Public passions are rising on health care overhaul

By KIMBERLY HEFLING, Associated Press Writer 8/3/09

WASHINGTON – Booed, jeered and occasionally cheered in a raucous session with the public, a Democratic senator said Monday that other lawmakers can expect the same as they face voters on the divisive issue of overhauling health care.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the harbinger of things to come,” Sen. Arlen Specter said a day after facing the rowdy crowd in Philadelphia.

With Congress’ monthlong recess …

2 Obama officials: No guarantee taxes won’t go up

By PHILIP ELLIOTT, Associated Press Writer Mon Aug 3

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s treasury secretary said Sunday he cannot rule out higher taxes to help tame an exploding budget deficit, and his chief economic adviser would not dismiss raising them on middle-class Americans as part of a health care overhaul.

As the White House sought to balance campaign rhetoric with governing, officials appeared willing to extend unemployment benefits. With former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan …