Reid: 'We hope that Olympia will come back'

From Reid's news conference this afternoon:

QUESTION: Senator, can you talk about your thinking in terms of why you went with the opt-out, as opposed to the trigger option, which we know is something you considered?

REID: I think it's the fairest way to go. I think at this stage in the proceedings, a public option, which has received so much attention, and the public option with an opt-out, is one that's fair and gives states -- in fact, if they don't want to be part of public option, the opportunity to get out.

QUESTION: Senator, explain how, exactly how states will opt out? And what about Olympia Snowe, who says no to the opt-out?

REID: I spoke to Olympia on Friday. I've talked to her on a number of occasions. And at this stage she does not like a public option of any kind.

And so we'll have to move forward on this, and there comes a time, I hope, where she sees the wisdom of supporting a health-care bill after having had an opportunity, her and others, to offer amendments. ... We hope that Olympia will come back. She's worked hard. She's a very good legislator. I'm disappointed that the one issue, the public option, has been something that's frightened her.

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