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September 08, 2009
The White House Shouldn't Count on Snowe
I met with the Senator personally during the August recess back here in Maine when she spoke with dozens of Maine folks in a series of health care talks throughout the state. Here is what I learned: She is worried about costs and the impact on the deficit, the public option plan is "off the table", she wants more private insurance companies in Maine (we have 3), and she doesn't support higher taxes - especially during a recession.First off, full disclosure: I'm friends with the guy who wrote this. However, that is not why I tend to agree with his view on this one. I've had many disagreements with Snowe in the past, but she seems clearly irritated with the amateurish attempts to put pressure on her by the "unnamed sources" of this administration.Those concerns and opinions were not from "unnamed sources," they were straight from Senator Snowe. And just to be certain, last week I also spoke with her Chief of Staff and her Health Care Legislative Aide. There is nothing new - other than the fact that Senator Snowe continues to be committed to working for health care reform with her colleagues in the "gang of six" and that "nothing has changed that would justify the CNN story."
What the president fails to realize is that Olympia Snowe has been in Washington for a long time. Obama's office may grant him more authority, but by virtue of her seniority and her reputation, Snowe has more real power at the moment. She has the potential to be a key ally, or a formidable opponent. And the administration just annoyed her.
Not exactly a good move for a guy desperate to achieve bi-partisan consensus.
Posted by slublog at September 8, 2009 07:43 PM
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Comments
With the crash and burn of Dirigo Care, I surprised she would even consider taking that train wreck national.
Posted by: TBinSTL at September 9, 2009 03:51 PM
Okay, how close to the end part of the Funniest End of Civilization Ever do you think we are?
Consider that we're relying on Olympia Snowe to save us.
Now how close do you think we are?
Posted by: Veeshir at September 10, 2009 10:54 AM
I'll believe it when I see it. I received surface mail from her indicating that she intends to "reform health care" this year with or without the rest of her party because "it's time". Snowe loves being the belle of the ball in these bipartisan arm twisting contests. I suspect she'll get some pork to wave in our faces for selling us out.
Posted by: Flyfish at September 10, 2009 09:01 PM