Nelson discusses decision on CNN

WASHINGTON — Holding the deciding vote in favor of the health care bill has brought Sen. Ben Nelson a great deal of attention and power.

But the Nebraska Democrat said today that it's not all gravy.

Appearing on CNN's State of the Union, Nelson was asked about his role by anchor John King.

“Some of your liberal colleagues say, you know, you just love this, that you love the spotlight, you love the limelight, you love being able to be the guy with the leverage,” King said.

Nelson responded that he didn't create the situation that has left him with the deciding vote on health care.

“And to them, I would say, look, if you think it's fun having both sides on an issue mad at you when you're trying to do something in good faith, just think, it's like going home and getting bit by the family dog,” Nelson said. “Who enjoys that?”

Groups such as Nebraska Right To Life have harshly criticized the compromise Nelson negotiated for restrictions on federal funding for abortion coverage. Meanwhile, liberal groups have bemoaned Nelson's successful push to eliminate a new government health insurance plan, or public option.

Nelson said the intensity of the health care debate as been “as harsh and as unforgiving and unrelenting as I have ever seen it in my nine years” in the senate.

Nelson also was asked about criticisms of concessions he won related to an expansion of Medicaid, the government health insurance program for the poor. The federal government will cover the full cost of the expansion for all states for the first few years.

After that, other states will have to pick up a share of the cost, but not Nebraska.

The federal government will cover the full cost to Nebraska — forever.

“I didn't ask for a special favor here,” Nelson said. “I didn't ask for a carve-out. What I said is the governor of Nebraska has contacted me, he said publicly he's having trouble with the budget. This will add to his budget woes. And I said, look, we have to have that fixed.”

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman released a statement about Nelson's remarks today saying he had nothing to do with the deal negotiated by Nelson. Heineman said he had expressed concern about unfunded Medicaid mandates, just like other governors. Heineman said his position all along has been that the bill is “bad news” for Nebraska and the country.

“Senator Nelson negotiated this special deal, rather than a fair deal for both Nebraska and America,” Heineman said. “The responsibility for this special deal lies solely on the shoulders of Senator Ben Nelson.”

So are the Democrats too liberal to appeal to middle America, King asked on CNN.

“Well, middle America is far more in the center and in some cases to the right of center,” Nelson said. “Obviously, that's my preference. And I do what I can to try to pull it, whatever we do, to the right of center or to the center. I think that's what I did with the whole health care issue.”

« Metro/Region

Share