Schumer: Public option close to 60 votes

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- Support for a government-run health insurance option is approaching a filibuster-proof 60 votes in the U.S. Senate, a senior Democrat said Sunday.

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said on NBC's "Meet the Press" that the so-called public option is gaining traction in the Senate, with supporters coming "very close" to garnering sufficient support to cut off debate on the measure, which is vehemently opposed by most Republicans, who could try to filibuster the bill.

Schumer said a move to add a provision to allow states to opt out of the national plan was helping to bring in wavering senators, as were assurances it wouldn't receive operating subsidies and would compete with private insurers on a level playing field.

"I think we're very close to getting the 60 votes we need to move forward, and my guess is that the public option -- level playing field with the state opt-out -- will be in the bill," Schumer said.

"I and others have been talking to liberal Democrats, moderate Democrats, conservative Democrats. The liberals, they like it stronger, but they're willing to live with (a) level playing field (and an) opt out."