Burris reaffirms support for public option

CHICAGO (AP) — As Democratic leaders in Washington try to round up votes to pass health care reform legislation, U.S. Sen. Roland Burris on Monday stuck by his demand for a public option, calling any provision that would let states opt out not as strong.

Shunned in the Senate after being appointed by disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the Illinois Democrat has a new relevancy in Washington because Democrats need every vote they can get to pass health care reform.

Burris insists reform must include a "strong public option," a government-run health insurance program that would compete with private insurers and — he says — drive down costs for Americans who desperately need health coverage.

"I will not vote for any reform legislation that fails to include a strong public option," Burris said during a visit to Chicago's Stroger Hospital, a public hospital that cares for the poor.

Burris said he is following the will of his constituents, including small business owner David Kogan of Chicago, who runs a DVD and media production company.

"This is your opportunity and our opportunity, and we really need that strong public option to end this madness," said Kogan, who is part of an alliance of businesses pushing for reform.

A government-run health plan is among the most contentious issues in the health care debate, with critics complaining about the cost. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has unveiled a bill with a government-run option. Democratic Senate leader Harry Reid of Nevada is backing a compromise plan that would have a government-run insurance option but states could opt out of it.

Burris muddied the water a bit Monday when asked if he would vote for any opt-out provision.

"If it has a strong public option in it, yes," he said.

But then he went on to say an opt-out program would carry with it "all types of nuances that would create a situation where I don't think you can get a strong public option."

For example, he said one concern was insurance company lobbyists' influence on state lawmakers, who would determine if their states opt out.

Burris said he isn't feeling pressure from other Democrats because he has made his position clear to them. He also downplayed the suggestion that he has new stature in the Senate because Democrats need his vote.