Max Baucus, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, has been drawing ever larger crowds of reporters recently when he speaks about health reform.
This morning, Baucus (D-Mont.) addressed a crowd of more than 50 reporters at the National Press Club in Washington, outlining the legislative path to a health reform bill that he wants finished by summer's end.
Because he showed up a few minutes late, Baucus took two extra questions after his press secretary said "last question." The gaggle of reporters actually surrounded him and followed him out the door, swarming him until he reached the elevator. I've been to half a dozen press events with Baucus and have never seen media interest this high.
Baucus, dubbed "Mr. Health Care" by TIME magazine's Karen Tumulty, has methodically pushed the health reform agenda. He's on good terms with Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), his counterpart on the Finance Committee. The two meet weekly to discuss health reform, a relationship Baucus has repeatedly touted as evidence of bipartisan support for reform.
The reform package will comprise three parts, according to Baucus: delivery system reform, expansion of health coverage and financing.
Look for my full story on Baucus' remarks next week.