Nebraska GOP Chairman criticizes Nelson's vote on health care bill debate

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Omaha, NE – Nebraska Republican Party Chairman Mark Fahleson is critical of Senator Ben Nelson's vote in favor of debate on health care reform legislation.

Nelson, a Democrat, was one of 60 votes Saturday night in favor of moving forward with debate. The 60-39 vote was along party lines, with Senator Mike Johanns voting no.

Fahleson says Nelson broke a promise he made two months ago to not vote for health care legislation unless it had 65 votes and was bipartisan. He says Senator Nelson also let Nebraskans down by voting to move forward with legislation that many people don't support.

Senator Nelson says he has concerns about the legislation and isn't sure he'll vote in favor of it unless changes are made. The health care reform bill is posted to Nelson's web site at http://bennelson.senate.gov.