Lynch: Obama Told Me He Might Try To Get Public Option Next Year

President Barack Obama and Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA)
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Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA), who is sticking to his “no” vote on health care, said President Obama told him in a meeting yesterday that he might go for the public option next year.

In an interview with Mother Jones, Lynch said Obama told him he can’t put progressive provisions, like a public option, into health care reform this year. But next year may be a different story.

“He said we can’t do it this year, but next year he’d be willing to consider inserting a public option,” Lynch said.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment from TPMDC.

Lynch said he’s voting against the bill because there’s no public option, there’s an excise tax on Cadillac plans and there’s no repeal of anti-trust exemptions for insurers. He voted for the November bill.

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