The AP (9/1, Hananel) reports Richard Trumka, the AFL-CIO's secretary-treasurer who is "expected to become the AFL-CIO's next president," said "lawmakers would pay a political price if they abandon a government-run option in any healthcare overhaul."
Speaking at the Center for American Progress, Trumka said, "We need to be a labor movement that stands by our friends, punishes its enemies and challenges those who, well, can't seem to decide which side they're on."
Trumka "singled out lawmakers 'who say they are all for healthcare reform, but refuse to stand up for a public system that puts people before profits. ... I think they need to understand you can have a bill that guarantees quality, affordable healthcare for every American, or you can have a bill the Republicans will vote for,' Trumka said. 'But you can't have both.'"
According to the New York Times (8/31, Greenhouse) "the federation has long backed universal health coverage and is eager for Mr. Obama and Congress to include a government-run health option that would compete with private insurers, as a way to press the industry to reduce costs and premiums."
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