Schumer: Public option near votes needed to pass

WASHINGTON -- A key Democratic senator says he believes Democrats are close to the 60 votes they need to advance a health care bill that includes a new program for government-backed health insurance.

Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York says he thinks a public option plan will be in the Senate bill.

Schumer says he thinks it will be a middle-ground proposal that allows states to opt out of participation. The opt-out proposal, according to Schumer, draws support from many liberal and moderate senators and less opposition from others.

Schumer says that a government-backed insurance plan would remain only an option for consumers looking for alternatives to private insurance.

Schumer spoke Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press."

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)