I know we've already had endless debates about this, so I would prefer it if this didn't devolve into another...rather those folks who agree and will sign the letter do so and those who don't do not sign it, that simple, eh?:-) Thanks.

Colorado's own Senator Bennet, in his first term, has made me proud to have voted for him, for a number of reasons, not least of which is, last week, he started a campaign and has asked folks who support it to sign a petition. Here's what he has to say:

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When I wrote my letter last week to Majority Leader Harry Reid asking him to include a public option in the reconciliation process, I knew it would be criticized by the opponents of change that profit from our current broken health care system.

But I also knew that if we worked together we could show these opponents of change that people across Colorado and the country need better, and want better, than our current health insurance choices.

In less than a week, more than 13,000 people have stood up in favor of a public option by signing my letter because they understand that including a public option in the reconciliation process is the smart thing to do -- a public option could add over $25 billion in savings to the final health care reform bill.

Right now we have our best chance to get real health care reform passed in more than a generation. And it couldn't have happened without you.

Will you add your signature now and join the fight to save the public option? Make your voice heard today by visiting www.SaveThePublicOption.com

I'm pleased that so far more than 20 of my Senate colleagues have joined me in calling on Majority Leader Reid to pass a public option through the reconciliation process.

This gives me hope that with your help we can find the remaining votes needed to pass a public option in the Senate.

But we need to act before it's too late.

Please add your signature at www.SaveThePublicOption.com and help us create more choice and competition in health insurance for our working families.

When I wrote my letter I knew it wasn't the safe thing to do, but I did it because it was the right thing to do for my fellow Coloradans who want lower costs and more choices for health care.

I'll keep you updated on our progress -- until then, please help us spread the word. Don't forget to tell all the people you can reach on Twitter, Facebook, and the blogs you frequent to add their signature at www.SaveThePublicOption.com.

Thank you for joining me in this fight.

Sincerely,

Michael Bennet
U.S. Senator
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