Will Congress opt for the public option?

Democrats are making a big push to shore up votes for a government health plan

The Democratic leaders in Congress are counting noses this week, trying to confirm that they have enough votes in the House to pass a health care bill that includes a so-called public option insurance plan that would be run by the government and compete with private coverage plans.

Leaders say they think the votes are there, but moderates likely to oppose such legislation aren't so sure.

The public option has gone in and out of vogue several times during this health care debate. But lately, the news has been mostly good. A recent poll (question #8) by ABC News and the Washington Post found that 57 percent of Americans support a public plan.

And earlier this month, when Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine broke ranks with her fellow Republicans and cast a committee vote in favor of a bill with a public option, a poll showed her support among constituents back home remained solid.

It's still not clear when we'll see floor votes on the health care overhaul.

Scott Montgomery, Congress.org

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