Karen Todd-News 4

Senator Harry Reid says a public option will be included in the healthcare reform bill that will be debated on the Senate floor. 

The announcement is risk for Reid, both in Washington, where he needs 60 votes to bypass a threatened Republican filibuster, and here in Nevada, where his strongest opponent is criticizing the move.

The Senate Majority Leader is expected to face stiff competition to the public option from his colleagues, even though Reid says states would be allowed to opt out of the government insurance program.

Here at home, Reid's strongest opponent in his 2010 reelection bid, Republican Sue Lowden, says the public option is nothing more than a government-run experiment.

"At what price?" said Lowden.  "My parents are on Medicare and what are we risking now with them?"

Reid says, while the public option is not a "silver bullet", it will help generate competition and hold down the cost of premiums.

"The public option creates a level playing field," said Reid. "The insurance companies will not be able to take advantage of the people of Nevada and the American people."

According to the latest NBC/Wall Street Journal poll, 48 percent of Americans agree with Reid, while 42 percent oppose a public option.

The decision could ultimately be up to state lawmakers and governors, if Reid's opt out option is approved. 

News 4 contacted Governor Jim Gibbons' office and his spokesperson said it's too early to make a determination whether the Governor would be in favor of Nevada utilizing a public option.

However, Gibbons believes creating jobs is the best way to increase healthcare coverage for Nevadans.

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