This kind of stuff just breaks my heart: Next Hurdle for Democrats on Health Bill -- Democrats (make that buying Democrats)

From The Wall Street Journal:

Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu says she generally backs President Barack Obama's health-care overhaul efforts. But she'd like to see a few items in the bill before voting for it, including bigger federal Medicaid payments for her home state of Louisiana, extended health coverage for her pet cause of foster children, and help for teaching hospitals in her state.

While pushing more spending in those areas, Ms. Landrieu also wants the plan to cut the overall amount the nation spends on health care.

The health bill may be an ambitious, once-in-a-generation attempt to rewrite the social contract, but like any other sprawling piece of legislation, it is also a magnet for deal making and horse-trading.

Senators' needs vary greatly, and sometimes contradict each other. Sen. Evan Bayh (D., Ind.) is a big supporter of medical-device makers in Indiana, and he signed a letter declaring himself "extremely concerned" about a proposed tax on the industry. Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D., Ark.), facing a tough re-election contest next year, would like to tackle the shortage of health providers in rural areas. Sen. Bob Menendez (D., N.J.) is pushing a tax break for investments in start-up biotechnology firms, earning him plaudits from his state's burgeoning biotech industry.

About 20% of Louisiana's adults lack health insurance and 25% of its population is on Medicaid.