Just days ago, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) promised to support a public option. But now it's being reported that not only is he planning to oppose it -- he'll try to force other Senators to do the same.

Can you sign our emergency petition to Sen. Durbin? We need to show him we won't stand for this betrayal:

Sen. Durbin, you promised to fight for the public option -- not fight to kill it. Don't betray us; promise not to whip against a public option under any circumstances.

Can you add your name? Just fill out the box on the right.

Durbin Communications Director Joe Shoemaker, March 1, 2010: "Sen. Durbin has long been a supporter of the public option. I don't know whether the votes exist in the Senate right now, but if the House version of the public option came up for a vote in reconciliation Sen. Durbin would vote yes."

Roll Call, March 11, 2010: "Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) acknowledged Wednesday that liberals may be asked to oppose any amendment, including one creating a public option, to ensure a smooth ride for the bill. 'We have to tell people, "You just have to swallow hard" and say that putting an amendment on this is either going to stop it or slow it down, and we just can’t let it happen,' Durbin, who supports a public option, told reporters. 'We have to move this forward. We know the Republicans are likely to offer a lot of amendments, and some of them may be appealing to Democrats, but we have to urge them to stick with the bill.'"

Democracy for America's response, March 11, 2010: "So, let’s get this straight. Dick Durbin’s argument is that these Democrats should break their promise to the American people, risk primary challenges from real Democrats back home, and vote against a public option, purely because Republicans will offer other amendments too."