Max Thinks Public Option Can Get 60 Votes: Baucus Appears to Support Public Option

Montana Sen. Max Baucus gave his strongest backing yet, which is still not extraordinarily strong, for the public, or government option in the Senate health care reform bill. The statement is also a tacit show of support for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, who looks likely to include a public option in any forthcoming bill – a turn of events that seemed highly unlikely during August's raucous town hall meetings across the country.

Baucus, via TalkingPointsMemo.com:

I included a public option in the health reform blueprint I released nearly one year ago, and continue to support any provision, including a public option, that will ensure choice and competition and get the 60 votes needed to pass the Senate.