The Iowa Independent is reporting this afternoon that Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) is threatening Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) over government-run health care reform.
Harkin Threatened Lieberman With Chairmanship Of The Homeland Security Committee. “[Lieberman] still wants to be a part of the Democratic Party although he is a registered independent. He wants to caucus with us and, of course, he enjoys his chairmanship of the [Homeland Security] committee because of the indulgence of the Democratic Caucus. So, I’m sure all of those things will cross his mind before the final vote.” (Lydia Waddington, “Harkin: Lieberman Will Come Around,” The Iowa Independent, 10/29/09)
Earlier in the week, Lieberman said he would back a filibuster of government-run health care reform. In justifying his stance, Lieberman cited the risk to taxpayers by creating a “whole new government entitlement program.”
“Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) Said Tuesday That He’d Back A GOP Filibuster Of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s Health Care Reform Bill.” (Manu Raju, “Lieberman Says He’ll Filibuster Reid Plan,” Politico, 10/27/09)
Lieberman: “To put this government-created insurance company on top of everything else is just asking for trouble for the taxpayers, for the premium payers and for the national debt. I don’t think we need it now.’” (Manu Raju, “Lieberman Says He’ll Filibuster Reid Plan,” Politico, 10/27/09)
“Lieberman Added That He’d Vote Against A Public Option Plan ‘Even With An Opt-Out Because It Still Creates A Whole New Government Entitlement Program For Which Taxpayers Will Be On The Line.’” (Manu Raju, “Lieberman Says He’ll Filibuster Reid Plan,” Politico, 10/27/09)
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