The public option –long debated and absent from President Barack Obama’s health reform plan – appears to no longer be an option.

Both of Maryland’s senators have gotten behind a last-ditch effort to revive a public, government-run health insurance option by using a controversial legislative procedure known as reconciliation.

Similar to an effort in the U.S. House last month, a Colorado senator is seeking the signatures of his colleagues to urge inclusion of a public health insurance option in comprehensive federal health reform.

Following up on comments from his recent State of the Union address, President Barack Obama took responsibility for the rocky path of comprehensive health reform, urging Democrats to continue the fight and welcoming Republicans to voice their ideas.