[paulusthe]

The state-run exchanges solution was itself a compromise for Republicans and on the fence Democrats, particularly Arlen Specter, who feared a federal healthcare system would inevitably lead towards universal healthcare. They received their compromise, then refused to implement the exchanges in the hopes that the law would die.

It didn't, and they're still mad about it.

[soderfoo]

Also, the public option was scuttled due to Senator Joe Lieberman, presumably due to his close ties to the insurance industry.

[lozenge]

As I understand it it's common for one Dem senator to "take the PR hit" when there are actually multiple members who would not want a bill to pass. A bit of kayfabe.