Oregon Public Broadcasting

Some of Senator Ron Wyden's Democratic supporters  are praising his vote in favor of a public option during a Senate Finance Committee session Tuesday.

The public option is supported by many movers and shakers within the Democratic party. For months, Wyden maintained he had yet to make up his mind on whether a government-administered health plan is a good idea.

Oregon AFL-CIO president Tom Chamberlain says he's pleased with Wyden's yes vote on not one, but two public option plans that were offered as amendments this week. Was he surprised?

Tom Chamberlain "Yes and no. He's a very thoughtful guy. he's been working on health care for a long time. In the last few months, I felt in my gut when it came down to the public option, he'd be there."

But neither amendment passed, even with Wyden's vote, and it appears the public option's chances are now severely limited.

Chamberlain says his union's dispute with Wyden over health care financing still stands.

Wyden has proposed ending the tax break employers receive for providing health care, and replacing it with tax breaks for individuals.

AFL-CIO strongly opposes any such change.

Chamberlain says the union is keeping a close eye on finance talks, and possible exceptions, should this mechanism end up in the final bill.