Top Senate Democrat offers middle ground on healthcare

In an effort to defuse an explosive issue in the debate over comprehensive healthcare legislation, a top Senate Democrat has proposed that any new government-run insurance program comply with all the rules and standards that apply to private insurance. The proposal was made by Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York, the third-ranking member of the Senate Democratic leadership, in a bid to address fears that a public program would drive private insurers from the market.