"All participants need to be aware, in the same way as if making a public statement in other forms of media, that any comments would be transmitted to a wider audience, " added Burden.

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His statement differed from comments by some other Democratic leaders, who call the public option essential for any health care legislation.

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Responding to the comments, the Local Government Association said councils had faced bigger cuts than almost any other part of the public sector and these are taking a toll on services.

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