WASHINGTON – There is an air of desperate improvisation to Sen. Harry Reid’s scheme to pass a “public option” as part of health care reform, but at the same time provide an easy exemption for any state that objects to it. The warning flags ought to be flying for anyone who can count to three - let alone 60.

The Democratic majority leader embraced this odd idea in hopes of satisfying two conflicting imperatives. On one hand, he is under relentless pressure to satisfy the labor-left of his party in Washington, where a government-sponsored insurance plan has become the symbolic prize ...

Log-In to view full story or view our Registration Guide.