nov 20, 2009
Leaders were targeting three moderate Senate Democrats who have not yet committed to moving the bill: Arkansas' Blanche Lincoln, Nebraska's Ben Nelson and Louisiana's Mary Landrieu. If the bill does reach the floor, it will be subject to amendments. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Back from Asia, Obama faces an array of issues Nov 20, 2009
Before he left for Asia on Nov. 12, Obama met with wavering Democratic senators, including Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, whose vote on health care remains in doubt. Asked if the president might call Lincoln soon after returning from South Korea on Thursday, top White House adviser David Axelrod said: "I'm quite certain that if called upon, he's able to do whatever is needed.". (AZCentral -- News)
It's The Philosophy Stupid Nov 20, 2009
Recently New York Times designated conservative columnist, David Brooks, advised Republican candidates to avoid talking about their conservative bona fides. " Instead, Mr. Brooks wrote, Republicans should talk about other things, like balanced budgets and small business-led job creation. Mr. Brooks didn t seem to understand that economic prosperity and job growth are not distinct from conservative principles. They are the result of them. This sort of muddle qualifies as cutting edge conservative... (Human Events Online)
Senate Democrats' Health Care Bill Will Cost $849 BillionCongressional Budget Office estimates bill will cut budget deficit by $127B. Nov 19, 2009
Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and of Nebraska, also met with Reid. Reid, who has been working to get moderate Democrats on board his plan, will need all party members to support the bill if he wants to break the first Republican attempt at a filibuster, expected to be on Saturday. (ABC News)
Republicans Oppose Breast Cancer Screening Limits Nov 19, 2009
Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark. and Ron Wyden (D-Ore. (Human Events Online)
Senate health bill sets up historic debate Nov 19, 2009
Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, moderate Democrats who have expressed concerns about the measure. With the support of two independents, Democrats have 60 seats, the precise number needed to choke off any delaying tactics by the 40 Republicans who appear united in opposition to the bill in its current form. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Senate girds for historic debate on health bill Nov 19, 2009
Democrats hold 58 seats in the Senate and two independents generally vote with them, but several moderate Democrats -- Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas -- have yet to commit to allowing debate to begin. Reid met privately with the three before releasing his bill Wednesday, and Nelson later issued a statement strongly suggesting he would support fellow Democrats on the procedural vote. (Albany Times Union)
'Pink Slip' for Congress Nov 19, 2009
But Americans need to know if whether it's Blanche Lincoln or Evan Bayh, Ben Nelson, if they vote to proceed, they are voting for this bill. VAN SUSTEREN: I have a big button that says the game is played up here. (Fox News)
Reid's Healthcare Plan Totals $849 Billion Nov 19, 2009
Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, moderates within his party who have expressed reservations about the bill. "He is walking through the particulars with them," said Reid's spokesman, Jim Manley. (Newsmax)
Reid rushes to get votes for health care bill Nov 19, 2009
Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. Nelson and Landrieu appeared to be warming to Reid's strategy, Democratic aides said, provided certain concerns are addressed. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
CBO puts Senate health bill cost at $849 billion Nov 19, 2009
Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, moderate Democrats who have expressed concerns about the measure. Nelson later issued a statement strongly suggesting he would vote with fellow Democrats on an initial showdown expected within days. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Obamacare Can Be Stopped: ReverseTheVote.org Nov 19, 2009
If Arkansas' Blanche Lincoln sees a yes vote for Obamacare become the rallying cry of 2010, will she be more or less likely to vote for cloture when that key vote comes up. Public opinion swung against Obamacare long ago, which is why the president and his Congressional allies are trying to rush it through now, as far in advance of next year's elections as possible. (Townhall.com)
Reid: Finish line on health care is finally in sight' Nov 19, 2009
Sixty votes are needed to begin debate on the measure, and Senate leaders said they're confident they will get the votes to proceed after talking with three wavering moderates, Arkansas' Blanche Lincoln, Louisiana's Mary Landrieu and Nebraska's Ben Nelson. Nelson said while he remained undecided, the possible Saturday vote shouldn't be seen as a judgment on the bill's substance. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Waiting game for Senate health bill Nov 18, 2009
Other Democrats from more conservative states, such as Arkansas' Blanche Lincoln and Nebraska's Ben Nelson, have refused to say whether they'll back a vote starting debate until they have a chance to read the CBO-scored bill. Democratic leaders will need the support of all 58 Senate Democrats, along with independent Sens. (CNN)
Blanche Lincoln Feels Heat on Health Care Nov 18, 2009
Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark ... Blanche Lincoln (Ark ... Blanche Lincoln has a decision to make. (CBS News -- US)
Centrist caught in middle in health debate Nov 18, 2009
Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark ... Blanche Lincoln (Ark. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Gregg: Senate Democrats will pass healthcare Nov 18, 2009
and Blanche Lincoln (Ark. whose public statements recently have signaled they still have serious qualms with their party's healthcare efforts. (TheHill.com)
Reid Fixated on Health Timing Nov 16, 2009
and Blanche Lincoln (Ark. have yet to commit to supporting the start of the health care debate, Democratic aides said last week that they do not believe that any member of the 60-strong Democratic Conference will vote to prevent the full Senate from bringing the measure to the floor. (Roll Call)
Analysis: Beebe playing role in health care debate Nov 15, 2009
Blanche Lincoln, who's considered one of several moderate Democrats whose vote will be key for passing health care. Lincoln said she's also keeping Beebe's concerns in mind, and said she's been encouraged by comments from another favorite political son of Arkansas' _ former president Bill Clinton. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
Election 2009: Change I Can Believe In! Nov 13, 2009
Speaking of litmus tests, on MSNBC recently, liberal blogger Jane Hamsher said of the possibility that a blue dog Democrat would oppose national health care: "I dare Blanche Lincoln -- I dare Blanche Lincoln to join a filibuster. She'll draw primary opponents so fast it would make your head spin.". While I'm sure an out-of-touch liberal blogger from Hollywood knows more about Arkansas than an elected senator from that state, Hamsher's threat sounds more like an intra-party civil war than... (Human Events Online)
Style Over Substance Nov 13, 2009
I was wondering if you have any thoughts about the Blue America ads currently running against Blanche Lincoln in Arkansas. They ve been the topic of the week amongst liberal bloggers, and I find the contrast in response between these ads and the NY-23 GOP effort to be telling vis a vis the health of the two major political parties. (The American Conservative)
The Senate's Big Cloture Vote Nov 13, 2009
Evan Bayh of Indiana, Michael Bennet of Colorado, Byron Dorgan of North Dakota and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas all face the voters in 51 short weeks. Their states range from purple to deep red, and their electorates oppose Obamacare. (Townhall.com)
Can the Dems Keep Putting Up with Joe Lieberman? Nov 13, 2009
Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, for example, all have strong reservations about a government-run alternative to private insurers. But Lieberman is the only one who has stated flat-out that he would join a GOP filibuster of the bill to prevent it from getting an up-or-down vote. (Time.com)
Senate ag committee to hold hearing in Little Rock Nov 13, 2009
Blanche Lincoln says the Senate's agriculture committee will meet in Arkansas later this month for a field hearing on how to strengthen and grow Arkansas' rural economy. Lincoln, a Democrat, is the chairwoman of Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. (KSLA.com, LA)
