Joe Sestak Has A Great Idea On The Public Option

There's only one Democrat in this picture

It's very much an out-of-the-box idea, sure to get Inside the Beltway noses out of joint and send lobbyists scurrying in all directions. The Pennsylvania sophomore congressman-- and former Admiral known for out-of-the-box thinking that ruffled Establishment feathers-- is proposing a simple up or down vote, no frills, no parliamentary manipulations, on the public option. Over 70% of the American people want a public option. Powerful campaign donors and their reactionary supporters are adamant it be killed. Sestak is asking that, for once, the American people get to see which side every member of the House and Senate is on-- the voters' or the special interests'.

There is a time for debate and then there is a time for action and accountability. So please join me in signing a petition, which calls on our congressional leaders, Republicans and Democrats in the House and the Senate, to hold an up or down roll call vote on the public option.

Right now, 14,000 people are losing their health care coverage every day because our costs are skyrocketing. Meanwhile, too many politicians in Washington, who seem to be ignoring the lessons from Wall Street, would rather leave our health insurance reform up to the insurance companies.  No matter what the final bill looks like, we deserve to know how our Representatives and Senators will vote on a public option-- up or down!

He's asking like-minded Americans to sign a petition which he'll, presumably, he in position to deliver directly into the hands of the congressional leadership. I recall that last year Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer named Sestak the most productive freshman member of Congress. I wonder if he'll be able to get his state's senior senator, Arlen Specter, who has suddenly declared himself to be a backer of meaningful health care reform, to sign the petition.

Here's an NPR report on the debate last week between Sestak and the radical right fringe candidate the Republicans plan to run against him next year, ex-Club For Growth chairman Pat Toomey: