Under the amendment,  all states will eventually have to self-fund the increased Medicare costs out of their state budgets.  Nebraska, on the other hand, was given special consideration (for the Nelson vote) and would have those increases covered by the Federal Government.

Nelson returned to his state thinking he would be viewed as a hero for having cut such a sweet deal for his state.  Instead he was met with outrage.  Citizens were horrified that he had so blatantly and publicly sold his vote.  

Well, Nelson's had a change of heart.  He announced on Friday, that the special provision for Nebraska was just a "placeholder provision" and that it wouldn't be in the final form. Nebraska would be treated like any other state.  

Placeholder provision?   Having ticked off a majority of Nebraskans with his vote for health care, Nelson has performed the gymnastic equivalent of a "double back flip".  The few Nebraska Democrats that were willing to carry Nelson's heavy political baggage for his original vote and now outraged that they were simply "placeholders".

Not as well covered by the media, Nebraska endured an earthquake this week, as well.  Fortunately, there was only one victim.....Senator Ben Nelson.