Pa. Gov. Rendell Forced to Withdraw Ario Nomination

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Republican lawmakers in the Pennsylvania Senate are refusing to consider Gov. Ed Rendell’s nominee for the job of state insurance commissioner, forcing the governor to withdraw the nomination.

Aides say Rendell plans to resubmit Joel Ario as his pick. The aides say the Senate Republicans are essentially holding him hostage.

Health insurance has emerged as a major flashpoint between the Democratic governor and the Republicans who control the state Senate.

Among the issues they disagree on are how to insure more people and improve rates for employees of small businesses.

Rendell’s legislative secretary, Steve Crawford, says the Senate GOP is wrong if they think they can force Rendell to back off his plans.

Senate GOP spokesman Erik Arneson says the caucus has serious concerns about Ario’s performance as the acting insurance commissioner since his nomination last year.