U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu told a relatively friendly overflow Monroe Chamber of Commerce crowd that she would likely oppose any government insurance option in health care reform and lobby against a proposed energy tax known as Cap and Trade.Landrieu, D-La., who spoke during a chamber luncheon today, also met with local doctors earlier and briefly addressed about 15 demonstrators opposing a public insurance option and Cap and Trade.
When asked after her speech if the senator would support a public option under any circumstances, she said, "Very few, if any. I'd prefer a private market-based approach to any health care reform that would extend coverage."
"I'd like to cover everyone -- that would be the moral thing to do -- but it would be immoral to bankrupt the country while doing so," Landrieu said.
As to Cap and Trade, Landrieu said, "I'm not supporting that approach, but I'm open to hear modifications."
"I'm going to be as strong a voice as I can that we still need oil and gas in America," she said. "We don't need less drilling. We need to do more as we move toward a greener grid."
Donna Griffin of Ruston was among the demonstrators outside the Civic Center.
"We're not just protesting a health care bill, but all government spending," Griffin said. "We're taxed enough already. I think it's time we cleaned house in Washington. We should get rid of the Democrats and Republicans -- all of them."