Centrists unsure about Reid's public option

Gaining ground

The proposal has picked up momentum in recent days as Democratic leaders in the House and Senate cast about for ways to help finance a final health-care package. Because the program would begin taking in premiums immediately but would not start paying benefits until 2016, congressional budget analysts have forecast that it would generate nearly $60 billion over the next 10 years.

But deficit hawks and the American Academy of Actuaries have questioned the design of the program, warning that it could require infusions of taxpayer money to cover benefits after 2019. Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) has also expressed concern about the CLASS Act, calling it "a Ponzi scheme of the first order," and vowed to block its inclusion in the Senate bill.

Governors weigh in

Elsewhere, reaction to Reid's opt-out plan began to filter in from governors. New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine (D) said he would opt in. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) said he would opt out. In Virginia, Democratic gubernatorial candidate R. Creigh Deeds came under fire from liberal bloggers for his suggestion in a debate Tuesday that he would consider opting out if the public plan did not prove to be the "best way" to provide Virginians "with the most affordable and quality coverage."

House Democrats, meanwhile, said the Senate leader had given fresh momentum to their push to pass a bill with a public option, although House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) was still rounding up votes Tuesday afternoon.

"Reid was worth 15 votes" in the House, said Rep. Anthony Weiner (N.Y.), explaining that some Democrats who had been wary of voting for a public option when it appeared unlikely to become law are becoming more comfortable with the idea.

Party leaders hope to bring a measure to the House floor by Nov. 6.

Staff writer Ben Pershing contributed to this report.