Do Baucus Ties To Health Care Industry Compromise His Reform Efforts?
If you’re a long-time politico, you may have seen it coming: Standing between progressives and fundamental health care reform is a 30-year Senate veteran with a reputation cemented long ago as a deal-maker — or less charitably, as a sellout. Montana’s Max Baucus is exactly the sort of centrist often embraced by Washington insiders for “getting things done”–but whose record of acquiescing to special interests makes progressives cringe. As chairman of the Finance Committee he’s weathered his share of controversies. There’s no bypassing Baucus entirely. And he’s enjoying his position at the nexus of the reform battle. “It’s a parade of lobbyists going in and out of that office every day,” says a Senate aide. “Everyone involved has strong ties back to the industry. And anyone who understands Baucus’ record understands that neither he nor his staffers want to make them unhappy.” The Senate returns from a brief recess this week to round out–or try to round out–a tough task: finalize, and
