The fate of President Barack Obama’s healthcare plan may not longer be in the hands of the Democratic Party, according to The Wall Street Journal. It may take the blessing of a veteran Republican, Iowa's Chuck Grassley, if it has any hope of becoming law.

In an article posted Monday, the Journal speculates that the Grassley, the senior Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, is the key to shaping any successful legislation. He is especially close to committee Chairman Max Baucus, and may have the clout to sway not only Republicans but conservative “Bluedog” Democrats.

Key Democrats are seeking the Republican's sign-off on which taxes might be raised to pay for covering the uninsured,” the Journal reported. A bipartisan group that includes Mr. Grassley is pondering proposed levies on pharmaceutical companies and insurers, as well as an income surtax on wealthy individuals – a key part of a House Democratic bill set to be unveiled this week.

Grassley opposes creating a government plan to compete with private insurers, and that’s why Democrats are running by him compromise approaches to expanding coverage.

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