Once scorned senator could hold care key

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Sen. Roland W. Burris, D-Ill., is viewed by some to be a potential key player in the national healthcare debate, political observers say.

Burris, appointed to the Senate by disgraced former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich after Blagojevich was arrested on corruption charges, has vowed to vote against any legislation that does not include a public option provision for healthcare.

While many Democratic senators say they want a public option in the healthcare legislation, few have said they would reject a compromise without it, the (Arlington Heights, Ill.) Daily Herald reported.

When the final version of the bill goes to the Senate floor, the Democrats' challenge will be to win 60 votes to avoid a Republican filibuster.

With a Senate composed of 58 Democrats, two independents and 40 Republicans, all but one of whom say they will oppose it, every vote on the Democratic side becomes crucial.

But, in an interview with the Daily Herald Thursday, Burris said his position was not going to change, even if healthcare reform should fail as a result of his vote.