Is Kent Conrad One Big Hypocrite? Concern for ND Was Just an Excuse.

I was reading up on the HCR bill the other day and noticed it contained some changes to bring Medicare payments for hospitals and providers in certain areas, including Conrad's ND, into line with other regions. Now, this is, I think, a good thing.

However, I distinctly remember that during his tenure on Baucus's gang of six thugs Conrad opposed a public option due to the Medicare reimbursements in ND being so low that a PO tied to Medicare rates would put all of ND's hospitals out of business. My question is why has he not voiced strong support for creating a PO now that his pet issue in his state is resolved. I remember Schumer getting very frustrated with Conrad at one point for obstructing progress on a bill which would help the entire country because for him, "it's always about ND." I think if it was always about ND, he would now be on board with a PO. But, as far as we've heard, his position has not changed.