Ben Nelson Airing Ad Defending Health Care Vote

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: Health Care

(AP Photo/Harry Hamburg)

Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska will air a new ad in his state during the Holiday Bowl this evening defending his vote in favor of the Democrats' health care reform bill.

"With all the distortions about health care reform, I want you to hear directly from me," Nelson says in the ad, according to the Journal Star.

The Holiday Bowl is between Nebraska and Arizona, so it's safe to assume many Nebraskans will be watching.

In the spot, Nelson reportedly speaks directly into the camera, saying the bill "lowers costs for families and small business, protects Medicare, finally guarantees coverage for pre-existing conditions and reduces the deficit."

He adds that "it's not run by the government." The ad will run in coming days as well.

Nelson, who was the final holdout on the bill, had a 55 percent unfavorable rating among Nebraskans in a recent Rasmussen Reports poll.

He is not up for reelection until 2012, but the survey showed him badly trailing Republican Gov. Dave Heineman in a potential Senate race.

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
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by starleo146 December 31, 2009 4:55 PM EST: Nelson Baucas and Lieberman and Landaua ruined anything we could have got to make this bill better and after all we gave to Louisiana it is never enough, but don't skim off the top what is good for the country.You think it is right for them to hold this bill hostage so they can squeeze more for them. I know they do on both sides but it is wrong.; Reply to this comment


by jxknowles December 31, 2009 1:17 PM EST: The Federal Government pays Medicaid costs for most states, once they cannot afford their budget shortfall. People routinely migrate to states where it is easier to get Medicaid coverage, whiie it is ultimately is paid by the Fed.

Nebraska's cut for Medicaid expenses is a lot less that other states. Nelson was right to push for this provision. It should be extended to all states to level the playing field.; Reply to this comment


by grannysunni December 31, 2009 10:29 AM EST: Nelson is downright pathetic, as are the other senators who allowed their votes to be bought. Pathetic, disgraceful, unethical without an ounce of integrity. Looking forward to the cleansing of DC in 2010 and 2012.; Reply to this comment


by stormerF2 December 31, 2009 8:18 AM EST: Why is there language in the bill that has a no repeal clause on an independent Medicare panel? No congress or senate may repeal or hinder the works of an independent medicare panel set up by this bill. What kind of Crapola is this,another scheme to force government decisions on the elderly,maybe stop mamograms and pap smears for women all together? Nelson smells like a skunk,walks like a skunk,and squeals like skunk,he must be a skunk.; Reply to this comment


by endurorob_5 December 31, 2009 6:53 AM EST: Already starting damage control over his unethical behavior.; Reply to this comment


by macgerson December 31, 2009 12:53 AM EST: What about those senators from other states who voted for this?
With all due respect, those of us who oppose this whether we are progressive, conservative or just plain opposed to fascism should vote for the strongest opponent of any MC who votes for this. For me it will mean the first Republican votes of a long life. But it's necessary.; Reply to this comment


by fedupwithlies2 December 31, 2009 12:53 AM EST: What are you worried about ole nellie boy???? you have your vote; eh. now; live with it like the big boy you are.
you are a disgrace; and i can't wait until it is your time to be sick with this new horrible lack of medical care. you guys let someone write this bill; you guys couldnt read it and not you expect the people to live with the atrocity?
Go take a smoke Nelson, and hasten your time where they tell you....deny medical care to Mr. Nelson, "the very sick" .
your bill, my man; live it or not.; Reply to this comment


by sjc_1 December 30, 2009 7:55 PM EST: Nebraska is not heavily populated, rural and agricultural. The people of that state may forget all about this in a few years and may not. That depends on what their senator does between now and then.; Reply to this comment


by CBSisCommunist2 December 30, 2009 7:31 PM EST: Keep talking until NOv 2010- He will be voted out.; Reply to this comment

by markj2 December 30, 2009 5:52 PM EST

Just another arrogant Idiot trying to justify his corruption and get re-elected to corroupt even more.I read that if they held an election today, he might get 17% of the Vote . That tells you how pissed off his fellow Nebraskans are. Let me guess he's using tax payers money to run this ad during the Holiday Bowl. Bend over Ben and kiss your azz goodbye come 2012.

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by gboyd41 December 30, 2009 7:35 PM EST: markj2-correct me if I am wrong, but it looks as if Nebraska gets me, (from Mo.), and others, to help pay Neb. medicaid costs-forever! I thought that was the states problem. What is wrong with this picture?


by velma179 December 30, 2009 10:34 PM EST: markj2--

You don't read very well. Go on over to the Rasmussen poll website and see what that 17% was referring to, okay?

Then remember: It's Rasmussen (right wing biased), it was 500 likely voters (Rasmussen standards = middle to older age groups only)... among other little bits of reality, okay?

And you really need to understand a few things about YOUR country.

It is against the law for politicians to use tax payer money to run political ads.

The thing we all complain about is how they raise money to promote themselves (Republicans, Democrats, all of them are equally denounced for this...). This is called "Campaign Contributions".

They take money from corporations...like the Insurance Industry! They take all kinds of money and then they owe favors... you follow?

Okay markj2... sleep well.

There are folks who understand these things that truly do care about your well being.

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