Collins on Health Care

Sen. Collins has left herself wiggle room. But given what the junior senator has said so far, it's not clear how she would defend (for example) trying to block a vote on the health care legislation that will soon be coming down the pike.

New York Times, October 26, 2008:

After the debate, she told a voter concerned about health care who came up to talk to her that she was open to supporting Mr. Obama's health care plan, should he be elected president. "I actually think his plan is pretty good," Ms. Collins said.

Portland Press Herald, May 25, 2009:

Kevin Kelley, spokesman for Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, said Collins is committed to a few key priorities, including accessibility, price, quality and freedom of choice for consumers.

"She believes the goal should be universal health care coverage..." Kelley said.

Remember, Collins' 2008 campaign was bankrolled in no small part by drug companies, insurance companies and big business. And she's been doing the bidding of multinational corporations for years. So I'm more than a bit skeptical.

But let it be said: So far, she's been making the right noises.