Stern lays down the law on co-op compromise

Service Employees International Union (SEIU) President Andy Stern laid down the law on Sunday when it comes to the proposed co-op compromise on healthcare reform.

Checking in on Twitter, Stern seemed to dismiss the idea of creating publicly available co-ops in lieu of the public (conservatives say “government-run”) option on healthcare reform. That potential compromise was floated by Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), the chairman of the Senate Budget Commitee.

Stern, in response, tweeted Sunday:

“Coop” option for health care more of a distraction than a solution.

Conrad’s compromise is seen as a way to forestall a filibuster from Republicans and centrist Democrats of a bill that contains a public option. The defection of only a few centrist Democrats could send the top Obama administration priority down in flames.

Some Senate Republicans have made receptive gestures toward the co-op plan over the weekend, signaling that the compromise could gain traction.

Cross-posted to the Briefing Room.